"Silence, silence!" shouted the censors on duty in the palace. When the halberd captains of the Winged Dragon Guard saw the general raising the flag in his hand, they knocked the halberd poles on the floor three times in unison. Next, it was quiet again in the main hall.
Now, it was so quiet that even the mosquitoes didn’t dare to snort.
Zhao Tuo's face looked very ugly, and he clenched his teeth tightly. He knows that the charges of corruption, dereliction of duty, and selling out one's official position are irrelevant. What's going on with this "***"?
Moreover, once someone stabs him in front of him, the evidence will most likely have been obtained. If there is really evidence, Cui Junyong's matter will not end well!
In fact, in his heart, he wanted to let Hou Xie retreat first, and of course he had to do it in a graceful and dignified manner, and then bring in the fat Zhu Zhanzhen.
In this way, there were at least two people close to the imperial power in the cabinet, and Han Wei, who did not have much ambition, set the basic tone for this cabinet.
The young emperor originally calculated that Yang Zhen was an old minister, and Xie, Zheng and others would not dare to move. Behind Hou Xie stood the famous general Changyi Marquis Li Gengsan, and they probably did not dare to provoke him.
He summoned Han Wei alone once a day in the name of consultation. When the news spread, those in the outer court must have understood that Han Wei was about to be re-employed, and then they would have no choice but to bully the soft-tempered Cui Junyong.
Unexpectedly, he openly built the plank road and secretly visited Chencang. The actual purpose was to let Hou Xie go down and then help Fatty Zhu enter the cabinet.
He even proudly thought that when those ministers learned of his decision, they would be so angry that their waists would flash!
But what Zhao Tuo didn't expect was that I could help you to deal with any charges against Mr. Cui. This is against moral ethics, how can you deal with it? Even if Zhao Tuogui were the emperor, he would not dare to protect his ministers in the face of the contempt of the people of the world!
"Go to the Metropolitan Procuratorate and tell the censor Hu Ximin to wait." He gritted his teeth secretly, and then slowly took the memorial while Liu Wei, the Huangmen servant, sent people outside the palace to go to the Metropolitan Procuratorate. Get up, turn it over, open it line by line and read it.
After reading it, the emperor raised his head and glanced at the minister who was still standing under His Majesty Dan: "Tao Yun, have you read this memorial and have you warned Hu?"
When Tao Yun heard what was said, he felt that the emperor was a little angry. He swallowed and hurriedly supported Yaqiu and bowed: "Your Majesty, the memorial concerns important officials of the imperial court. How dare I submit the memorial without reading it? I also warned him that if If you make unsubstantiated statements or exaggerate, you should stand up against them!"
"Yes." After hearing this, the emperor looked aside and asked, "Chief Assistant, what do you think?"
Although there was a bit of chill in the hall in autumn, fire dragons were flowing underground, so if you put your hands on the gold bricks on the ground, you wouldn't feel the cold, but Yang Zhen still felt cold all over his body.
Ji Congxie (Ji Guoliang) had just left, and now someone suddenly wanted to impeach Cui Junyong, which had to arouse his great vigilance. The people around him are being eliminated by others, and the fact that they can come up with such accusations shows that the other party has been intent on doing so for a long time.
"I...," he was thinking wildly in his mind. When he heard the emperor calling him, he trembled all over and knelt down quickly to plead guilty: "I am guilty of not being strict with you. Your Majesty, please punish me!"
"Hey, I'm asking for your family's opinion, and I'm not blaming you. Besides, even if this matter is true, the main point is that I have lost my moral character, so what does it have to do with you? I love you, you are too worried, Liu Daban, please help him up." Zhao Tuo suppressed the unhappiness in his heart and signaled to Eunuch Liu.
Yang Zhen was helped to his feet, nodded to Eunuch Liu to thank him, then glanced at Cui Junyong who was sweating beside him, sighed in his heart, saluted upward and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe that the matter involves an important minister of the country, so we should handle it carefully. We must not only save the face of the country, but also maintain the confidentiality of the court. Therefore, the trial of this case should be jointly participated by the Ministry of Punishment, the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and the Dali Temple Imperial Guards, and no A public hearing is appropriate.
