Prince Zhongshun's Mansion
In front of the majestic gate tower with cornices and brackets, Dianjun Dai Xuan stood under the eaves, holding the Yanling sword tightly at his waist. Behind him and to the left and right were the loyal and shun palace guards.
Dai Xuan was about thirty years old, tall and tall, with a beard as short as a steel needle under his chin, and a face as dark as ice. He looked coldly at the Jinyi captains wearing flying fish uniforms and embroidered spring knives on both sides of the street. .
Wearing bamboo hats and raincoats, they stood firm in the wind and rain, and surrounded Prince Zhongshun's palace with water.
"General Dai, when will the prince come back?" Chief Secretary He Liang asked with a solemn expression.
When the Han Dynasty vassal king opened a palace, he could set up his own vassals, and set up a long history and general affairs office, with the chief register in charge of the writings. The sixth-rank military attachés would lead more than 330 guards to guard the palace. Act as a guard of honor.
Compared to the tense confrontation in front of the official office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Dai Dianjun obviously knew that the Jinyi soldiers in front of him did not dare to break into the palace without permission, so he only guarded under the eaves of the front corridor of the palace and watched what happened.
"Da da da……"
A burst of rapid horse hoofbeats came from the end of the long street through the rain and fog. Everyone looked around and saw that at the end of the long street, Tiqi wearing hats on their heads and black and red robes came in a dark mass.
Feiyu suit, embroidered spring knife, and a gloomy face, like the sky covered with dark clouds above his head, made Dai Xuan, the commander of the loyal palace, and the guards of the palace feel trembling.
"Xilulu!!!"
Accompanied by the sound of people roaring and horses neighing, Jia Heng led hundreds of cavalry from Jinyi Mansion, like a whirlwind, to the street in front of Prince Zhongshun's Mansion.
Under the leadership of Liu Jixian, several people from hundreds of households in brocade clothes walked up to him at a fast pace and greeted him in unison.
Liu Jixian cupped his hands and said: "Captain, the entire residence of Prince Zhongshun has been surrounded. No one can enter or leave. Please give me your permission."
Jia Heng nodded indifferently, then turned to look at the gatehouse of Prince Zhongshun's Mansion. He paused for a moment at the plaque with the words "Prince Zhongshun's Mansion" hanging on the lintel, and said in a cold voice: "Jin Yiwei listens to the order, go in and search!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a large number of cavalry in brocade clothes rushed toward the palace with embroidered spring knives behind them.
Seeing this, Dai Xuan's complexion changed drastically, and his thick eyebrows and tiger eyes overflowed with fear. He pulled out the Yanling knife from his waist, blocked it in front of the door, and roared: "Who dares?"
The palace guards on the left and right sides of the corridor also drew their sabers and looked coldly at Jin Yi Tiqi.
The palace guards are equivalent to personal soldiers and have the responsibility of guarding the residence.
Black Tide paused for a moment, and Jinyi Tiqi looked coldly at the guards of Prince Zhongshun's Mansion with an unkind look on his face.
Jia Heng waved his hand, and a group of Jinyi Mansion cavalry dispersed to both sides, leaving a path. When they came closer, they asked: "I, Jia Heng, the Commander-in-Chief of Jinyi Mansion, are hereby entrusted with the imperial edict to investigate the corruption case in the imperial mausoleum. , according to the prisoner’s confession, King Zhongshun is deeply suspected of being involved in this case. The evidence of the crime mentioned by the prisoner is now hidden in the palace. I want to bring people in for inspection, but you still won’t get out of the way!”
"This is the prince's residence. The supreme decree prohibits trespassing. Governor Jia, do you dare to make a mistake?" Dai Xuan asked with a slightly condensed look on his face.
Without saying another word, Jia Heng pulled out the Emperor's Sword from his waist and shouted: "The Emperor's Sword is here. If the Holy Master comes in person, you can kill it first and then kill it! What, you want to disobey me?"
Dai Xuan stared at the long sword with a golden dragon-gilt scabbard, his pupils shrank, and now he really hesitated.
Different from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, when Qu Lang led people over, he only gave oral instructions without any evidence. Only then was Zhou Changshi caught the key and refused to let in. At that time, Jia Heng came in person and showed the people the Emperor's Sword. The Ministry of Internal Affairs Definitely don't dare to stop it!
Of course, he was stopped later... In order to reestablish Jinyi's authority and establish the authority of the emperor, killing him directly was the right solution.
Dai Xuan took a deep breath and secretly thought that the situation was over, so he put the sword back into its sheath and stepped aside.
Jia Heng turned to look at Liu Jixian and others, and said coldly: "Go in and search!"
In an instant, the Jinyi Tiqi were no longer hindered and rushed into Prince Zhongshun's Mansion, guarding the personnel and sealing off the premises.
