Emperor Que Shaohua

In the 22nd year of Tianyi, the winter in Los Angeles seems to come very early.On October [-]th, Luo Yanhua woke up from his sleep, the outside of the house was still shrouded in night, but there was a hazy layer of clear light reflected on the window paper.

"My lord, it's snowing, it's snowing outside!" Qingming and Gu Yu entered the room one after the other, their eyes sparkling with excitement.However, the two little attendants quickly quieted down, and began to work seriously and solemnly, as if the daily trivial matters at hand were of great significance and surpassed everything in the world.

Luo Yanhua walked to the window, and what he saw was pure white, the roofs and trees were all covered with silver, and the fine snow was still falling from the sky.

Halfway through breakfast, Yang Yue approached Lancangju and reported: "His Royal Highness has arrived, and is waiting at the gatehouse. The carriage is ready outside the courtyard."

Jing Wang smiled and nodded, briefly used a few more chopsticks, took some tea and rinsed his mouth: "A Su, let's go."

Pushing open the door, the cold air blows in, mixed with snowflakes.Before dawn, the night was still dark. The Jingwang Mansion was quiet and silent, and there were no people moving around. However, everyone was clearly awake. The warm yellow halo of candles was shining from the houses everywhere, sinking into the silvery white snow and the deep black night sky, like Silently praying and waiting.

The green covered carriage drove out of the gate of the mansion, Luo Pingyuan, who had already heard the sound, put down his tea cup, mounted his horse outside the gatehouse, and walked alongside the carriage.King Ning's sixteen guards automatically assigned four riders to clear the way first, and the remaining twelve riders followed behind and headed towards Miyagi.

The courtiers waited until the fifth watch was cold.On the streets of Luocheng, a lantern was hung in front of an official sedan chair. Princes, dukes and ministers rode their own chariots and horses, and poorer officials rode donkeys for transportation. Facing the first snow in winter, they gathered towards the palace city of Chonghua.At a quarter of an hour, the Bell and Drum Tower rang with a solemn and heavy bell, and the palace gate opened, just like every morning in hundreds of years, civil and military officials entered the palace gate, crossed the imperial bridge, and flocked to the majestic and magnificent main hall of Zichen, waiting to meet the emperor.

Emperor Tianyi had another nightmare last night, he only slept for two hours, and his already bad mood got worse and worse.There is a special passage inside the golden hall. After three cloud panels, he turned out of the red sandalwood screen and sat down on the throne. Then he saw a slender figure that was familiar yet unfamiliar at the first sight.

Since the beginning of the year, it has been eight months since Luo Yanhua was seen.Even though he knew that the other party would definitely enter the palace today, the emperor still couldn't help being shocked at the moment when he faced him unexpectedly.

Except for a slight reduction, King Jing didn't seem to have changed much.His face was still pale, and the prince's black and silver-patterned court clothes looked ironed and fitted, which set off the serenity and nobility that had never been damaged by anything more clearly.He stood safely in front of the royal family minister, with King Yun and King Ning behind him in turn, and the seat originally belonged to the crown prince was already empty.

Emperor Tianyi didn't want to look at those eyes that were as quiet as a deep pool, and tried his best to hide the uneasiness and complicated emotions in his heart, and looked away.Immediately he realized that today was really unusual, the clan members were exceptionally complete, not only Prince Duan, Prince Rui, and Prince Ying, who had neglected government affairs for a long time, also arrived, even the two uncles who hadn't been to court for many years were also impressively present.

Such a battle was not his own arrangement. The emperor felt a chill in his heart. He knew that there were no disputes and doubts in the clan when he dealt with the empress and the eldest son of the emperor. It was just unexpected that after many years, King Jing still had the affection to invite the clan. , the fourth and fifth princes probably worked hard on it.

He was about to sneer and sarcasm to show his momentum, but for some reason, he couldn't laugh; civil servants and military generals lined up neatly under the imperial steps with solemn expressions as usual, but he couldn't find the usual complacent look down on all living beings It seems that the faces that I have been used to for a long time seem to have special meanings, brewing oppression and crisis.

"It's rare that the eldest prince is willing to show his face." He still decided to be the first to steal the show, and asked calmly, "Why, after returning to Beijing, you have stayed behind closed doors, and finally remembered going to court?"

