My country, you can pinch it

Since Liu Ke became the crown prince and took charge of the government, he went to bed later than a dog and woke up earlier than a chicken. One of them was going to court, but there was a rare holiday, and there were many big and small things.

Speaking of it, Shang Jinling compiled it from the sixth-rank Hanlin Academy, so he didn't need to go to court, he only needed to go to Dianmao, and the Prince's Mansion was still close to the government office, so Youzai Youzai went there without panic at all.

Hearing the small group shouting softly outside, Liu Ke opened his eyes and sighed in his heart, the day's work was about to begin again.

But as soon as he moved, Shang Jinling in his arms wrapped his arms around his waist, and said in a daze, "Don't go up..." The voice was soft and waxy, with a hint of coquettishness, and the crisp Liu Ke's hair is soft, and she can't wait to close her eyes and sleep late with someone in her arms.

This is because Lingling can't bear to bear him!

Liu Ke was very reluctant to part with it, but he was firm in his will, and he forcibly separated his soul from his body, pulled out the unsatisfactory bones, and pressed down the broken ones by the way.

There is no way, the court is staring at him both inside and outside the court. If the prince does not go to the court, he must have an excuse. If he is sick or urgent, the former is afraid of courtiers visiting him, while the latter is afraid of the emperor finding fault.

However, Shang Jinling's hand around his waist was a little troublesome. He was afraid that he would wake people up if he moved, so he didn't dare to try to break free, so he could only move it carefully, but as soon as he lifted a hand, Shang Jinling wrapped it around him, and his head was pillowed. On his shoulder, with his lips facing his ears, he seemed to be half asleep and said: "You don't need to go today, the emperor will not go to court."

Why not go to court?Think about how sluggish the emperor's spirit was when the chaos in the palace lasted until midnight.He is not a diligent and wise king, so he must have gone to court early.

Thinking of this, Liu Ke turned his head and asked, "Don't you need to pretend?"

"They are all mature foxes, each with his own schemes, so there is no need to put on airs."

Liu Ke didn't go and didn't ask for leave, which showed that he knew that the emperor would not go to court, so he didn't bother to go.This means that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is well aware of everything that happened in the palace last night, including the letter that was found in Princess Jing's basket, and Emperor Shun gave out a sense of calculation.

As long as you hide your doubts, you are not afraid that the emperor will not investigate carefully.

Liu Ke heard the strings and knew the meaning, "Then I will send someone to contact the Department of Punishment later? That place is even scarier than the sky prison."

The Department of Punishment is in charge of the Xing Prison in the palace. Liu Ke knows very well that no matter how arrogant the concubines and servants in the palace are, their faces will change when they mention it.

Shang Jinling was originally holding someone, but now he sat up immediately, and his expression suddenly became sober. His face turned pale, and he hurriedly urged Liu Ke: "Then you go quickly, don't ask other questions, just ask about Mr. Zhu inside." The situation, how will the emperor deal with it, and is there any possibility of regaining favor? If you ask me, just say that you have received favors and keep it in mind."

Originally not going to court, Liu Ke still wanted to sleep for a while and get tired, but Shang Jinling was worried about Zhu Yuanfeng, so he could only get up together, and while dressing up, he told Xiaotuanzi to go down.

Xiaotuanzi nodded repeatedly after hearing this, but he smacked and couldn't help wondering: "Your Highness, if this is found on us, isn't it true that Eunuch Zhu has contacts with His Highness the Crown Prince?"

"Stupid, if you don't pay attention to him, you will kill him."

Xiaotuanzi seemed to understand, but Liu Ke said, "I'll hand over a pleading sheet later, make a good confession, and intercede for Sixth Brother and Eunuch Zhu. I guess it will be done."

Xiaotuanzi looked at Shang Jinling, "The latter nodded."

The emperor and the crown prince were at odds with each other, and they knew each other. Those who were smarter in the court probably knew what was going on, but as long as there was no big reason, no one would tear their faces apart. Without him, the crown prince was still useful.

Even if this letter of incrimination was submitted, the emperor would not really punish him severely, at most he would just reprimand him with a few sentences, and all the crimes would be settled when the situation changed suddenly on that day.

It had no effect on Liu Ke, but it was different on Zhu Yuanfeng.

Xiaotuanzi didn't hesitate, and immediately went down to make arrangements.

King Jing's letter to Liu Ke was the most unspeakable darkness in Emperor Shun's heart, which brought back the nightmare of that night.

In the interplay of light and shadow, he vaguely remembered that person again, and called... "Brother-in-law".

In an instant, he opened his eyes.

The sky was completely bright, he turned his head, Qin Hai was not there, but the little eunuch stood silently aside, Emperor Shun knew it well, and said: "Say."

"His Royal Highness did not go to court today."

"sick?"

"I don't know."

Emperor Shun suddenly had a strange feeling in his heart, narrowed his eyes, "Didn't you come to inquire?"

