The courtiers in Banxian Tower were very unhappy, but they seemed to have no other good solution besides scolding Zou Gou, so they could only hold their noses and admit it.
While collecting money, someone lamented: "As far as shamelessness is concerned, Zou Gou has learned the essence of banishing an immortal. It makes you hate him so much that you can't do anything about it."
The others nodded in deep understanding.
After paying the money, the courtiers walked outside in twos and threes. After leaving, their conversation quickly changed from scolding Zou Gou to how to write a letter to the emperor.
These people discussed for a while and then all hurried home. This time, the letter must be very cautious and the wording must be extremely rigorous. I'm afraid it will be another sleepless night...
While the courtiers were busy writing, the Wang family's residence. Wang Ben is watering the flowers.
He carefully tended the flowers and plants in front of him, moving skillfully like a skilled gardener.
And Wang Jia behind him was almost crying.
Wang Jia said sadly: "Master, the old general is imprisoned and his life is at stake."
Wang Ben said calmly: "Even if you don't say anything about this, I know about it. Why are you talking so much here?"
Wang Jia cried and said: "Master, we must find a way to save the old general."
Wang Ben sneered: "It's a serious crime of treason, how do you plan to save him?"
Wang Jia was speechless.
Wang Ben was silent for a while, and then suddenly said: "If you really want to save me, there is nothing you can do."
Wang Jia's eyes lit up and he asked, "How to save people?"
Wang Ben said calmly: "There are still a hundred servants in the mansion now. Among them, the loyal ones can probably choose thirty. You take these thirty people, ride on the fast horses, and go straight to the death row."
"Kill the guards on death row and rescue my father. Then run to the nearest south gate and rush out. From now on, the sky is high and the sea is wide, and I can sit back and relax."
Wang Jia was dumbfounded: "The death row is guarded by a large army of soldiers and horses. How can we rescue people with only thirty people?"
Wang Ben chuckled: "I don't have any other options."
Wang Jia was pacing around, looking anxious. After a while, he suddenly whispered: "Master, if the old general is convicted, I'm afraid the Wang family will be exterminated."
Wang Ben snorted.
Wang Jia said: "Master, aren't you in a hurry?"
Wang Ben said calmly: "You know you will die, so why worry? Just like this flower, it sprouts in early spring, blooms in midsummer, and withers before late autumn. It only lasts a few months. Although the time is short, it still blooms very well. is it beautiful?"
Wang Jia was dumbfounded. Why did his master become more and more eloquent after being idle at home for several months?
But soon Wang Jia came to his senses from this mysterious and mysterious talk, and said to Wang Ben: "Master, you are the most intelligent person in the family. You should make up your mind and save Wang."
Wang Ben looked back at Wang Jia and said with a smile, "I'm trying to save you, right?"
Wang Jia's face turned pale and he remained silent, which was regarded as acquiescence.
Wang Ben played with the flowers in front of him and fell into deep thought. After a long time, he sighed: "At first, I was so heartbroken that I didn't want to meddle in these nosy things. Live or die, it doesn't matter anymore. But Wang does still have There are hundreds of people, and I can’t bear to watch you die.”
Wang Jia nodded repeatedly.
Wang Ben said: "Now, it is impossible to save my father. He is guilty of treason and it is difficult to save him. If he uses too much force, it will make His Majesty angry. By then, the implications will be wide..."
Wang Jia nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Wang Ben added: "As for me, I am a close relative of my father. I am afraid I will definitely die this time. It doesn't matter whether I can be saved or not."
Wang Jia didn't dare to speak.
Wang Ben said: "As for you, you may be implicated and lose your life, or you may not lose your life. Do you want to take a gamble?"
Wang Jia nodded.
Wang Ben said: "If you really use my method, you will probably lose your head after losing the bet."
Wang Jia hesitated for a while, then nodded firmly.
Wang Ben hummed: "Go ahead and ask the people in the house who is willing to gamble with you. Then you spread rumors in Xianyang City. Even though Wang Jian is guilty, he once fought for the Qin Dynasty in the world."
"Nowadays, the death penalty is inevitable, but before death, there is no need to torture him anymore. It is best to keep a whole body. Just hang him."
"If Your Majesty is concerned about what others say, he will really hang my father. Alas, if he can die in such a dignified way, you family members will naturally be exempted from guilt."
After Wang Jia heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up and he nodded repeatedly. Then he left in a hurry.
As for Wang Ben, he was still tending the flower carefully, and sneered in his heart: "They are all dead, how did they die, and they are not the same? Everyone is dead, so there is no distinction between honor, disgrace, and decency. It is really ridiculous."
Wang Ben has been practicing at home for more than half a year, thinking about the first half of his life every day, and now he has a vague epiphany.
…………
Li Shui was called to the palace again by Ying Zheng.
When he arrived, he found the heads of Chun Yuyue and Wang Wan. Li Shui was a little helpless and said, "What's wrong with me? Are you criticizing me again today?"
