Entering the lobby of the Ministry of Punishment, I did not see Ge Hong, the Minister of Punishment. Instead, Zhao Rushu, the Minister of Punishment, was laughing and joking with a group of officials. I don't know what they were talking about.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
Seeing Zhao Hong appear, all the officials stood up and saluted.
Zhao Hong returned the gift, but Zhao Rushu still just sat and cupped his hands casually.
"Shilang Zhao, Liu Kezhuang and others are my friends. I would like to meet them and would like to ask Prime Minister Zhao to make it convenient for me."
Zhao Hong remained calm and sat down opposite Zhao Rushu.
"Your Highness, Liu Kezhuang and others are the wanted criminals, we are waiting for..."
Another official replied with a smile on his face, but when Zhao Hong stared at him with cold eyes, the words stuck in his throat, he lowered his head and did not dare to speak anymore.
"Xianggong Zhao, I would like to meet Liu Kezhuang and the others, and I would like to ask Xianggong Zhao to grant his permission."
Zhao Hong looked calm and bowed his hands again.
"Your Highness, I'm sorry. Liu Kezhuang and others have committed heinous crimes, and there is nothing I can do about it."
Zhao Rushu said coldly, stood up and bowed his hands.
"I am busy with official duties. If Your Highness has nothing else to do, I will take my leave first."
Zhao Rushu was about to leave coldly, and the fire in Zhao Hong's heart suddenly burst out.
Ge Hong, the Secretary of the Ministry of Punishments, this old boy must be hiding from him because he is afraid of offending Shi Miyuan!
"May I ask, are you Zhao Rushu, the Minister of Justice?"
Zhao Hong stood up, took a few steps forward, and blocked Zhao Rushu's path.
When the emperor made himself the prince, this guy was very picky. Now he still dares to play tricks and stir up trouble, but it seems that he still refuses to change his ways.
"Your Highness, you clearly know, why bother asking again?"
Zhao Rushu rolled his eyes strangely, full of arrogance.
"Your Highness, this is the lobby of the Ministry of Justice, please respect yourself!"
As a descendant of the Song Dynasty clan, he was two generations older than Zhao Hong, so he did not take seriously the prince Zhao Hong who could be his grandson at this age.
"Respect yourself? Respect yourself, uncle!"
Zhao Hong was so angry that he ran away.
"Zhao Rushu, you still know that your surname is Zhao. I thought your surname was Shi. During the Jingkang Disgrace, your great-grandfather Zhao Shi said that after the Second Emperor was taken captive, he went north, crossed the Yellow River and cursed the Jurchens before he died. As a descendant of the clan, you, Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, you are willing to be Shi Miyuan's lackey, how can you meet your great-grandfather, and how can you meet the ancestors of the Zhao family?"
Being old and not dying is a thief. This Zhao Rushu is just like that, a shameless old thief.
Why did the Zhao family, the royal family of the Song Dynasty, come up with these spineless things?
"Zhao Hong, how can you be so unreasonable? You don't distinguish between young and old, and you are full of filthy words. What qualifications do you have to roar in the lobby of the Criminal Department?"
Zhao Rushu was so angry that his face turned red and his neck thickened. His blood pressure increased and he almost fell to the ground.
If someone who is two generations younger scolds his ancestors, is there any etiquette for his elders?
"This is the lobby of the Ministry of Justice. I thought this was Shi Miyuan's back hall. I would like to ask you, who gave you the power to do whatever you want and arrest others and imprison them? Do you have the imperial edict to be the emperor?"
Zhao Hong scolded angrily.
Zhao Kuo, an official of the Song Dynasty, was seriously ill in bed and could not sign and approve the imperial edict. Shi Miyuan must have taken over for him.
However, Shi Miyuan was the Prime Minister and Privy Council Envoy. He had sole power. He made decisions in the house and in the bed. Any discussions in the political hall were bullshit. This was nothing new.
Yang Yi's eyes widened, and he stood stupidly, watching Zhao Hong's performance, and even forgot to come forward to persuade him.
Other officials were even more frightened, and no one dared to step forward to dissuade him, for fear that they would become victims.
"The Prime Minister has given the order, do you still need to report it to you, the crown prince? Who do you think you are?"
Zhao Rushu said angrily with saliva flying everywhere.
Is this guy losing his mind and going crazy? He actually yelled at himself, the Minister of Punishment, in the lobby of the Punishment Department.