The little eunuch said in a low voice: "Early this morning, some palace servants from the Punishment Division secretly asked about Eunuch Zhu's news."

"Whose?"

"Originally, the old man of Cheng'en Hall said that he was favored by Eunuch Zhu."

Cheng'en Hall was where the Empress used to live. After Liu Ke's mother was rehabilitated, Fengchen's palace was reopened, and a portrait of the Empress was hung and a memorial tablet was placed, making it a place for sacrifices.

Emperor Shun specially ordered those palace people who were assigned to other places to come back and guard the house for the queen.

Of course, although they are old people, they are just insignificant people, and they don't know what the news was, otherwise they wouldn't be able to live now. It's just right that they are used by Liu Ke as a spearman, and these people are too lazy to kill Shundi.

"What did you say?"

The little eunuch said: "Find out about the life and death of Eunuch Zhu."

"Oh?"

"How will the emperor deal with it?"

Hearing this, Emperor Shun laughed softly, "I'm also curious, how is Yuan'er?"

The little eunuch paused for a moment. He was the apprentice of the eunuch who was in charge of the Punishment Division. He was sent to the emperor's side. He didn't belong to Zhu Yuanfeng's faction, nor was he close to Qin Hai. He just acted as the emperor's eyes. His face looked more honest than ordinary people. , belonged to the kind that Qin Hai didn't even bother to talk to.

But even he couldn't guess what the emperor thought about Zhu Yuanfeng, so he thought about it and said, "I've suffered a bit."

After entering the Punishment Department, a little bit of suffering is enough. The emperor was silent for a moment and said, "What did you recruit?"

"Nothing."

"Ok?"

"Eunuch Zhu only said that he failed the emperor's trust, and he denied everything else, and then..." Seeing the emperor looking over, the little eunuch knelt down, "I fainted."

As for why he was dizzy, Emperor Shun didn't intend to ask, but just cursed, "Trash." As for whether the sound of trash was caused by making people dizzy without asking, or if he didn't understand the sacred metaphor and directly used torture, it is unknown .

The little eunuch was sweating profusely on his forehead, and he didn't dare to say a word. It took a long time before he heard the emperor's voice asking him to continue.

He didn't dare to wipe his forehead, so he said, "Although Eunuch Zhu didn't recruit, but the little seven eunuchs beside him mentioned Xiaofu, saying that Shunzi was originally in custody in Jinghua Palace, but the latter had a rash on his body, so Xiaofu was temporarily let go." replace."

Emperor Shun's voice cooled down, "It seems to be a coincidence."

"The servant ordered someone to investigate carefully. The Imperial Hospital has a record. Yesterday, Shunzi did suddenly develop a rash. It was seen by Imperial Physician Huang, and he is still recuperating."

"Why the rash?"

"Doctor Huang said it was caused by eating some spicy food, and it will take a few days to subside." After the little eunuch finished speaking, he added, "Don't die."

In fact, when it comes to this, Emperor Shun already has some calculations in his heart.

Although Zhu Yuanfeng was favored, it was also because of his prudence and reliability that he was favored by the emperor. Otherwise, there would be no shortage of delicate and charming eunuchs in Dacheng Palace. How could he be the only eunuch?

When Emperor Shun ascended the throne, he also broke through in the bloody wind. He did not do much like colluding with the palace servants to deliver news. Zhu Yuanfeng and Liu Ke cooperated with each other and used King Jing's family as a threat. In his eyes The method is not very clever, if it is more concealed, it can be done, but it just happens to be caught.

Years of intrigue told Emperor Shun that there has never been any coincidence in this world, only prior arrangements.

Whether it's the crown prince or Zhu Yuanfeng, it's normal for people to stare at them because they have blocked the way of too many people. Not to mention anything else, just Qin Hai can stare at Zhu Yuanfeng.

As soon as this matter happened, King Jing needless to say, colluding with the crown prince and disobeying the emperor's father, he will never have a bright future in this life, but for Liu Ke, it is a good thing.The only pity is that such a good chess piece as Zhu Yuanfeng was lost.

Emperor Shun felt that if he was a crown prince, a mere King Jing would be no more important than Zhu Yuanfeng, who served in front of the imperial court, but he was actually at a loss.

But... What if Zhu Yuanfeng is not Liu Ke's person?

Emperor Shun frowned when he thought of this, and he asked: "Have you found out about Xiaofu's origin?"

The little eunuch said: "The servant is not doing well, and he is still investigating, but he entered the palace five years ago, and he has been doing sweeping under Dezi's hand before. It was Eunuch Zhu who stopped him and saved his life. From then on, Eunuch Zhu transferred him to Eunuch Xiaoqi's subordinates. Because he was reliable in his work and kept quiet, after Shunzi developed a rash, he took over to guard Jinghua Palace. "

Under the Department of Punishment, how dare these related palace eunuchs hide anything. After comparing them one by one, Xiaofu went to the toilet a few times from the time he entered the palace to before he died, and he wanted to pour it out.

