Fu Tang

After Li Congjia returned to Chang'an, he first dealt with the piled things in a very calm manner, and then punished all the two deputy envoys of the Privy Council—cutting the closed households and fined their salaries.

Of course, this is because Li Congjia knew that Li Jingda and Li Hongji were half-baked, or else it would have been more than just such a simple punishment.

And Zhao Kuangyin and Li Ping were fined. They belonged to the one who was sitting together. They had no involvement in this matter from the beginning to the end, and they didn't have the right to follow suit. However, Li Congjia, who was angry... he He said that if he wanted to be punished, he would be fined, and whoever dared to talk nonsense, then he would follow suit.

Zhao Kuangyin and Li Ping, the two suffering brothers, could only hold hands and look at their tears, squatting on the side to feel depressed.

However, those of them who have been clearly punished can be regarded as a heart that has fallen to the ground, and there are still a wave of people who are uneasy!

The cabinet is the instigator of this incident. Everyone is anxiously waiting for the result of their own punishment. The most worrying thing among them is that they will be kicked out of the cabinet.

Wang Pu and Zhao Pu are relatively calm. They have collected enough favorable evidence to prove that this incident has nothing to do with them. not over their heads.

Zhou Zong and Xu Xuan were a little bit sad. Among them, Zhou Zong had most of the responsibility. He knew that if Li Congjia was generally angry this time, he would change from the first assistant to the second assistant. If he was more angry, he would be kicked out of the cabinet directly. Angry... Then he has no choice but to become an official.

It's just that Zhou Zong doesn't want to become an official. He is just over 50 years old now, which is the golden age of politics. No matter who gets the power, he will not be willing to let it go.

The most important thing is that if he is retired now, whether he can be employed in the future depends only on Li Congjia's mood. If Li Congjia doesn't use him, then he will be like this for the rest of his life.

It's not that Zhou Zong never thought that he would be relegated to another place, but the possibility of this is too small, after all, there is no precedent.

Li Congjia punished the Privy Council at the Great Court Meeting. After he finished speaking, he paused for a long time before asking, "Where is the Minister of Dali Temple?"

Dali Temple Minister was a little confused, stood up and responded: "The minister is here."

Li Congjia said: "I have a confession here, just take a look."

After waiting for Li Congjia to finish speaking, Shi Xueting took a few steps forward and handed a confession to Dali Siqing.

Dali Siqing was puzzled, and after he opened it to read a few lines, his face turned pale instantly, his hands trembled, and he said after a while, "This... this... so bold! Is this plotting against you?"

Shi Xueting said coldly: "Assassination of the emperor, how is it different from conspiracy?"

"What?" The court, which had been quiet before, burst into an uproar.

Shi Xueting said: "This time Master Wang was on his way back, His Majesty was assassinated."

One stone stirred up a thousand waves. After confirming that Li Congjia was assassinated, everyone was afraid for a while and couldn't figure it out. In their opinion, Li Congjia should have never made any enemies. How could someone want to assassinate him?

Li Jingda immediately asked: "May I ask Your Majesty, where is the thief?"

Li Congjia said: "It has been taken, and those thieves have also confessed the mastermind behind it."

Li Congjia glanced at Zhou Zong while talking, Zhou Zong's heart trembled, although he was a bit inexplicable, he still had a bad premonition.

Just when he was about to ask something, he suddenly heard Dali Siqing say: "Where is Zhou Qing? This person is so perverted, he should be taken down quickly!"

Shi Xueting also stared at Zhou Zong and said, "I'm afraid I have to ask Zhou Shoufu about this. I sent someone to arrest Zhou Qing a few days ago and found that his house has long been emptied. I wonder if Zhou Shoufu knows Zhou Qing's whereabouts?"

Zhou Zong was stunned for a moment, and after he realized it, he said in shock, "What? A Qing? He? How could it be him? Your Majesty, there must be a misunderstanding in this. A Qing is absolutely incapable of doing such a thing!"

Li Congjia said with a cold face: "There are all witnesses and material evidence, so what misunderstanding can there be? If he didn't have a guilty conscience, why should he flee with his family? Dali Siqing, immediately issue a warrant for Zhou Qing, and he must be arrested and brought to justice." , retreat!"

Li Congjia didn't want to hear Zhou Zong's explanation at all. First Zhou Zong ignored him and directly issued an order to the Privy Council, and then Zhou Qing assassinated him.

No matter how serious Li Congjia was, he would doubt Zhou Zong's purpose at this time.

After all, the civil and military divisions, although the cabinet has great power, has no way to command the Privy Council. Zhou Zong dares to do this. Who knows if he is ambitious and wants to win the Ninth Five-Year Plan?