If you ask each other, it is a reproach, and everyone's eyes immediately turn to King Jing.

"My son has been recuperating from illness, and thanks to the blessing of my father, I have improved a little recently." Luo Yanhua replied calmly, "It's the middle of the month, so I specially went to the palace to see my father."

There was a moment of silence, the emperor hit a nail that was neither soft nor hard, and stopped talking for a while.The servant in charge sang loudly: "If you have something to do, you will leave the court if you have nothing to do!"

Of course, there are things that need to be played. First, officials from the Ministry of Rituals came out to ask for instructions on the cost and specifications of the year-end celebration, and then the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Industry also had their own books, but generally speaking, they were all irrelevant and unimportant. routine administrative affairs.

Lin Huai'an, Marquis of the Ding Sword, stood in the queue, his palms full of cold sweat at some point. For today's court meeting, he had done everything he could to prepare. He got up in the morning and said goodbye to his wife and children before leaving the mansion. Still can't help but feel nervous and afraid.In front of him, the figures of the princes stood still without turning his head. He also knew that Lin Chen must be looking at him behind him, his eyes were sad but firm.

The crown prince has completely collapsed. When King An did not hesitate to step into himself and entered the Ministry of Punishment, he had cut off the last chance of luck.This is atonement, and it is also a bet. Since he is destined to be involved in the whirlpool, he must seize the last chance.

Lin Huai'an gritted his teeth, waited until an official from the Ministry of Finance had finished his work, took advantage of the short gap, took a few steps suddenly, knelt down in the middle of the hall with a plop, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I have something important to report! Prince, no, the second prince colluded with the bandit leader Wei Wuze. Starting four or five years ago, he built an island in the southeast sea, trained a large number of desperadoes for him to drive, and secretly dispatched naval ships to regularly transport baggage personnel to the island. The number of dead soldiers is increasing day by day, and it is gradually becoming a banditry! The harassment in the middle of the capital and the chaos in the Jiangnan martial arts all started from this!"

As soon as the words were uttered, the whole court was shocked, and several courtiers of the Criminal Ministry were even more astonished. They handled the case for several days, but they did not find out the abolished prince and such tricks. How did Lin Huai'an know about it?Could it be that like the third prince, he was also coerced and conspired?

But seeing Ding Jianhou's expression was miserable, he kowtowed again and said: "I...although I already knew about it, but because I have a handle in the hands of the second prince and Concubine Han, I am afraid that your Majesty will reject me, so I have not dared to speak out, and I have to obey orders and cooperate. , the minister deserves death!"

In his early years, Lin Huai'an served as the commander-in-chief of Fujian Province, stationed on the southeast coast, and was ordered to exterminate maritime bandits. His old department still holds military power there.Although Princess An's family also led troops in the navy, the crown prince always had to take extra precautions against Luo Junping, who was also the prince. He didn't want the details of his relationship with Wei Wuze to be found out by the third younger brother, so he delegated the task to Ding Jianhou, what he did was very secretive.Therefore, even though King An also hid important account books on the ships of the Minzhou Navy camp, he has been kept in the dark about the island so far, and naturally he has no way to report it.

In terms of civil and military affairs of the court, the shock caused by this incident is no less than that of King An's report.The prince of a country not only recruits private soldiers, but also raises dead soldiers. It can be said that he can do whatever he wants, which makes people think and fear.Marquis Ding Jian's official title has exceeded the first rank, so he did not know why he was caught, but he obeyed his orders, dare not even refuse such a treacherous request?

Emperor Tianyi was startled and angry. In his mind, although Lin Huai'an was a little cowardly and fearful, there was no doubt that there was no problem with his loyalty. He could be said to be very kind to him, and even Princess Danyang gave Lin Chen a marriage. In the end, he also plotted against the prince!What's even more hateful is that, after thousands of calculations, they never imagined that on the cusp of the storm, this future royal family who never caused trouble would be the first to jump out and stir up an uproar.

"Lin Huai'an, you let me down so much!" He suppressed his anger and gritted his teeth, "You know how I treat you and your Lin family, and you have the face to apologize in public? Do you still want to ask me to forgive you?"