"Who am I? I, Niang, am the current crown prince? Shi Miyuan is a bullshit bastard, and you are the son of a bastard! What's the point of arresting a few scholars who have no ability to resist? Why are you here to arrest me? You shameless bastard Son of a bitch!"
The accumulation of pressure over the past few days suddenly caused Zhao Hong to have a seizure.
Zhao Hong was hysterical. The officials from the Ministry of Justice in the lobby were dumbfounded. Yang Yi on the side was frightened.
How could this Zhao Hong use so many vulgar words and even scold him on the street?
This shocked her but also made her extremely enjoyable.
Compared with Emperor Qin, Han Wu, and Emperor Zhao Hong of Tang and Song Dynasties, this moment is really a bastard thing, very down-to-earth.
"Zhao Hong, you... use foul language... you are really unreasonable!"
Zhao Rushu was trembling with anger, the veins on his forehead were furious, and he spoke intermittently.
"Zhao Rushu, you old man, do you deserve to be named Zhao? You are a scum of the Zhao family! I feel ashamed to be named Zhao because of you! Why don't you change your surname to Shi? Why don't you die?"
Zhao Hong cursed angrily, pointing at all the officials in the lobby of the Criminal Department, and raised his voice an octave.
"Tomorrow I will take a copy of your book and a copy of your Ministry of Punishment. You arrest people without permission and seize their property. What kind of Ministry of Punishment are you? Do you enforce the laws of that dynasty? Let me tell you, Liu Kezhuang, Chen Qi, Zeng Ji and the others are all my friends, Zhao Hong. If any of them lose a hair, I, Zhao Hong, will never let you go!"
Anyway, if Zhao Kuo cannot go to court, what can Shi Miyuan do to him? Let's go crazy here today, attack these vicious dogs, and force out the old man Ge Hong.
Do you really think you are a fool for using Zhao Rushu as a shield?
"Zhao Hong, please do as you wish! Don't be arrogant in the Criminal Department, don't make such nonsense here, get out of here right now!"
All the officials from the Criminal Department in the hall were obedient, with apologetic smiles on their faces. Zhao Rushu was so angry that he shouted angrily.
What he did was a sinister thing and he didn't have enough confidence. He just wanted Zhao Hong to leave quickly.
"You want me to get out? You shameless old man, what shame do you have in this world!"
Zhao Hong couldn't bear it anymore, so he took a step forward and slapped him hard.
With a "pop", Zhao Rushu took half a step back, covered his face, pointed at Zhao Hong, and his lips trembled.
"Zhao... Hong, you dare to hit... me!"
All the officials in the hall stared wide-eyed. Even Yang Yi subconsciously covered his mouth and looked at Zhao Hong in disbelief.
Why is this guy so violent today?
"Hit you? Where is the knife that is used to step on the horse? I will kill you, the shameless old thief, and bring peace to the Song Dynasty!"
Zhao Hong looked around and went straight to the government servant at the entrance of the lobby, looking like he was about to grab the knife.
The two yamen servants were so panicked that they ran out of the hall without even having time to exchange glances. The officials from the Ministry of Justice in the hall did not dare to be spectators anymore, so they quickly stepped forward and hugged Zhao Hong tightly.
"Your Highness, calm down, calm down!"
"Your Highness, Your Highness, we have something to discuss, so don't be impulsive!"
The officials tried to comfort him one after another and held Zhao Hong tightly, fearing that he would be so angry that he would actually kill Zhao Rushu.
The descendants of the royal family of Zhao and Song were killing each other in the lobby of the Ministry of Justice. If something really happened, none of them, the officials present, could escape their involvement.
Zhao Rushu's face turned pale, and he was pulled by two officials and fled to the back hall tremblingly.
"Old thief, please leave!"
Zhao Hong's wild beast-like roar could still be heard from behind.
"Your Highness, calm down, why are you doing this?"
A round-faced official with a fluttering white beard came out with a smile on his face and saluted Zhao Hong.
He waved his hand gently, and the officials on the side let go of their hands, but they were still in an ambush posture to prevent Zhao Hong from making a sudden appearance.
"Ge Shangshu, Ge Xianggong, became so angry at the next moment that Xianggong Ge laughed!"
The anger just now disappeared, Zhao Hong's face was full of spring breeze, and he saluted Ge Hong, the Minister of Punishment.
Look at how old Ge Hong is, he must be at least seventy. Why is he still in office? He is really dedicated.
If you love your job so much, you won’t be able to earn anything after retirement, right?
This old boy may have been watching the fire from the other side for a long time, but he finally showed up as a last resort!