As for what to search for, it was up to Jia Heng to lead the search in person.
Zhongshun Prince's Mansion, the back house, and the wing room.
Wei Lan sat on the bed in the inner room, standing up from time to time, looking out anxiously, and her personal maid Lu Liu whispered: "Madam, I heard that people from Jinyi Mansion surrounded the palace, and several princesses are discussing countermeasures."
In fact, it was not only the restlessness in Wei Lan's room, but also other concubines, maids, and servants who were talking privately. It can be said that people were panicked, and rumors were flying everywhere, speculating that something had happened to King Zhongshun.
If other yamen officers and soldiers surrounded the palace, it would be okay, but now that the Emperor's own troops have surrounded the palace, I am afraid that a disaster will really come.
Wei Lan's beautiful face showed a strange color, her eyebrows were furrowed, her eyes were twinkling, and she whispered to the maid brought from her parents' house: "You wait in the room, I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Madam, Concubine Wu said that the female family members in the backyard are not allowed to move around until the prince comes back." Luliu advised.
Wei Lan whispered: "It doesn't matter, I just went to ask Sister Wu what happened."
With that said, he left the side room, but just as he went out, he saw a nanny leading a few servants, blocking the way.
"Madam, the princesses have their fates. Before the prince comes back, the female family members of the palace are to stay in the room and are not allowed to move around casually." The grandma had a stern face, but she had limited respect for the young lady in front of her who had fallen out of favor.
"Now that the palace is under siege and there is no news from the prince, what are the sisters discussing? Can I go to Shouning Hall to see?" Wei Lan said softly.
The grandma frowned and was about to persuade her to return.
At this moment, a young man came quickly from the end of the corridor and asked loudly: "Madam, where are you going?"
After a few words, the person came closer, looked at the nuns, frowned and shouted: "What are you doing?"
"My young prince, Concubine Wu has told me that the female family members are all waiting for news in the room and are not allowed to wander around." The nanny said, her voice gradually becoming lower and lower. It was obvious that Chen Rui did not want to offend.
Chen Rui snorted coldly and said angrily: "I will lead Mrs. Wei to see my mother and concubine, why don't you get out!"
Wei Lan asked: "Little prince, how is the situation in the front yard?"
"Don't mention it. The people in Jinyi Mansion said that they followed the palace's decree and those who inquired about the news were stopped several times." Chen Rui sighed and said worriedly.
This was also the reason why Jia Heng sealed Prince Zhongshun's palace immediately. Not to mention other things, if someone came to the news, the account books and documents in the study would be burned on fire, and the good state banquet would be turned into half-cooked rice.
Wei Lan's face, as charming as a spring flower, showed a hint of worry at the right time, and she said softly: "Little prince, prince, what can happen to him...?"
Chen Rui's eyes stayed on Wei Lan's chest, he came closer and whispered: "I don't know yet. Why don't you go into the room and elaborate further?"
He was very stressed right now and needed something to grab onto and release.
Wei Lan's beautiful eyes were charming, she smiled and said: "Young prince, please come to the room."
With that said, Chen Rui was invited into the wing.
However, the two of them had just sat down in the room and had not yet taken action.
Another shout came from outside the house, "Oh no, the officers and soldiers have rushed in."
Chen Rui paused in his hands, his expression changed suddenly, and he said anxiously: "Madam, I have to go and take a look, something serious has happened."
But it was said that Jia Heng, after Jin Yiti rode into the Zhongshun Prince's Mansion, also strode into the Zhongshun Prince's Mansion with the retinue of the Jinyi Mansion general.
Since the Prince's Mansion was built, it has never been searched by the government and the army in such large numbers. This suddenly broke the tranquility that had existed for decades.
Jia Heng walked into the main hall, which was similar to the "Rongxi Hall" of Jia Mansion. The plaque was inscribed by Emperor Chongping himself and was called "Huaide Hall". It was the main hall of Prince Zhongshun's palace where guests used to receive guests.
The five rooms inside are connected together, and as far as the eye can see, it is wide and spacious. Inside and outside the solemn and elegant hall, from the eaves of the corridor to the ceremonial gate, there are cavalry in brocade clothes holding embroidered spring knives, lined up on guard.
Jia Heng raised his head slightly, and the rain suddenly fell down on the hat. He reached out to take off the hat and handed it to the captain in Jinyi beside him.
Looking at the painting hanging in the main hall, it is a picture of "Songs and Cranes Prolonging the Year". There are two couplets next to it. The calligraphy is vigorous and powerful. I don't know which famous artist it is.
Below, there is a high red sandalwood table three feet wide and six feet long, with three-legged copper tripod incense burner, jade dishes, enamel porcelain and other decorations.