"Your Majesty deserves to die for his crimes, please come down!" Ding Jianhou repeatedly kowtowed, feeling the coercion from the throne, and couldn't help breaking out in cold sweat, but at the same time, the many eyes gathered on his body made him feel like a light on his back, In any case, what has to be said must be said.

"I have owed the grace of the sage, and I have long regretted it. The reason for this all originated from my elder brother Lin Huaitai!" He looked mournful, and tried to speak clearly, "Ten years ago, my brother was guarding Hanguan. , under the instigation of Concubine Han, as soon as Beiliao retreated, she planned to frame the Langhuan martyrs who assisted in defending the city..."

"Hold on!" Xue Songnian heard that the words were wrong, and interrupted suddenly, "Concubine Han is dead, and I can't tell myself, and as a subject, Lord Hou, how can he talk about concubines in the harem again and again! Since you If you admit collusion with the Second Prince, you should go to the Ministry of Punishments to be tried and charged, don't talk nonsense about irrelevant things, and disturb His Majesty's hearing!" When he said the last sentence, his voice was already stern.

"What should my father listen to in the early court, what should I not listen to, and when will it be the assistant government's turn to decide?" I understand in public. Marquis Lin, go ahead and don't hide anything from His Majesty!"

Although the words were short, the meaning was very strong, even Xue Songnian was too old to keep silent for a while.Emperor Tianyi wanted to stop, but he couldn't seem to be influenced by the auxiliary government, and he was worried about the fourth prince's reluctance. After a moment of hesitation, Lin Huai'an continued to talk.

When Shao'an fell and Youyun Sixteen Prefectures fell, Hanguan became the last barrier preventing the Northern Liao cavalry from stepping into the Central Plains.Empress Langhuan was suspected of collaborating with the enemy and was forced to commit suicide in the palace. Heng Dao and Ling Xu, who had been facing the enemy at the border, reluctantly withdrew to Hanguan. .However, Lin Huaitai couldn't resist the threats and lures, and chose to join Concubine Han Gui and the second prince. In the battle report sent back to the capital, he not only claimed credit for his achievements, but also falsely accused Langhuan of being an anti-thief and rebellious party. He died on the spot.Hengdao and Lingxu, who originally hoped to clear their innocence, were wronged again, and have since been exiled in the northern border.Lin Huai'an knew the truth, but the emperor regarded his elder brother as a loyal minister and general who sacrificed for the country, and ordered to be sympathetic to the Lin family. He was afraid of Concubine Han's power, and he was reluctant to decline the position of his wife Yinzi, so he was on a thief ship.

After all, Ding Jianhou was a military commander, he was afraid of what happened, and when it came to a critical moment, he was still decisive.In the past years, I received a letter from my elder brother from the border. When I got home, I will rush to report the news of the death and describe the whole story. Concubine Han’s elder brother An Yuanhou hinted at threats. I couldn't help concealing my hesitation, but I was not at all ambiguous about how the dead Lin Huaitai turned black and white to frame Langhuan.

The last time the word Langhuan was mentioned in the court was nearly a year ago when King Yun's class teacher asked for meritorious service for the Shao'an battle.Everyone knows that Langhuan has contributed a lot to state affairs since King Congjing returned to the court. It's just that the emperor deliberately avoids it and refuses to face it squarely.Now, when the same name resounds in Zichen Hall again, the old events that have been regarded as taboos for many years and no one dared to touch are unfolding in front of them again, which is connected with the successes and achievements in the past two years.All of a sudden, the past national wars and chaos have not faded away, and they are soaked in the blood of loyal ministers and righteous men, which is unforgettable.

There was no sound in the Zichen Palace, everyone's spirits were suddenly tense, the atmosphere was like a full bowstring, and there was unprecedented anxiety and throbbing in the gloom.The old case of Langhuan is the scar of Tianyi's dynasty, the deadlock between the eldest son of the emperor and His Majesty, even a dull person can understand that today's court meeting, the topic has just begun.

Xue Songnian suppressed the panic in his heart, remained calm on the surface, and gave his hands a wink.This dangerous atmosphere must be broken as soon as possible, but fortunately, he didn't even have a door to help.