Seeing that Zhao Hong returned to normal, the officials walked away one after another.
Yang Yi felt relieved when he saw Zhao Hong's friendly face, but was secretly surprised.
This Zhao Hong, why can he fall out faster than flipping through a book? It was clear that there had been thunder and rage just now, but now it was calm and drizzle, and people were talking and laughing. It was really hard to guess.
No wonder her aunt said that Zhao Hong was too scheming and the city was too deep. When she saw him today, she was amazed.
"Your Highness, the case of Chen Qi and Liu Kezhuang was supervised by Prime Minister Shi, and we were just following orders. I hope that Your Highness will show your kindness."
Ge Hong's face was glowing, he was amiable and energetic, which Zhao Hong secretly admired.
If I were this age, I wonder if I would be so energetic?
"You all stand down."
Ge Hong waved his hand, and the surrounding officials retreated.
Obviously, he didn't want these people to hear his conversation with Zhao Hong.
As for Yang Yi, Empress Yang's niece, since Zhao Hong doesn't care, she proves to be someone Zhao Hong trusts.
"Xianggong Ge, I would like to ask, can people like Chen Qi and Liu Kezhuang really not be acquitted?"
The two sat down separately and Zhao Hong asked softly.
This Ge Hong is really an old fritter. With such a smooth person in charge of the Ministry of Punishment, the Ministry of Punishment still has majesty, and the court still has majesty, can they still enforce the law like a mountain?
This guy Shi Miyuan is causing endless harm.
"Your Highness, I have just said that the case of "Jiang Hu Ji" was supervised by Prime Minister Shi, and I was just following orders. Since they are His Highness's friends, I must let the officials treat them well and not let them suffer. Your Highness What do you think?"
Ge Hong replied with a smile, not leaking.
"Ge Shangshu, what will you do with them?"
Zhao Hong asked directly without talking nonsense.
"Chen Qi's matter is not serious. Someone has already pleaded for mercy. Maybe they will be lenient, but don't even think about opening the bookstore. As for Zeng Ji and Liu Kezhuang, I'm afraid they will be exiled. They will be escorted out of Beijing after the verdict in five or six days."
Ge Hong said thoughtfully.
"Mr. Ge, there is no room for easing things?"
Zhao Hong still didn’t give up.
Exiled to a narrow escape, something unexpected happened on the road, and there was no evidence of death.
"Your Highness, Zeng Ji and Liu Kezhuang are thorns in the flesh of the Prime Minister and the Supervising Censor Li Zhixiao. The Prime Minister is furious and it may be difficult to escape!"
Ge Hong glanced around and continued in a low voice:
"Your Highness, the post of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment is only temporary. Maybe it won't be long before I go to the Ministry of Works."
"Xianggong Ge, it's not difficult for me to help you. But if I can postpone the exile of these people for half a month, I will be grateful and I will give you a generous reward!"
Zhao Hong also whispered, with a smile hidden in his eyes.
The old youtiao's intentions are self-evident. He will find another job soon, and these matters in the Criminal Department will have nothing to do with him.
In this case, let him use his spare energy.
Ge Hong smiled and said nothing, just stroking his white beard.
Zhao Hong gestured to Yang Yi, who looked at him confused.
"What are you staring at? Why are you here?"
Zhao Hong had no choice but to glare and stretch out his hand.
"Oh! Here you go!"
Yang Yi suddenly realized it and quickly took out the money bag from his arms and handed it to Zhao Hong.
"Mr. Ge, please!"
Zhao Hong handed over the money bag and Ge Hong took it, opened it and looked at it with a smile on his face.
"Don't worry, Your Highness, I will do my best!"
It was full of golden gold collars. This Zhao Hong spent so much money on a few idlers. He was really a waste of money.
Ge Hong put away his money bag with a natural expression.
I can find some excuse to handle the case slowly, as long as it doesn't affect the judgment.
"Thank you very much, Xianggong Ge! Farewell!"
Zhao Hong stood up and said goodbye to Ge Hong.
This old man openly accepted bribes in the lobby of the Criminal Department and did not shy away from it at all. The corruption of officialdom in the Southern Song Dynasty is evident.
No wonder the Southern Song Dynasty is about to perish, and the immortality cannot be tolerated!
"Your Highness, your confidante and Empress Yang's niece is great!"
Ge Hong looked at Yang Yi, his dim old eyes shining brightly.