Zhou Zong watched Li Congjia stride away, he wanted to chase after him, but Shi Xueting stood in front of him, Zhou Zong had no choice but to stop, and then Dali Siqing walked to Zhou Zong, said expressionlessly : "Please ask the first assistant to come with me."

Assassination, crime of co-conspiracy, that is to implicate the nine clans, but Zhou Zong's nine clans are more complicated, so now we can only get him to Dali Temple first.

No matter how calm Zhou Zong was, he was a little confused at this moment, and he kept repeating: "How could Ah Qing do such a thing? How could he do such a thing?"

After arriving at Dali Temple, the Minister of Dali Temple made a series of inquiries to him, of course mainly asking Zhou Qing if there was anything unusual these days.

Only now did Zhou Zong recall what Zhou Qing had said when discussing the astrology, but at that time he thought Zhou Qing was just speaking out loud, could it be... Zhou Qing really had a rebellious heart?

But why?He didn't notice anything before, but taking a step back, if Zhou Qing really had this idea, then Zhou Zong would definitely find a way to dispel his idea - just want to kill Li Congjia with just a few killers?This is too naive, among other things, I'm afraid those killers can't even beat Shi Xueting!

Dali Temple Minister kept asking Zhou Zong, and at the end of the questioning, he found that judging from his experience, Zhou Zong seemed to be really ignorant.

But how is it possible?

What is a clan?The clan is one that prospers and one that loses all. Zhou Zong, as the head of the Zhou family, how could Zhou Qing do such a thing without notifying Zhou Zong?

And if this matter is successful, the direct beneficiary is not Zhou Qing but Zhou Zong. No matter who it is shown to, it should be Zhou Zong's instigation.

Dali Siqing thought for a while, and then asked Xu Xuan to come.

Because Xu Xuan has a very good relationship with Zhou Zong, and Xu Xuan is also related to the false preaching of the imperial decree this time. No one knows whether he participated in it, but this is a big case, Dali Temple Qing would rather offend Xu Xuan. Ask clearly, after all, if the question is not clear and it is revealed that it is related to Xu Xuan, then he will wait to go home and eat himself.

The Dali Temple took away the two cabinet ministers one after another. For a while, people in the court were a little panicked. After all, there were only so many people in the upper echelons, and at this time, people from big families were all looking for the same class when they got married. The people in the court randomly picked out two relatives who might have turned [-] turns.

Everyone is afraid of getting involved with the Zhou family, so they are also busy clearing up their relationship with the Zhou family, unless the family who married the daughter of the Zhou family or the son of the Zhou family has no choice but to admit it.

So at this time, for the cabinet, the assassination case and the false biography case have actually been merged together, which can also be explained clearly, because Zhou Zong felt that Li Congjia would not come back, so he had no scruples and false biography Imperial decree, as for why Li Congjia didn't come back, it was naturally because he sent a killer to assassinate him.

It's a perfect logic chain. The biggest problem now is that everyone can't find the reason why Zhou Zong did this. After much deliberation, it can only be attributed to wanting to push his grandson to the top.

And this is the most likely reason.

Not only the courtiers believed it, but even Prince Li Zhongyu himself believed it a little bit.

He is ten years old this year, and in later generations he may still be an age where cats hate dogs, but in this era, in this position, he already knows enough.

So after hearing the news, Li Zhongyu ran directly to Zichen Palace without saying a word.

Li Congjia had just returned to the Zichen Palace, and before he had time to discuss with Shi Xueting whether this matter should be controlled within a certain range or make it a big deal, he heard that the prince was asking to see him outside.

Li Congjia was a little helpless. He had always been very conniving with Li Zhongyu. Although the royal family needed etiquette, Li Congjia felt that there was no need for such a relationship between father and son. Therefore, when Li Zhongyu came to him, he only needed to send someone to tell him in advance, and he could come in directly. There was no need at all. Wait outside and let someone report it again.

But this time Li Zhongyu chose to wait outside, and Li Congjia asked someone to bring him in directly.

After Li Zhongyu came in, before Li Congjia had time to say anything to him, he saw Li Zhongyu knelt on the ground in a hurry, and called out aggrievedly: "Daddy."

Li Congjia didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "What are you doing? Get up and talk."

Li Zhongyu already possessed the most basic skills of observing words and expressions, and found that Li Congjia looked at him no differently than before, so he was relieved, stood up obediently, ran to Li Congjia, hugged his arm and shouted: "Daddy."

Although Li Zhongyu really wanted to confess himself, he also knew that some things were best not to be said outright.

Even if everyone knew the reason why Zhou Zong assassinated Li Congjia, Li Zhongyu had to act as if he didn't know. After all, his surname was Li and not Zhou. The smartest way was to separate him from the Zhou family. Zhou Zong is still the chief assistant of the cabinet, and he has been supervising the country a few days ago, so it is impossible to separate him from Zhou Zong.