As for Mr. Cui, before the charges are determined, I suggest that he not be detained for the time being and that he should be placed under home confinement. After the investigation is completed and the charges are clear, he will be arrested and brought to justice. Can you please ask the Holy Spirit for judgment? "
The emperor nodded slightly after hearing this. He felt that Yang Zhen might still not believe that Cui Junyong would do such a shameless thing from the bottom of his heart, so he had to try to leave him some dignity.
"Since the next court meeting involves Mr. Cui, I would like to request that Mr. Cui withdraw from the main hall."
"It's accurate." Zhao Tuo nodded: "Please withdraw from the class and wait for the order inside the Wuchao Gate." Immediately, an eunuch and a Winged Dragon Guard captain came forward and helped the pale-faced Cui Junyong out.
A Huangmen appeared outside the palace. Liu Weiying stepped forward and took a tray covered with brown brocade from his hand and came in. He walked to the eunuch Xia Shu and whispered something. Xia Shu took it and brought the Danbi , kowtowed and spoke softly, Zhao Tuo nodded.
It turned out that Huangmen went to pass on the kung fu of these six people, and Liu Wei at the same time sent someone with a tooth card that said "acting according to the order" to the Ministry of Civil Affairs to test their merits. The Qing Dynasty Civil Affairs Department seconded the six people and Cui Junyong's files.
"Hu Ximin, a native of Wuxi Prefecture, Jiangnan Province, is twenty-nine years old and is the 47th Jinshi of the Second Division of Jingwu.
He once observed politics in the Ministry of Punishment and the Ministry of Rites, and later served as the magistrate of Yongnian County, Beizhili. He excelled in both examinations and was promoted to be the censor. In the spring of the eighth year of Jingwu, he served as the experience department of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.
Born into a family of poets and calligraphers, his father once served as magistrate of Wuwei County and magistrate of Ganzhou, but retired due to illness. The family has 340 acres of farmland and six shops. He is married and both of his wives live in Beijing. Xia Shu knelt beside the emperor and opened the resumes of these six people respectively, and read them to him in a low voice.
After a while, an eunuch came to report that several imperial censors had arrived. After hearing the resume, Zhao Tuo waved his hand to Xia Shu to put the files on the case and leave, and then summoned him in.
The six people walked in, knelt three times and kowtowed nine times at the designated position at the entrance of the palace, and then heard the emperor's question.
Because of their lower status, the highest-ranking one, Hu Ximin, was only at level six, and the rest were basically at level seven, and there was even an eighth-level teacher, so they stood quite far back, and the emperor's words could only be conveyed to the end. In one person's ears.
In order that they might not hear clearly, a ceremonial officer stood in front of them and repeated the emperor's words.
However, the hall was built ingeniously, and the caisson above had a sound amplification function. Therefore, the emperor could hear the responses of Hu Ximin and others clearly, which made these ministers who did not know the mystery a little more in surprise and awe.
"Hu Ximin." The emperor signaled the eunuchs to stand up, take a step forward, and then suddenly spoke.
"I'm here!" Hu Ximin was startled. Although he had served as a county magistrate, it was his first time to see Tianyan, and he couldn't help but feel apprehensive.
"Your Majesty is impeaching the second assistant, but is there any real evidence? It should be noted that this matter is important and the stakes are not light!" After Zhao Tuo finished speaking, he turned his eyes to Yang Zhen and nodded lightly.
"Your Majesty, I have all the solid evidence. Because the matter involves important ministers, I dare not hide my responsibilities, so I have to go up to heaven to listen. I hope your Majesty will understand clearly."
"Things involving law and morality are beyond my control." Zhao Tuo paused and said, "In that case, I think the suggestions of the Chief Assistant are feasible. Do you have any objections?"
