Zheng Yi was very clear about the process of formulating the Holy Book of Punishment. When Yuwen Yun came to the throne, he not only killed Yuwen Xian's family but also killed Yuwen Xiaobo, Yuwen Shenju, the uncle of the Wanggui clan.
Later, in order to seize Yuchi Chifan, he killed his uncle and brother Yu Wenliang and his family, which frightened the government and the public. In order to calm people's hearts, Yu Wenyun gave the order.
"Abolish the criminal law promulgated by the late emperor and grant amnesty to the world."
As a result, the lawless people became more unscrupulous and committed all kinds of evil, which made the people's resentment boil again. In order to suppress the people's desire to rebel, Yu Wenyun personally presided over Liu Pi and wrote the new more harsh punishments.
During the writing process, Yu Wenyun also sang a double act with Liu Pi. One sang and the other joined together. In the newly formulated code, some artificial regulations that seemed to be intended to tease people were added because Liu Pi was dissatisfied with the people's actions.
"Your Majesty, just write this and kill all those untouchables in the world."
Liu Pi, who usually behaved badly, made a small mistake six months ago and Yu Wen Yun found out about it. He gave Liu Pi 40 canes without discrimination and left Liu Pi lying at home for several days to recuperate until Yu Wen Yun returned from Luoyang this time. Then he returned to the palace as an errand.
While Zheng Yi was reading Yang Jian's newly revised punishment book, he was recalling some past events. Yu Wenyun saw Zheng Yi being absent-minded and suddenly wondered.
"Do you think the two things that happened today were accidental?"
"It is indeed a coincidence. Two embarrassing things came together."
Zheng Yi didn't look at Yu Wenyun's face and still followed his own train of thought.
"Le Sheng was born to be such a dabbler. Don't forget to keep it in your heart when he talks nonsense. When the late emperor was in power, didn't he say whatever he wanted? He loved to show off in front of officials. As for Yang Wenyou, he was even more talkative. It’s so fast that it makes no sense.”
Yu Wenyun suddenly interrupted Zheng Yi.
"Don't you see that these two incidents were caused by this torture scroll?"
Zheng Yi quickly knelt down and said goodbye.
"From what I have learned, neither Yang Wenyou nor Le Sheng have ever seen that booklet. Didn't it say in the preface of the booklet that only 30 copies were printed in total and it was a manuscript for soliciting opinions only. "
"It's clearly written in black and white. Isn't it quick to spread the word? Although they haven't seen the manuscript, they have heard about it, right?"
Yu Wenyun said with a blue face and gritted teeth.
"Yang Jian did this openly to challenge others. In the past, some people said that Yang Jian had a disloyal heart. My father still trusted him even though he didn't trust him. Look, my father-in-law has shown his true colors now that he has become the prime minister. Come on."
After hearing this, Zheng Yi was speechless and turned around and left.
Yang Jian, who had not seen any movement for several days, felt more and more uneasy. After the torture scriptures were finished and re-engraved into a book, Yang Jian sent people to the rooftop so that Yu Wenyun could see him at a glance when he returned to the palace.
"We hope that after reading this, your Majesty will understand the good intentions of many ministers."
The day before yesterday, Yang Jian sent Li Shun to Zheng Yi's house with a heavy gift. He wanted to know from Zheng Yi's mouth the opinions of the emperor and his ministers on the newly revised code. He never thought that Zheng Yi had gone out for a night of entertainment and did not return. Li Shunkong waited for a long time and still didn't get it. Got a hint of tone.
Early last night, Yang Jian went to the Tiantai Palace to meet his son-in-law and listen to the instructions from the eunuch.
"Your Majesty, I am tired from the journey and need to rest. I don't see anyone right now."
Yang Jian waited until the afternoon before receiving the news that Yu Wenyun was going to court, Yang Jian thought to himself.
"The Holy Spirit must have read the newly revised code, and he was extremely angry and wanted to declare our treason in front of all the civil and military officials. If this is true, he will really let down the hearts of us all in Chicheng."
In the evening, Yang Jian had just taken a few mouthfuls of rice, then put the bowl and chopsticks aside angrily and said to Li Shun.
"Ready your horse."
Li Shundao.
"Brother, we have seen how worried you are in the past few days and asked people to prepare such a delicious dish for you. It won't be too late to go after you finish the meal."
Instead of riding in a car or a sedan, Yang Jian and Li Shun each led a horse out of the back door of Yang's house and went straight to Zheng Yi's house. Before they had gone far, they saw a group of people and horses running towards them.
Li Shun's eyes immediately shook the whip in his hand and shouted.
"It's Mr. Zheng."
People on both sides reined in the horse ropes at the same time and saw Zheng Yi asking.
"Master Yang, where are you going?"
"Where else can we go?"
Yang Jian continued.
"We were just going to visit you at your house."
Zheng Yi thought about it while riding on the horse and then said.
"It's better to go to your house. There are so many people coming and going in our house that it's difficult to discuss matters."