Li Zhongyu can only show his loyalty with actions.

At this moment, Li Zhongyu, who had been going smoothly, felt a sense of crisis, which he didn't have before.

After all, he was the eldest son, and his father had only one son, so he became the crown prince logically. His grandfather was also a minister of the cabinet. It can be said that his position was very stable, and nothing could threaten him.

But now, if Li Congjia accidentally misunderstood him, he would feel rebellious... His father is still young, so it is not difficult to have another son.

Li Congjia patted Li Zhongyu's head and asked, "How are you doing these days? What have you learned? Tell Dad about it."

Li Congjia knew that this matter had nothing to do with Li Zhongyu. The child had never experienced hardships since he was a child, and he had always paid attention to Li Zhongyu's mental state, so he shouldn't grow into a pervert with a dark mind.

As long as they are normal people, they will not want to kill their own father when they are ten years old.

But Li Congjia couldn't directly say that I know it has nothing to do with you, some things need to be tacit, so Li Congjia directly put this matter aside and communicated with Li Zhongyu in the usual way.

Li Congjia's unchanged attitude comforted Li Zhongyu very well, and he also seriously reported his achievements to his father, but in the process, Zhou Zong was a character who couldn't get around.

After listening, Li Congjia said: "Dalang, you have to remember that courtiers have their own positions, so no matter what, you must stick to your heart and not be led away by them. Of course, you must not be too stubborn. Be open-minded. A qualified emperor is one who can listen to other people’s advice, of course, it’s not easy, so you need to explore it by yourself in the future.”

Li Zhongyu said with a smile: "With Father here, I can learn."

Li Congjia smiled and was about to say something when she saw Tao Fu tiptoeing in and said, "Your Majesty, the lady is here."

Zhou Ehuang?

Li Congjia understood that Zhou Ehuang was not completely closed in the harem, not to mention that the Zhou family would definitely try to send her news so that she could intercede, so Li Congjia had thought that Zhou Ehuang might come.

Li Congjia didn't reject Zhou Ehuang, he needed to get some information from Zhou Ehuang—was Zhou Zong rebellious?

After Zhou Ehuang came in, Li Congjia was stunned for a moment. In the past, Zhou Ehuang was always luxurious and glamorous. Her makeup was exquisite, and her accessories ranged from hairpin necklaces to small finger rings. pick.

However, today Zhou Ehuang went to those gorgeous hairpin rings and dressed very plainly. When he came in, he saw Li Zhongyu half-embraced by Li Congjia, and he was relieved.

However, she still paid her respects and said: "Your Majesty, this concubine knows that she has no virtue and talent, please allow your majesty to allow this concubine to come down on her own."

Li Zhongyu was stunned for a moment, looked at his father and mother at a loss, and then... also knelt down beside Zhou Ehuang.

Even if he is the crown prince and his mother is kneeling on the ground, he can't just stand aside and watch.

Li Congjia said with a blank expression: "Why is this lady suddenly like this? Dalang, quickly help your mother up, if you have anything to say, sit down first."

Li Zhongyu approached Zhou Ehuang and whispered, "Aniang, get up."

Zhou Ehuang didn't get up, she raised her head and looked at Li Congjia calmly and said: "The concubine knows that there has been a catastrophe at home, and now the concubine has no face to see your majesty again. Lang, Da Lang really doesn't know about this matter."

Li Congjia leaned over slightly and asked, "Da Lang doesn't know, but do you know?"

Zhou Ehuang shook his head: "The concubine doesn't know either, but... I'm afraid that if the concubine says so, His Majesty may not believe it."

Li Congjia sat up straight, raised his chin slightly and said, "There is no conclusion yet on this matter at Dali Temple, why are you so anxious? Go back and be confined for half a month."

Half a month is probably enough time for Dali Temple to come up with a general trial. After all, Shi Xueting has asked about the general ins and outs before, and now the only thing that needs to be known is where Zhou Qing went and how many people were involved. The most important thing in this matter is what is Zhou Qing's purpose?

Zhou Ehuang looked at Li Congjia calmly for a while before nodding his head and saying, "I know."

Li Congjia was a little confused for a moment, did she know?What do you know?

Li Zhongyu was even more confused, but as Zhou Ehuang's own son, he had never seen Zhou Ehuang so heartbroken, so he couldn't help being a little scared, and whispered: "Mother."

Zhou Ehuang touched Li Zhongyu's head, his eyes were full of reluctance.

Seeing this, Li Congjia said: "Da Lang, send your mother back first." He thought for a while and then said to Zhou Ehuang: "Don't think too much, just remember that you are Li's wife."