Jia Heng's eyes flashed, and he turned around and ordered to Liu Jixian: "All servants in the mansion are not allowed to run around, and focus on searching the account books in the study and bedroom! The guards are not allowed to smash things randomly, and are not allowed to disturb the female family members. , you are not allowed to hide stolen goods! Anyone who disobeys will be severely punished!"
From the information he got from Qi Guan'er, he already knew that King Zhongshun kept the account books in the inner study, but he still had to go through the inspection process.
"Yes, Commander." Liu Jixian responded loudly and sent orders to the guards in brocade robes.
However, it didn't take much time to hear the Jinyi Mansion guards enter the hall and report: "Sir, Concubine Wu, Concubine Yang, and Concubine Zhang, who are loyal to the prince, are here with their people."
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw a group of servants and maids, surrounded by three women in gorgeous clothes and hairpin skirts and coats. When they entered the hall, they could be said to be surrounded by pearls and emeralds, full of orioles and swallows.
"Jia Ziyu, what are you doing?" Concubine Wu asked as soon as she entered the hall. The princess frowned, with a look of sullenness on her face. No matter what you have done, you are still the prince of the country, how dare you be so presumptuous!"
When King Chen Ran of Wei was born, Concubine Wu went to the Empress of Song Dynasty because her son Chen Rui, the general of Zhenguo, was detained by the Wucheng Army and Horse Division. She met Jia Heng, and she reported that Jia Heng personally ordered a search. Mansion, frightened, led the second concubine Zhang Yang over.
"This is the palace, Jia Ziyu, you are too arrogant and domineering!" Concubine Yang on the side trembled with anger and scolded.
Concubine Zhang also glared at them. These two concubines were also top-notch beauties when they were young. Although they are now older, the charm of mature and beautiful women has only increased due to the accumulation of time.
Especially Concubine Yang, who was once a talented girl from the south of the Yangtze River and was accepted by King Zhongshun. Although she was over forty years old, her dignified features and eyes were full of intellectual charm.
And in the scene before him, a palace guard in brocade clothes, wearing a flying fish suit and holding an embroidered spring knife, stood in the main hall, looking at the delicate female family members of the loyal and shun palace with a wary and eager look, as if they were villains.
Jia Heng turned around and came. The Emperor's Sword under the black cloak was held by a pair of slender, white, thick-knuckled hands. He had sharp eyebrows and clear eyes, his cheeks were straight, his face was as cold as frost, and there was a faint evil spirit in his eyes.
But at this moment, he suddenly turned around and stared hard, making all the female family members breathe slightly.
Concubine Wu was fine, but Concubine Zhang and Yang were extremely frightened, secretly thinking that the child Jia Heng, whom the prince often scolded, was so young, and so... like a hawk and a wolf?
"Concubine Wu." Jia Heng's eyes were sharp, almost like a falcon, and he glanced at the woman opposite. He slowly but firmly raised his hands in the direction of the Daming Palace and said loudly: "I have been ordered by the emperor to investigate the collapse of Gongling Mausoleum. , relevant officials from the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been arrested. According to the imperial convict's confession, Prince Zhongshun is involved in the case..."
"And the mastermind!"
At the end of the sentence, the four words were pronounced in a high-pitched tone, like thunder. Concubines Zhang and Yang were startled and opened their mouths slightly in shock.
Jin Shi's clanking voice paused, giving Concubine Wu and others a short reaction time, and said: "All the evidence of the crime is hidden in the palace, and I will search for it!"
Concubine Wu's face was pale and her lips were trembling.
At this time, Chen Rui walked quickly into the flower hall and shouted angrily: "Jia Heng, this is the palace of the vassal prince. How dare you be so presumptuous without receiving the imperial decree?"
Wei Lan, who was not far behind him, looked at several people with a frightened expression, or to be precise at the boy in the python suit.
I don't know why, but I suddenly had a strong intuition in my heart. The person behind Qi Guan'er should be this person?
"You want an imperial edict?" Jia Heng sneered, glanced at Chen Rui, and said loudly: "I have been ordered by the emperor to supervise the imperial case. Holding the Emperor's Sword in my hand, it's like the emperor comes in person. It's not an imperial edict, but it's better than an imperial edict! Come here, search Study room in the backyard!”
Chen Rui was furious when he heard this, and was about to rush over, but was held down by two Jinyi Mansion guards on his shoulders, preventing him from moving at all.
Concubine Wu's vision went dark, and she felt her hands and feet were cold, and the nun beside her quickly helped her.
As all directions responded, the Jinyi Mansion guards rushed toward the backyard and study.
However, as time passed, a general in brocade clothes entered the hall, cupped his hands and said: "Captain, there is no outer study room."
"Captain, there is no room in the palace."
"Captain, there are no three compartments in the east courtyard."
"Captain, there is no study in the attic of the West Cross Courtyard."
…
…
Wei Lan was hiding under the eaves of the corridor at the moment. Seeing this scene, her charming eyes were full of anxiety under her curved eyebrows, and she was secretly worried about these people.