"My lord, the left minister of the Ministry of Industry, Yang Zhong, has something to report!"
"Tell me."
Yangzhong came out of class and saluted, and then said: "Your Majesty, since ancient times, officials have not been punished, not to mention that Cui Gong is the second assistant. Since the founding of this dynasty, there is no precedent for cabinet ministers to be interrogated. I believe that we should not set a bad example for those who come after us."
"Well, what you said makes sense." Zhao Tuo thought that he was right. In the future, people will point out what happened to the late emperor, so he should not let others poke his spine. "Then, what do you think we should do?"
"First of all, I would like to ask Your Majesty to allow the Three Justices not to impose any punishment."
"Cui Cifu is an old minister who cares about his life, so of course the punishment should not be increased. The Ministry of Punishment records the document and decrees: Any official of the fourth rank or above is guilty, and the punishment cannot be increased without an decree. This is the rule of this dynasty. What Yang Qing said is in line with the way of benevolence, and it is accurate. !」
All the officials in the palace were of rank four or above, so of course they supported this decree. They all bowed together to thank the emperor for his kindness.
Then I heard Yang Zhong continue to say: "Among the three judicial divisions, the Criminal Department is responsible for legislation, the Metropolitan Procuratorate is supervising law, and the Dali Temple is enforcing the law. Therefore, the interrogation should be based on the Dali Temple. I think the interrogation of ministers should be different from that of civilians.
Although our dynasty has established the Tingweijian, it has always been mainly used to deal with clan cases. The ministers boldly requested orders. From now on, the Tingweijian will also be responsible for the interrogation and trial of the ministers involved in the case, and the right minister of Dali Temple will also be in charge of the Tingweijian. "
"This suggestion is reasonable." Zhao Tuo looked at Yang Zhen and saw him nodding in approval, and said: "It's accurate!" He added, "Since the rules have been established in Dali Temple, let's establish them together.
Ministers of fourth rank or above were involved in the case, and the Ministry of Punishment was headed by Yuan Wai Lang (from
The fifth rank) cooperates with the Youshi Lang and the three judicial divisions to hear the case; the Metropolitan Procuratorate is handled by the right imperial censor (fourth rank) in conjunction with the three legal divisions.
The same applies to cases involving officials below the fourth rank and above the seventh rank involving criminal matters and court secrets. And it is a permanent example! "
Zhao Tuo's words raised the importance of the positions of Right Minister of Dali Temple, Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and Right Minister of the Imperial Procuratorate to several levels. These officials were all happy and gearing up. , Zuo Qing, Zuo Shilang and Zuo Qian were all shocked.
Yang Zhen hurriedly took half a step forward: "Your Majesty, my direction is heavy on the left and light on the right."
"It doesn't matter," Zhao Tuo smiled and waved his hand: "The chief assistant can discuss with the Three Laws Department and come up with a plan for me to see which responsibilities originally belong to the right can be shared by the left, and they can be redistributed and balanced."
Although Yang Zhen didn't understand what the "plan" was, he roughly understood the emperor's intention, so he had no words to return to his original position.
"I have another suggestion," Yang Zhong continued: "In order to show fairness in the process of interrogating the important ministers, Your Majesty can send a number of relatives, distinguished relatives, and Imperial College students who have nothing to do with this case to form a hearing panel.
These persons may observe non-confidential case interrogations but may not interfere with the proceedings. "
"This..." Zhao Tuo thought it was okay, but there was no precedent in this dynasty or even in the previous dynasty. He looked at Yang Min again.
Yang Zhen hoped so. He was worried that the closed-door trial would force Cui Junyong to reveal things that "should be said but should not be said." If there was such a hearing panel, these things could be prevented. He rolled his eyes and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe that this is also an act of kindness. It is not only the interrogation of ministers, but should also be extended to all scholars with titles, titles, and titles to reflect your majesty's benevolence and love for the people of the world."