Zhou Ehuang took a deep look at him, bowed and took Li Zhongyu to leave Zichen Hall.

After he left, Li Congjia rubbed his temples, turned his head and complained to Shi Xueting who had been silent all this time: "I knew this matter would definitely get bigger and bigger."

Shi Xueting came over to help him massage the acupoints on his head and said: "But such a big matter can't be hidden, and the punishment must be declared."

Li Congjia was silent for a while and asked: "Do you think...Zhou Zong really doesn't know?"

Shi Xueting asked back: "Do you think this issue is still important now?"

Li Congjia asked, "Isn't it important?"

Shi Xueting looked at him and said nothing, Li Congjia said helplessly after a while: "Okay, it doesn't matter anymore."

If it was related to rebellion, basically the whole family would be ruined. However, Li Congjia didn't want to engage in this kind of joint sitting. It's a pity that he couldn't express his thoughts. somewhere else.

After all, when the Tang laws and regulations were revised, they made very detailed regulations on this aspect. Anyway, all kinds of situations were expected in advance. Zhou Zong will wait for the process to be completed before he will be sentenced. Of course, whether it is exile or Asking to kill depends on Li Congjia's mood.

If Li Congjia wants to be lenient, he will be exiled. If he doesn't, then...

Li Congjia really wanted to know if Zhou Zong had something to do with this matter, he just wanted to let him live, not to mention that exile did not kill people, exile is all to barren mountains and wild mountains, anyway, wherever it is not suitable for living, he will be exiled to any place. If you get there, even if you can survive, you will have to shorten your life span, maybe you will die before the day of pardon!

Li Congjia sighed and said: "At any rate, Zhou Zong is also a person who has made great contributions to the Tang Dynasty, and I don't want him to end up like this."

Shi Xueting shook his head: "They made their own way, and the rest is beyond your control."

Li Congjia looked out the window for a while and said, "Does Xu Xuan have anything to do with this matter?"

Shi Xueting shook his head: "It doesn't seem to matter at the moment, but...do you want to keep him?"

Li Congjia said with a very headache: "The cabinet is short of two people, and the chief assistant is missing. Are you kidding me? Where can I find someone?"

Shi Xueting chuckled and said: "If you want to find it, you can always find it, how many people are waiting to join the cabinet."

Li Congjia said with a paralyzed face: "If they want to join the cabinet, they must have this ability."

Shi Xueting asked: "Tian Wen?"

Li Congjia hesitated for a while, and then sighed after a long while: "If it really doesn't work, it can only be him, unfortunately..."

Shi Xueting was a little surprised: "What a pity?"

Li Congjia said: "It's a pity that Eleven Lang is too young, or else let him join the cabinet. If nothing else, at least he is obedient."

Shi Xueting said angrily, "You're so imaginative."

Li Congjia chuckled, thought carefully for a while and said, "If it's really not possible, we can only invite Fan Zhi and Wei Renpu to come out of the mountain again."

Shi Xueting said: "They? They may not be willing."

Li Congjia was helpless: "But the rest of the people are too young. They entered the cabinet at such a young age. How will they go in the future? Stay in the cabinet for decades? Isn't this appropriate?"

A place like the cabinet is not suitable for ministers to stay here all the time. What Li Congjia thinks is that people with good abilities will be promoted to the cabinet after a certain age, and they will be retired directly after working for a few years. According to the average life expectancy today, in fact, 45 In the future, you can find a way to join the cabinet. Unless you meet someone with an extremely long lifespan, you won't be able to hold this position for a few years.

If you come in in your thirties and stay in the cabinet for 20 years, this is an unstable factor!

From this point of view, Fan Zhi and Wei Renpu, who had retreated to the second line before, are very suitable. As for the candidates for teaching, aren't the two brothers Xu Xuan and Xu Kai very suitable?

Just when Li Congjia was having a headache for the candidates for the cabinet ministers, Zhou Qing, who had fled, was arrested on the way to Khitan.

Dali Temple attached great importance to it, interrogated repeatedly, Zhou Zong instigated Zhou Qing to kill him at first, and tried to exonerate himself, but Dali Temple Minister knew the seriousness of this matter and did not believe it immediately, instead It was interrogation over and over again. In the end, Zhou Qing was a little crazy. He even said that Li Congjia should die and the crown prince should be enthroned. The imperial decree, he was asked to find someone to assassinate him because he was afraid that something would happen to Dong Chuang!

Dali Temple felt that this was the explanation closest to the truth, so it sent up the confession.

On the second day after the confession arrived in Li Congjia's hands, the waiter of Penglai Pavilion came to report: Empress Zhou Ehuang had hanged herself.