At the same time, he was shaken by his previous thoughts. Could it be that the person behind Qi Guan'er was not Governor Jia?
"Jia Ziyu, if you can't be found, I will die with you even if I risk my life!" At this moment, Concubine Wu seemed to have missed the sound, and gradually regained her confidence, with red circles in her eyes. , said angrily.
When Wei Lan heard this, she became even more anxious and thought to herself, "I can't find it, but what should I do?"
Just as he was thinking about how to lead the way, he suddenly heard the young man frowning and shouting out a location that was repeatedly rolling in his throat, "Have you searched the inner study?"
"We haven't found it yet." At this time, a hundred households were stunned for a moment and replied.
It has to be said that the Zhongshun Prince's Mansion is really too big, and it has exhausted the prince's regulations. It has a front hall and a backyard, a two-bedroom mansion, a large garden, a balcony and a pavilion, and a study room are also standard features in every courtyard, even if Jia Heng brought him back and forth. Nearly Qian Jinyi's guards came and entered, but many of them failed to take care of them.
Jia Heng frowned and said, "The inner study is a confidential place. I will go and see it myself."
With that said, surrounded by the generals of the Jinyi Mansion, they pressed their swords and headed out of the hall.
Wei Lan was slightly frightened and hurriedly ran along the corridor towards the study in the backyard.
If she really couldn't find it, she wanted to remind the young powerful man, well, why not open the matter first.
At this moment, people in royal clothes were everywhere in Prince Zhongshun's palace, searching various courtyards. Wei Lan relied on his familiarity with the terrain and followed a path to the study in the backyard.
After entering the study, he saw that there were no guards from the Jinyi Palace in the distance. He quickly sneaked into the study and came to the bookshelf to find the location of the mechanism.
"Kacha kacha..."
As the machine sounded, the bookshelf and the wall were split into two, revealing a secret room.
After doing this, Wei Lan's heart almost jumped into his throat, and he quickly left the study and headed outside. However, just as he arrived under the eaves of the corridor, he heard the shouts coming from the Moon Gate in the distance.
Feeling panicked, she hurriedly hid behind the flower wall and looked towards the study.
Jia Heng had already led a group of Jinyi Mansion guards to the inner study, and said in a cold voice: "Surround it up, so no one can get close!"
The captains of the Jinyi Mansion agreed in unison, surrounding the inner study and conducting a quick search.
Wei Lan was about to evade when he suddenly felt his mouth being covered by someone from behind. He was horrified. Just as he was about to shout, he heard a familiar voice coming from his ear: "Don't shout."
Isn't it Qi Guan'er, or who is it?
Jia Heng led Ji Yu, who was in charge of the execution of thousands of households, and several soldiers of the Jinyi Guards, and strode into the inner study. He glanced at the furnishings in the study. A red sandalwood bookcase stood against the wall. Next to the bookcase, there was an animal head pattern in the cage, and agarwood was in it. The ice silk burned silently, and the curls of green smoke brought out a calming sandalwood scent and filled the room.
Jia Heng turned around the screen and headed towards the inner room. It was already dusk, the sky was dark, and there were no lights in the study, so the light was dim.
"Huh?" Jia Heng looked at the dark secret room, was startled for a moment, and said to himself: "What... is going on? Did King Zhongshun forget to lock it?"
In a second thought, I suddenly thought of a possibility. Xu Shiqi Guan'er opened the secret room one step ahead of time.
It's just...a little embarrassing.
However, these are not important. Jia Heng came closer and said in a deep voice: "There is a secret room here. Maybe there is evidence of crimes hidden. Go in and search."
"Yes." Liu Jixian was the first to respond. He took out the fire stick from his arms, lit the candlestick on the table, and entered first, holding the candle.
Jia Heng did not enter the secret room. He found a chair and sat down. He watched a group of Jinyi Mansion guards go in and search, thinking about his next plan.
At present, the last shoe has fallen to the ground, and the next step is to secure various evidences, torture confessions, and then complete...an ironclad case that can withstand the test of history.
Thinking of this, I suppressed the weirdness in my heart. When I raised my eyes, I saw that at some point, night had fallen outside the window. The rockery and the attic were hidden in the hazy mist and rain and the vast twilight, making it difficult to see clearly.
"Sir, we found it."
Liu Jixian and several Jinyi guards came out of the secret room carrying boxes and holding an account book in their hands.
Well, it was still a copy of the account book made by the masters of Jinyi Mansion.
Jia Heng stood up, took the account book, and said in a deep voice: "Strike while the iron is hot, you go back to Jinyi Mansion first, interrogate the prisoner overnight and take confessions. I will go to the palace later to report."
He still needs to get the real account book and replace it.
No more tonight, I will go back and correct the typos.
(End of chapter)