"I have a question for you, the Chief Assistant." Xie Minhong came out and asked: "Excuse me, the Chief Assistant, how many people are needed for this hearing group and how are they composed? What if they don't come to listen and are not interested?"
"Sir Xie, this is what the lower officials think about. In fact, the number of people does not need to be too large. For example, for cases involving officials of fourth grade or above in Beijing, only five to seven people in total, including relatives, distinguished relatives, and Imperial College students, are enough.
Those people are idle when they are idle. Why not give them something to do and contribute to the country? Supervisors can also learn something from them by observing the trial of cases.
As for remuneration, the Ministry of Household Affairs can negotiate a fixed amount with the Ministry of Punishment, as well as food, so that they can also get some pocket money.
"I have a question!" Zheng Shou stood up: "Your Majesty, as an official of the Ministry of Household Affairs, I have to consider one thing: if these hearing panels are limited to hearing cases of officials above the fourth rank as Lord Yang Minzhou said, then Fortunately, the number is not too big after all.
If it is spread throughout the country as the Chief Minister said, it will be a huge expense. Your Majesty, please make a careful decision! Where does this money come from, and how it is spent and reimbursed if necessary? This is a very complicated matter that cannot be explained in words. "
"Hey, aren't we discussing it in the court? Did I say it will be implemented tomorrow?"
"No jokes before you!"
"Okay, okay. I already know your opinions." Zhao Tuo quickly stopped them:
"As reported by Yi Yangzhong, I will select a few people to be present at this trial to listen. As for whether to make it a more widespread practice, this matter needs to be considered in the long run. The cabinet can prepare a report for me to see, but there is no rush to do it."
After Zhao Tuo finished speaking, he waved to the eunuch Xia Shu and ordered him to record:
"By decree, Cui Junyong is staying at home pending investigation due to his involvement in the impeachment case.
His wife and two or three maids were allowed to live and serve in the same courtyard, and were not allowed to leave the capital during the confinement period.
The imperial eunuchs of Dali Temple sent people to take care of them and provided them with a rationed supply of grain, rice, vegetables, etc. according to their salaries.
Anyone who dares to bully an officer or sergeant will be punished as a criminal! Admire this. "
"Your Majesty is kind and kind, and I will obey your orders!"
"Your Majesty, I have something to say."
Zhao Tuo looked at the sound and saw that it was Yi Zhongsheng, the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment. He smiled and asked, "Do you have any suggestions for handling this case?"
"No." Ban said from the ceremony: "Your Majesty,
I thought that what happened today would definitely shock everyone. Regardless of the outcome of this case, I'm afraid... I'm afraid it's not appropriate for Mr. Cui to continue serving as a cabinet minister.
In these troubled times in the imperial court, who will take his place? Your Majesty, please make the Holy Judgment as soon as possible! "
"Yes, this is a troublesome matter!" The little emperor changed his mind and looked at everyone: "Do you have any recommendations?"
No one in the hall answered. This happened suddenly today, and most people were not mentally prepared.
Xie Minhong was very proud. He glanced at Zheng Shou secretly, hoping that he would fulfill his promise and come forward to nominate him. However, he found that Zheng Shou's eyes were slightly closed as if he was dozing off. He couldn't help but feel annoyed: "This old guy, what is he thinking? ?」
Just when I was thinking about it, I heard the emperor say from above: "Yes, this happened too suddenly, and you probably weren't prepared for it. So, let's break up and go back to work today, everyone thinks about it carefully, and if there is anyone who can choose, write a manuscript and give it to Huangmen Pass it in. Dismiss the court!"
After saying that, the little emperor waved his hand and turned to the back amidst Ge Dahong's shouts of "retreat from the court".
Xie Minhong felt that the emperor left so neatly, which was a bit strange, but he needed time to communicate with his people and Zheng Shou, so as everyone bowed to see the emperor off, he hurried out of the palace, dragging Zheng Shou with him. Talk to no one.
Yang Zhong showed his face very well today and walked out proudly. Immediately, several flattering officials gathered around and chatted.