"Eunuch Zhu has always been generous to his subordinates, but according to the servant who lives with Xiaofu, he has always been thrifty and was reluctant to spend money. He sent them to a house outside the palace. The slave ordered people to investigate, and the house was gone three days ago. The building is empty."

There is no doubt that Zhu Yuanfeng was plotted against.

"He has a soft heart. The old sixth daughter-in-law would help deliver things after begging a few times, let alone a life. Which one of Yuan'er's men who are loyal to him has not received his favor?" Emperor Shun said here, his eyes became colder, He sneered, "Of course there are tricks..."

The little eunuch lowered his head.

At this moment, Qin Hai walked in, "Your Majesty, are you awake?"

Emperor Shun nodded, "Help me up and change clothes." Although his face was still tired, the hostility between his brows disappeared a lot.

Qin Hai couldn't reach the Punishment Division's place. He wanted to ask how to deal with Zhu Yuanfeng, but he was afraid that asking more questions would arouse Emperor Shun's suspicion, so he could only glance at the little eunuch. Holding the tea, I didn't see his wink at all.

Now almost all the palace people in Dacheng Palace have entered the Punishment Department, and there are very few left. The little eunuch wanted to squat outside to sweep, but now he can only be brought in to serve him.

Suddenly Emperor Shun called out, "Qin Hai."

Qin Hai's heart skipped a beat, "The servant is here."

"What happened to the prince yesterday?"

Qin Hai thought about it: "This... nothing happened." Speaking of this, he couldn't help feeling sorry for Emperor Shun, "It's really arrogant for His Highness the Crown Prince not to come to apologize for such a big incident."

Emperor Shun snorted coldly, what was Liu Ke afraid of, making such a big commotion on purpose, maybe he was secretly watching the show.

He glanced at Qin Hai secretly, and just as he was talking, a guard walked in and said, "Your Majesty, the brochure from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Oh?

With playful eyes in Emperor Shun's eyes, he took the booklet from Qin Hai.

"Apologize?" He felt a little interesting, and Liu Ke wrote eloquently, taking everything that happened last night on himself, feeling extremely guilty for hurting King Jing and Zhu Yuanfeng.Then he made a big plea for King Jing, hoping that it would not be because of him affecting the relationship between father and son, and by the way, explaining his innocent relationship with Zhu Yuanfeng, hoping that the emperor would punish him in a small way and not kill his loyal servants by mistake.In short, he is not afraid of boiling water, he is a dead pig, and he will be beaten and punished. It seems that every word is a sincere apology, as if you can see the remorse on the paper, but after reading it, it is completely a perfunctory spectacle. the taste of.

Obviously, whether it is Zhu Yuanfeng or King Jing, he is happy to see whoever is unlucky.

Emperor Shun sneered in his heart, and handed the folder to Qin Hai, "What do you think?"

Qin Hai glanced carefully and quickly, and then couldn't help but look at the emperor.

"Say." Emperor Shun held the tea with no expression on his face.

"This... Your Majesty forgives the sin. In my humble opinion, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince does not seem to have any intention of pleading guilty."

Emperor Shun nodded, "That's right, he did it on purpose, I wish I could kill Yuan'er."

As soon as these words came out, Qin Hai's heart skipped a beat, and his eyelids trembled.Yuan'er's address reveals kindness, so it can be seen that Emperor Shun doesn't intend to kill anyone, so what can I do?

"Qin Hai."

Qin Hai hurriedly came back to his senses, "The servant is here."

"It was my oral order that, without my will, the Department of Punishment and Punishment shall not use the death penalty on Yuan'er, and ordered the imperial physician to diagnose and treat him."

As soon as this remark came out, Qin Hai's heart sank immediately. Few people could come out after entering the Punishment Department. I didn't expect Zhu Yuanfeng to be so lucky.

He was very unwilling, he stared at the booklet in Emperor Shun's hand, and in his heart he cursed Liu Ke, who only knows how to get angry but doesn't know how to overdo it.

If it was common sense, the more the prince separated himself from Zhu Yuanfeng, the more he would strengthen the emperor's murderous intentions. But is Emperor Shun an ordinary emperor?He had to go around three times in his intestines whenever he thought about it. Didn't Liu Ke urge Emperor Shun to kill people by doing this? Why?

It's not because the crown prince wants Zhu Yuanfeng to die.

But Zhu Yuanfeng is dead, who benefits?

Qin Hai panicked, seeing the emperor looking over, he almost lost his temper in fright.

He bit the tip of his tongue, settled his mind, and showed regret as usual, but he had to say against his will: "Yes."

As soon as Qin Hai left, Emperor Shun said coldly: "Looking at the Prince's mansion, I want to see who will go to find the Prince."

The little eunuch responded respectfully.