Yang Jian and Li Shun turned their horses and welcomed Zheng Yi and his group into the Yang Mansion. Li Shun then invited Zheng Yi's entourage to drink and dine, but Zheng Yi followed Yang Jian into the study.
Yang Jian eagerly asked questions before the guests and hosts were seated.
"We would like to ask, has your Majesty seen the newly revised punishment book by the Prime Minister's Office?"
"That's why we came here."
Zheng Yi said softly.
"You've got yourself into big trouble."
Although Yang Jian had long been prepared, when he heard the word "catastrophe" coming out of Zheng Yi's mouth, his whole body trembled and his heart instantly went cold.
The study was surprisingly quiet. After the two people sat down, Yang Jian asked again.
"Did you read that brochure?"
"Your Majesty asked us to look through it, but we only read the front part."
"Brother Zheng Yi, what do you think of our modifications?"
Zheng Yi couldn't help but smile bitterly.
"It doesn't work if we say yes, brother, your official position is getting bigger and bigger, but why is your head still so stubborn? Some people say that you are unpredictable, but we think you are too incompetent in the officialdom."
"First tell me your personal views on the new code."
Zheng Yi shook his head and said.
"Well, the first element of being an official is to distinguish right from wrong. In fact, you and I are both classmates of Taixue, and we can't stand what your Majesty does. After reading your newly revised Criminal Classics, I really admire you from the bottom of my heart. , your brother grasped the root of the matter as soon as he took office. If the implementation of your code can indeed stabilize the current government, then the people's hearts can be stabilized."
"Is this what's in your heart?"
"Of course."
Zheng Yi said.
"If we don't realize that you have the ability to govern the country, can we recommend you to be the Grand Sima to the Holy One? Later, we will recommend you to be the Prime Minister."
Yang Jian asked in confusion.
"Then why can't you state your true thoughts clearly to Yu Wenyun?"
"Look at how stubborn you are again, aren't you?"
Zheng Yi shook his head and continued.
"Don't you know the virtue of the Holy One? He doesn't care whether what you do is correct. He only thinks that you are challenging his authority again and making trouble. As for your son-in-law, what you just said about being an official must distinguish right from wrong. It is absolutely untenable. Even if the Holy One knows that he is wrong, he will not allow you to point fingers at him. In the past, Yu Wenxian, Yuwen Xiaobo, Wang Gui, and the late emperor all tried their best to persuade your son-in-law to take the right path every day. What's the result now? No one in the world doesn't hate him. Think about it, our lives are in other people's hands. Can we influence other people's saints with just one or two words?"
There was another moment of silence in the study, and the two of them just drank tea in silence for a long time before Yang Jian spoke again.
"Did you know that since the promulgation of the Xingjing, there has been a lot of anger and resentment. Now the Northern Zhou Empire is on the verge of collapse, so there is an urgent need for someone to come out and turn the tide."
"We are not stupid. If we don't talk about anything else, let's just say that Le Sheng scolded the Holy Father in the court a few days ago. He really looked forward to death, but the ending is still the same."
Zheng Yi said again in a low mood.
"This afternoon, we told Liu Pi that the Holy One was angry with you. The Book of Punishment was written by him and the Holy One together. It was also mixed with Liu Pi's personal grievances against the people. He was trapped in a cocoon because of this. suffering."
"What's wrong with Liu Pi?"
Zheng Yi continued.
"He was beaten because of a small mistake, and the Holy Father was aware of it. He was gloating about it, but Liu Pi couldn't bear it anymore and rested at home for several months. He didn't go to the palace to work again until the day before yesterday."
"If this continues, what hope will there be for the legacy that the late Emperor worked so hard to create? Mr. Zheng, have you ever thought about your future?"
After that, Yang Jian looked at his childhood classmate from Taixue with melancholy eyes.
"You know our character. We're used to being lazy. We can only sing whatever songs we go to in the mountains and muddle along."
Zheng Yi turned around and asked Yang Jiandao.
"What about you? The Holy Emperor will settle the score with you tomorrow. You first think about how to pass the test of the Holy Emperor tomorrow."
"Yes, this level is dangerous. No matter whether we can pass it or not, let's just endure it."
Yang Jian's mood was so heavy at the moment that he didn't know what to do.
"No matter what, we have to thank you for coming to give us a little message at this critical moment."
"Mr. Yang, there's no need to say more polite words. You can do it tomorrow."
As Zheng Yi said this, he stood up and planned to say goodbye. Yang Jian sent Zheng Yi out when he saw a few black figures running around in the courtyard and then quickly disappeared into the shadow of the pomegranate tree at the door.
Yang Jian sent the guests out of the hospital. Zheng Yi and a few followers got on their horses and drove away. After Yang Jian said to Li Shun on the side.
"We just came out of the house and saw a shadow moving in the yard. Why do you think that shadow is a bit unfamiliar?"
"Yeah?"
Li Shun said with a disapproving smile.
"That's natural, because your old friends are here. If it were the Yang family, you would think they look familiar."