Yang Yi looked at Zhao Hong, who was smiling and saying nothing, and his face turned red.
soulmate? This lewd and greedy old man has quite poisonous eyes.
"I just don't know, does Queen Yang agree?"
Zhao Hong whispered in Ge Hong's ear.
Ge Hong and Zhao Hong looked at each other and both laughed.
Zhao Hong and Yang Yi left. Ge Hong looked at the backs of them leaving intimately and shook his head, with envy, jealousy and hatred in his eyes.
He stood up and was about to leave when Zhao Rushu came out of the back hall with an ugly face.
"Xiangong Ge, I want to interrogate the criminals of "Jianghu Poetry Collection". I hope Xianggong Ge will not stop him. Otherwise, the Prime Minister will not be able to explain!"
Zhao Rushu was fierce and the slap marks on his face were eye-catching. It seemed that Zhao Hong's slap was not light.
Ge Hong looked at him, still smiling.
"Mr. Zhao, please be patient. I will go look at the files and find some witnesses and physical evidence to solidify the case and leave no doubts to others. Don't you think so?"
Without saying hello, Zhao Rushu took the government officials to seize and arrest people. He really thought he was the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment! Does he still see himself as the real Minister of the Ministry of Justice?
"Xianggong Ge, but from Prime Minister Shi's side..."
Zhao Rushu was still insisting, but Ge Hong interrupted him.
"Ms. Zhao, I naturally know what Prime Minister Shi means. I also want the evidence to be conclusive and there are no mistakes. Don't worry, I will handle it on my own and will not embarrass Mr. Zhao."
Zhao Rushu wanted to continue, but Ge Hong had already handed him over and left, leaving Zhao Rushu alone in the lobby in a daze.
Zhao Hong and Yang Yi left the lobby of the Ministry of Justice, and Yang Yi was worried.
"Your Highness, why do you want the old man with the white beard to postpone his exile? What's the point? Is it useful?"
"I said that when the official gets better, the case will be re-sentenced. Do you believe it?"
Zhao Hong said it softly without comment.
At this point, all we can do is delay it one day at a time and find another way.
"What should we do now? Just forget it?"
Yang Yi asked frustratedly, with a look of reluctance on his face.
Just returning without success, isn't it a waste of effort?
"Now we can only go back and see if we can get a decree from the officials to save Liu Kezhuang and the others."
We can only wait until Zhao Kuo's condition gets better before we can discuss the matter.
"This guy Shi Miyuan, how has he managed the world with his wanton behavior? He really deserves to be killed!"
Yang Yi burst into anger.
Zhao Hong shook his head secretly. It's not like your aunt tolerated and cultivated a traitor and cultivated such a traitor and evil person, so much so that raising a tiger would cause trouble.
The two returned to the palace and came to Funing Hall. As expected, they were told by Li Gu that Zhao Kuo was sleepy and unable to write the imperial edict.
The two of them had no choice but to leave the dormitory, both worried.
I don’t know when Zhao Kuo will wake up and whether he can help them again.
"Your Highness, do you want to go to Linghan Pavilion to see the plum blossoms?"
Finally, Liu Kezhuang and the others were taken care of by Ge Hong. Yang Yi was temporarily relieved and had other thoughts.
"Looking at the plum blossoms?"
Zhao Hong was slightly startled, and his eyes inadvertently glanced at the evasive figure in the distance. Zhao Hong's movements became much closer, and the person became extremely enthusiastic.
"Look at you, you've been busy for a long time and your head is wet!"
As beautiful as jade, Zhao Hong took a handkerchief and gently wiped away the raindrops on Yang Yi's forehead and face.
Yang Yi blushed and looked around nervously, his face full of shyness and his eyes full of joy.
"Your Highness, let's go see the plum blossoms. The fragrance is so fragrant and so spectacular!"
Yang Yi said happily and stepped forward.
"Wait for me!"
Zhao Hong followed and when he put the handkerchief back, he saw the small word "春" in the corner of the handkerchief and couldn't help but feel confused.
Since we said goodbye to Huai River, I haven't seen Yan Chun for a long time.
"Your Highness, hurry up! Don't get wet!"
Yang Yi urged from the front.
"coming!"
Zhao Hong recovered his thoughts, put down his handkerchief, and followed closely.
This handkerchief can't be seen by Yang Yi again.
Seeing Zhao Hong and Yang Yi talking and laughing, with an intimate attitude, Yang Guizhi frowned slightly in a pavilion, with a faint look in his eyes.
The meaning is probably only known to her.