Li Xin smiled and said, "Brother Huai, don't worry, no one will sue you this time."
Li Shui breathed a sigh of relief and said to Chunyu Yue, "Thank you very much, Dr. Chunyu."
Chunyu Yue stared angrily: "What do you mean by just thanking me? In your eyes, am I the kind of scoundrel who loves to complain?"
Ying Zheng said calmly: "I have called you here today to discuss how to deal with Wang Jian."
Li Shui looked at Li Si with a puzzled look on his face: "Isn't this matter left to Lord Tingwei to take charge?"
Li Si said: "Now there are some rumors in Xianyang City. These rumors say that Wang Jian has worked hard and achieved great results. Even if he is guilty now, even if he is sentenced to death, he should not be humiliated before death. It is best to hang him to give him a decent death. Death. In this way, His Majesty's benevolence and generosity can be demonstrated, and the meritorious ministers can feel relieved."
Li Shui didn't say anything. To be honest, he didn't understand these things of the ancients. How could he kill someone in so many ways? Wouldn't it be enough to eliminate him? Why bother to separate it into three, six or nine?
Ying Zheng looked at the courtiers and asked, "Do you think I should listen to these rumors?"
Chunyu Yue said: "I think there is some truth to these rumors."
Wang Wan shook his head: "You're a bad doctor. Wang Jian is a rebel. If he dies with dignity, how can we deter the rebels?"
Chunyu Yue said: "If Your Majesty can use this to let the world know that the current emperor is a benevolent monarch and a holy master, I'm afraid there will be no rebels, right?"
Ying Zheng looked at Li Xin again. Li Xin scratched his head and said, "They are both dead, and we are separated?"
Li Shui gave Li Xin a thumbs up.
Ying Zheng looked at Zhao Teng again.
Zhao Teng said: "I believe that the Qin Dynasty rules the world by law and should act in accordance with the laws. As for the rumors, ignore them. What do those stupid people in Guizhou know?"
Ying Zheng nodded and looked at Li Si.
Li Si said: "I have thought about it for a long time and believe that there are clearly people behind these rumors. These people want to use people's hearts to influence His Majesty's decision-making. These people are really hateful."
"Therefore, I suggest that we continue to investigate and investigate thoroughly. Those who spread rumors should be arrested together."
Ying Zheng seemed a little satisfied, with a smile on his face.
Wang Wan smoothed his beard and said with a smile: "It seems that the majority of people are in favor of heavy punishment."
Li Shui was a little helpless and said to Wang Wan: "Your Excellency, Prime Minister, I have not expressed my position yet."
Wang Wan said with a smile: "Isn't it true that banished immortals must avenge themselves and eradicate their roots? What? You won't ask for a woman's kindness this time, right? Wang Jian's grandson died in your hands, but his Wang family will never be destroyed. Can you feel at ease?"
Li Shui rolled his eyes: "Prime Minister, please don't slander me. Wang Li died because he lost the bet. He didn't die by my hands, he sought his own death."
Wang Wan waved his hand: "I won't argue with you about this. You just tell me how you plan to punish Wang Jian."
Li Shui said: "I suggest hanging."
Everyone present was stunned for a moment.
Even Ying Zheng was a little curious. This Li Shui... has changed his gender?
Li Shui said: "As Dr. Chunyu and the rumors said, hanging can reflect your majesty's benevolence."
Chunyu Yue said helplessly: "Exiled Immortal, I have nothing to do with those who spread rumors, so don't confuse them."
Li Shui chuckled.
Then he said to Ying Zheng: "Your Majesty did not kill Wang Jian to vent his anger, but because Wang Jian committed a capital crime."
"As for what the Prime Minister is worried about, how can hanging kill people who are willing to rebel? I think. First, other rebels may not have such great achievements as Wang Jian. Second, His Majesty chose to hang Wang Jian, which just shows that Your Majesty of confidence.”
"As for the rebels, Your Majesty is calm and kills them. Because Your Majesty believes that his Qin soldiers are strong and capable, and that the Qin Dynasty can pass on to all generations without difficulty."
"Because of this kind of self-confidence, His Majesty is too lazy to think of any punishment for some stupid rebels. It's just like swatting a fly to death or killing a mouse. This only makes the rebels more afraid and dare not easily rebellion."
Everyone present was slightly stunned, feeling that what Li Shui said... seemed to make some sense.
Li Shui said with a smile: "In this way, it will not only show your majesty's kindness, but also stabilize the Qin Dynasty. Why not do it?"
Ying Zheng nodded slowly.
Before, he thought that if Wang Jian was really hanged, it would be too easy for him. But now he felt that hanging Wang Jian was the greatest contempt for the enemy, which made him feel even more happy.
Li Si was a little unconvinced and said to Li Shui: "If Wang Jian hangs to death, then don't his accomplices need to be punished?"
Li Shui said: "That's not the case, you should be punished. The guilty will be punished according to the law. What does this have to do with Wang Jian?"