"Mr. Lin, don't talk nonsense. Your brother was killed in Hanguan City. The court has already made a conclusion." In the court class, a censor immediately stood up and questioned, "If I remember correctly, Lord Hou didn't Not at the border, since I didn’t witness it with my own eyes, how can I win people’s trust?” He snorted softly, “Perhaps, Lord Hou himself was also deceived by others, and it’s unknown if he wronged his elder brother.”

"It's a matter of great importance, so of course it's not just empty words." Lin Huai'an's voice sank, with a distressed expression on his face, "Your Majesty, this matter is absolutely true. I still have two last letters from my brother in my house, so I just need to fetch them for verification. Yes, the Marquis of Anyuan has sent a message on behalf of Concubine Han, and he is very clear about the inside story, and I am willing to confront him at any time!"

His back was almost drenched in cold sweat, and he didn't dare to look at the emperor's gloomy face like a dark cloud covering the sky, "I was deceived by lard back then, and I made a wrong step and couldn't escape. But the wife and children in the minister's family really don't know anything about it, so I just beg your Majesty to put the blame on the minister alone!"

Emperor Tianyi was really angry and trembling with anger, but there was a trace of lack of confidence in his anger.At the beginning, the report on the Battle of Guanguan was sent to the capital, saying that Langhuan was collaborating with the enemy and plotting rebellion. Unfortunately, he was killed when he was a thief; secondly, he had already condemned the Queen in his heart, so he had to do his best to believe in it, not only would he not pursue it, but if someone reversed the case and called for injustice, he would immediately seal it up.Over the years, the past has been covered in dust, but it turned out that Lin Huai'an, who benefited the most from it, turned his back on the court, and revealed the bottom to the sky in one breath.Thinking of how this person sincerely begged for his son to marry Princess Danyang, I wished I could chop him up with a single knife.

Lin Chen looked at his father's kneeling back, bit his lip, and silently lowered his head.He really wanted to go to work as well, tell what he knew in the northern border, avenge Langhuan, and share even a little bit of the king's anger and pressure.But before the event, both the parents and King Jing repeatedly warned that they should not participate in the court meeting, but could only watch on the sidelines.He was about to become a son-in-law, and his identity was sensitive. Not only would he not be able to help him rashly, but he would easily irritate the emperor and cause irreversible consequences.

At this moment, Fuyuan General Xu Dingzhen took a step forward: "Your Majesty, the last general has been guarding the border with His Royal Highness for several years, and he knows a thing or two about Lin Hou's words. The martyrs in Langhuan were assassinated successively in Shao'an and Hanguan. During the various processes, there are many witnesses from the northern border soldiers. Although most of the cronies involved in the conspiracy in Lin Huaitai's mansion are dead, the general was able to find the soldiers and a counselor present at the end, and confessed the details to the Fourth Highness. The statement is consistent with the statement. Now that there are witnesses and confessions, if Liu Yushi or any other adults have doubts, the Ministry of Criminal Justice will find out in the first instance."

The censor's name was Liu Deshun, and his face was flushed red when he heard the words. He intended to stop the conversation and weaken the effect of Ding Jianhou's confession. Who would have thought that General Xu was very cunning, but he caught the conversation and led the situation to a climax trial.

Xu Dingzhen was King Yun's beloved general, and his words clearly represented the attitude of the Fourth Highness.If it weren't for the conclusive facts, it would be absolutely impossible for the cold and arrogant King Yun to bother to come forward.Emperor Tianyi saw that the commotion in the hall was gradually rising, and there was a tendency to stir up people's sentiments. He ignored his anger and shouted in a deep voice: "Lin Huai'an, you should have said enough, just colluding with the prince to privately transfer the military ship is an irreparable crime. , I must spare you! Get rid of the position of Marquis, immediately fork out of the hall, and take him to the Ministry of Criminal Justice for trial!"

Although his teeth were itching with hatred, the gift of marriage was a foregone conclusion, and he could not take back his will.Lin Chen and Luo Xuening had already exchanged invitations, and more than half of the etiquette of accepting the lottery, asking for the name, and accepting the appointment was completed. Even the princess's red makeup was carried into the general's mansion in a mighty manner. He could neither push his daughter's father-in-law out of the afternoon If the door is cut, it is not appropriate to scold in public to expand the influence. The only way is to control the scene first and throw it out quickly.