"It should be Pang Huang who is here, right?"
Yang Jian suddenly realized.
"He must have something urgent to do when he comes so late. Let's take a look."
After saying that, he hurriedly turned around and entered the courtyard. As soon as Yang Jian and Li Shun crossed the threshold, they saw Pang Huang and deputy general Yuan Wan coming over to greet them.
Pang Huang said quickly.
"The Prime Minister was shocked. Wouldn't it be nice for us to talk in the spacious courtyard of the Prime Minister's Mansion with the north wind blowing?"
Several people sat down around a stone table in the yard. Tea and snacks were arranged on the stone table. It was obvious that Pang Huang and Yuan Wan had been here for a long time, but Yang Jian had not noticed it.
Li Shun quickly gathered his servants to make another pot of hot tea and a plate of fresh snacks.
"Come, let's talk while eating and try Jia Luo's craftsmanship."
Pang Huang said as he ate.
"This evening, the eldest grandson Lan, who is in charge of the palace guards, came to me and said that tomorrow the Holy Emperor will summon you to the palace to investigate you for tampering with the law without authorization. He also ordered eldest grandson Lan to ambush the swordsmen and axemen on the left and right sides of the Tiantai Hall tomorrow, waiting for you to be unprepared. Or he will kill him when you are a little scared, so he asked us to tell you that you must not show your sharpness tomorrow and respond calmly to keep you safe."
Li Shun cursed at the side when Pang Huang said this.
"This old boy Yu Wenyun is so vicious."
Yang Jian, who was sitting aside, took a sip of tea and said to Pang Huang without saying anything.
"Zheng Yi came to my house just now and seemed to be talking about this matter, but he hasn't talked about how Yu Wenyun will deal with us. It seems that the situation is quite serious. You and I need to be prepared tonight."
It was a dark and windy night for a month, and now we were entering a late autumn. The trees were covered with fruits, and the leaves had not yet fallen. In the courtyard, there was only the sound of wind and the rustling of leaves.
Among the few people, only Li Shun was the most shocked. After Yang Jian became prime minister, Li Shun mostly took care of the housework in the house. He didn't know much about what Yang Jian did in the court, but he suddenly heard that Yang Jian was at a critical moment of life and death. It was difficult to accept it, so he said.
"Brother, instead of just sitting there and waiting for death, why don't we gather the personal guards tonight and rush into the palace. If we are really defeated, we will go to Qinling Luocao."
"How can you, a brother, harm your brother? Isn't it ridiculous to let the prime minister go into the mountains and let grass fall?"
Pang Huang shook his head and said.
"Don't do anything impulsively. You have to wait and see what happens. In fact, Changsun Lan couldn't bear the news today. He killed Zhongliang first. A few days ago, Yu Wenyun went to court and ordered people to kill Lesheng and Yang Wenyou. Changsun Lan was very sad. I am so distraught that we should take this opportunity to discuss with him. Tomorrow, we will use the signal of raising fire to have Changsun Lan open the city gate and kill Hunjun."
Li Shun seemed to be crazy and shouted angrily at Yang Jian.
"This won't work, that won't work. Brother, where is your bravery back then? Take it out now and say something to hurt my brother. Your good son-in-law can kill Minister Gu Ming today and dare to kill your girl Yang Lihua tomorrow. Brother, do you have to wait for that old boy Yu Wenyun to strike first?"
Yang Jian sat on the stone bench again and said without being humble or arrogant.
"We know that you all have good intentions, but with the troops and horses we have now, even if we don't conspire with Changsun Lan to deal with the palace guards, it is enough. What's more, Changsun Lan's heart is already towards us. The biggest The problem is that such recklessness is unjust and unjust. At that time, the Nanchen in the south, the Turks in the north, and the remaining forces of the Northern Qi will all target us. Everyone hates Yu Wenyun's actions now. If we want The situation of conspiracy to usurp the throne is different. First of all, can the Yuwen family, which is powerful and well-established, tolerate it? In addition, the princes from all over the world who do not know what is going on will not agree. We don't want to follow Dong Zhuo's failure in the end because of his eagerness for quick success and quick gain. People want to be under the roof. Learn to bow your head, and even if we go tomorrow, I am Yu Wenyun's father-in-law in name, and it will not be so easy for him to kill us. Yu Wenyun knows that a slap can't make a difference, so we can't take it lightly, and all measures must be meticulous. Be considerate, and the other three, Gao Xi, Su Wei, and Pei Zheng, will try to move to a safe place tonight."
Li Shun spoke again.
"Brother, what are you talking about? Do you need to go to such trouble? Let me say that tomorrow we will gather an army to bloodbath the Tiantai Palace, and then kill that stupid emperor Yu Wenchan and promote my brother to be the emperor."
"Shut up. If you keep talking nonsense, don't blame me for being rude to you."
Yang Jian slapped Li Shun's face with his backhand, causing everyone to calm down.
After discussion, Yang Jian decided that everyone would act separately tomorrow.