Li Si said: "People in the world will think that they have been implicated by Wang Jian. In this case, all the benevolence and kindness and gentleness and calmness mentioned by the immortal will be useless."
The courtiers nodded.
Li Shui said: "This is simple. Isn't Wang Jian in prison now? When Lord Tingwei searches for Wang Jian's accomplices, he only needs to say that these people were confessed by Wang Jian."
"Wang Jian said that they collaborated in rebellion, so he wanted to arrest them. There is no doubt about this, right? But after careful interrogation by the court, it was found that these people did not rebel, but only committed some minor violations of law and discipline. Therefore, the death penalty was changed to demotion. , isn’t that a great happy event?”
"That not only demonstrates His Majesty's kindness, but also His Majesty's clear understanding of the situation and his ability to not wrongly accuse any innocent person. The best of both worlds."
Everyone present was shocked.
After a long time, Ying Zheng said from the bottom of his heart: "Huai Guzi is truly a god."
Li Xin also said from the bottom of his heart: "Brother Huai, you couldn't have turned into a mountain monster, right?"
Chunyu Yue also said from the bottom of his heart: "Huai Guzi, are you still a human being?"
Li Shui rolled his eyes, and then said to Li Si: "I dare you to give Sir Tingwei a suggestion. Those who spread rumors on the street are probably Wang Jian's accomplices."
"Wang Jian is a rebel, and he is basically a stinker. Do these people want their lives? They dare to say good things to Wang Jian. Therefore, they must have something secret in their hearts, because as long as Wang Jian is punished lightly, they can avoid it and take it lightly."
Li Si nodded thoughtfully.
Ying Zheng said with satisfaction: "Okay, this matter is as settled."
Li Si said: "Your Majesty, are Wang Jian's three clans..."
Ying Zheng said calmly: "The Yi tribe."
Li Shui coughed dryly: "Your Majesty, do you think that maybe the Yi tribe is not necessary?"
Ying Zheng looked at Li Shui in confusion, and he suddenly smiled: "The banished immortal suddenly started doing good deeds today."
Everyone present laughed.
Li Shui said: "I feel that although the Yi people are happy, they are not the way to achieve long-term peace and stability."
Ying Zheng asked curiously: "What's the explanation?"
Li Shui said: "If one person rebels, three clans will be destroyed. This is equivalent to the fact that after a rebel appears in a family, his three clans will be forced to rebel. Anyway, no matter whether they rebel or not, they will all be killed. .”
"Therefore, it is better to check carefully and identify in detail. See who rebelled and who did not participate. Who reported it to the government and who did not report it. Then determine the punishment according to the seriousness of the crime. .”
"In this case, there will be rebels again. I am afraid that the first reaction of his three clans will not be to support him, but to report to the government. In this way, the rebels will be much easier to eradicate. Even before they can rise up, the government A report has been received.”
"Or, after they failed, they wanted to seek refuge with relatives and friends to make a comeback. As a result, instead of accepting them, these relatives and friends might kidnap them and send them to the government."
"If only the guilty are punished, those relatives and friends who rebelled against the thieves will be convinced. In the name of revenge for relatives and friends, there will be very few people who are hostile to my country, Da Qin."
Ying Zheng nodded and said to Li Si: "Let's handle Wang Jian's case this way. If it works, it will become a rule. As the emperor, I shall comply with the destiny of heaven and win the hearts of the people."
Li Si responded.
After coming out of Ying Zheng's study, Li Si and Wang Wan fell behind.
Li Si sighed: "Now that Huaiguzi is chatting in front of His Majesty, he is no longer the little alchemist who just entered the court and doesn't know every word. I, the court lieutenant, have simply become a petty official under him. Listen, He just ordered things to be done."
Wang Wan smiled bitterly: "Who isn't?"
Li Si asked Wang Wan: "Prime Minister? Do we have to wait any longer?"
Wang Wan snorted: "There's no rush. Let him and Chun Yuyue fight until both sides suffer. By then, it won't be too late for us to take action."
Li Si frowned and said, "Chun Yu Yue is an upright gentleman, how can he fight against this shameless villain?"
Wang Wan smiled: "It is precisely because he is a gentleman that he can't catch anything. Even though the whole body of Huaiguzi is a mouth, Chunyu Yue has no place for him to eat. In this way, Chunyu Yue has already established himself. A place of defeat.”
Li Si nodded in agreement.
Little did they know that Chunyu Yue, who was not far away, stroked his beard and nodded slightly to Li Shui: "I have always disapproved of the Lian Si method. Today's remarks about banishing immortals have shaken Lian Si's attitude even a little bit. Foundation. I have to say that although you are shameless, deep down in your heart, there is still a distinction between good and evil."
After saying this, Chunyu Yue seemed to feel a little embarrassed and walked away quickly.
Li Shui looked at his back and said to himself: "Dr. Chunyu, is he really praising me?"
Li Xin, who was standing next to him, looked sympathetic: "Brother Huai, he always praises people like this."