The golden-armored guards stepped forward to drag people, and there was another chaos in the Zichen Palace. The emperor got up from the throne, somewhat out of breath, and it would be difficult to deal with it any further. He planned to get angry and retreat first.Uncles and princes in the clan can come to participate in an early court for King Jing, and can they even come back?

"Your Majesty, please stay!" Unexpectedly, Fang Zi flicked his sleeves, and before he could say the word "Retreat", a figure suddenly appeared in the court and said loudly, "Your Majesty, what Lin Huai'an and General Xu said is shocking. Heart, Langhuan is loyal to the country, one trick was caught, and he was wronged for ten years, thinking about it is heinous! I, Yu Zhou, built the country with loyalty and filial piety, and if the court just ignores it, how is it different from condoning traitors and murdering loyal and good people? Again, who is willing to pour out their blood to fight for the country, defend the land and open up the frontier? Now that the evidence is all there, please Your Majesty order to retry the old Langhuan case, so as to comfort the spirits of the heroes in heaven!"

The words were powerful and powerful, and the words were like nails. Everyone's heart was shocked. Looking at the reputation, a civil servant wearing a sixth-grade uniform came out of the palace and stood in the hall. He was about [-] years old. , but his back is straight, and his eyes are burning with energy. It is Chen Yuanfu, the number one scholar in the Wuchen Division, who was the editor of the Imperial Academy at that time.

Just as Liu Deshun wanted to show himself in front of the king, he immediately sneered and said, "Looking at Chen Hanlin's usual indifferent talk about fame and fortune, he has lofty aspirations. It turns out that he has never forgotten to show off, and in order to gain fame, he actually bumped into your father!"

He paused for a moment, and acted as if he suddenly realized: "That's right, of course, the talents cultivated by Langhuan must be used at critical times. It's no wonder that Brother Chen is working so hard, he doesn't even care about etiquette!"

The other party's official rank is only from the sixth rank, so there is no fear in his words, and he is very sharp and mean.

"Master Liu's remarks are ridiculous." Chen Yuanfu ignored his provocation and said solemnly, "Since you are a student of the emperor, you should take the state affairs as your own responsibility, instead of being obsequious and flattery. If you don't speak out at this time, Chen is the one." I have let you down!" He took a step forward, "I know that my official position is low, but I dare not lose my integrity because of my insignificance. The grievances in Langhuan are not clear, and it will inevitably damage the court's trust and wisdom. Chen is willing to risk his life. , Your Majesty, please order a thorough investigation and re-examination, so that the universe will be clear and noble forever!"

Zhao Mian stood near to the left, but felt a surge of emotion, and gave a deep salute when he left the class: "What Chen Xiuzhuan said is very true, the humble minister is not talented, and I would like to guarantee my life together, please the Holy One to play!"

Most of the Xinke Scholars have already been released. They stayed in Beijing and were eligible to participate in the court meeting in the same year. When they saw the leader and Tanhua speak out, they also left the class one after another. In an instant, more than ten people joined the invitation.

Emperor Tianyi's face became more and more ugly, and he weighed back and forth between leaving in a hurry and having a seizure, but found that it was of no benefit, and finally sat down with a sinking face.

Luo Pingyuan looked towards King Jing, seeing that his brother's expression remained calm, he felt much more at ease.He looked at a group of solemn new scholars, Yan Cong from the Ministry of Punishment, Feng Jimo from the Ministry of Industry, Zhang Xuanhe from the Procuratorate... Although their qualifications are shallow, they are the future of the Yu and Zhou court; he still remembers The first time I met Chen Yuanfu in Prince Jing's mansion, he was still waiting for the exam, and he was fearless in front of him, and he spoke out without humility or overbearing, which showed his extraordinary character.

"Chen Heling, Zhao Fanxi, and the Wuchen Division have produced big names." Xue Songnian swept his eyes and said leisurely, "It turns out that all the important officials in the court are ignorant of reason and can't tell right from wrong, so young people need to teach them." Only then."

His voice suddenly turned cold and harsh, and he scolded: "It is clear that the hero is in power. According to your opinion, in the past ten years, Yu Zhou has not been bright and clear? He is arrogant, and he has not apologized and retreated!"

New Year's Eve, babies, happy new year!