In the midst of the commotion, Yang Min frowned and walked out. Even Han Wei's words of comfort went in one ear and out the other.
Gu Lin then cupped his hands and said something was wrong, and hurried back to the Ministry of War with the officials of the Ministry of War without saying a word.
Hou Xie was holding a few generals from the Fifth Army Commander's Office outside the palace, and they didn't know what they were talking about.
Yang Zhen felt tired and alone as never before, but he didn't expect that as soon as he arrived at the door of the cabinet, he saw a Huangmen standing in the yard waiting for him. When he saw him, he smiled and held his hands in his hands: "Master Chief Minister, Your Majesty orally said: With Yang See you in the study room in Jinei."
Yang Zhen was so surprised that he had to turn around and follow the angel into the palace. He stayed in the palace for more than half an hour before he was sent back to the cabinet in a soft sedan.
When everyone asked why the emperor made the call, Yang Zhen told them that the official who went to Jiangxi to announce the order came back with a painting and some specialties. The emperor invited him to see it and try out the carriage given to the Queen Mother.
Just for this reason, did you specially invite the old lady who just came to court to come back? Everyone talks about the great grace of God, but they all secretly complain in their hearts, thinking that things must not be that simple. Xie Minhong also sneered after hearing this.
Gao Moling said softly: "I'm afraid your Majesty is discussing the candidate with the Taige."
"Do you think Tai Ge has already recommended someone to His Majesty?" Xie Minhong asked, "Who could that be?"
"My lord, the probability should be relatively high, no matter in terms of rank or popularity." Gao Moling handed over his hand: "The question is... do the other members of the cabinet have the same opinion?"
"Understood, it seems I have to move around and move around." Xie Minhong nodded.
In the afternoon, the first decree came out, regarding Cui Junyong's case. Based on the results of the court meeting, the emperor formally appointed Cui Ye, the right minister of Dali Temple, to be responsible for the trial. Everyone knew it well, so this decree did not cause any fluctuations.
The second decree stated that Cui Junyong would be removed from his post as assistant due to his involvement in the case. His title of Minister of Household Affairs would be retained temporarily, and his duties would be taken over by Zuo Shilang An Zai. This is also obvious, so there is nothing surprising. Everyone seeing Anzai is nothing more than congratulations.
In the evening, classes were about to end, and suddenly the third decree came. The emperor ordered Zhu Zhanxi, a direct scholar of Huiwen Pavilion, to come to the pavilion to handle errands, and to preside over literature, edicts, examinations, etiquette, sacrifices, and calendar affairs. He was in charge of the ninth year of Jingwu. Spring exam.
He was dismissed as Taichang Temple Minister, and the post was handed over to Shaoqing Zou Youguang to act on his behalf.
This was like a bolt from the blue, making Xie Minhong tremble with anger. He felt like a monkey jumping up and down, while others were hiding and watching.
Gao Moling went out quietly and told him softly when he came back that the matter was the emperor's order after asking Yang Hao to come back and solicit the opinions of other cabinet members, which meant that the cabinet had already approved it.
"There is nothing we can do for the time being." Gao Moling advised: "Your Majesty first appointed a
The descendants of Wu Xun also let their companions enter the cabinet. This may seem willful, but in fact it has profound meaning. Sir, please don't move lightly, lest you offend Long Yan, you won't be able to do anything later! "
"Is there a back end?"
Gao Moling smiled: "Sir, I think we thought the opposite. I thought His Majesty was dissatisfied with Cui Junyong, but now I see that Cui is just a chess piece. The little emperor really wanted to move Hou Xie. In the end, he made the wrong mistake and still pulled Fatty Zhu closer. The cabinet. Then do you think His Majesty Hou Xie will still move?"
"Oh, I understand." Xie Minhong's eyebrows twitched: "Your Majesty doesn't care about southerners or northerners. He wants to replace all the old ministers left behind by the late emperor. So Cui Junyong was accidentally injured by us. Already?"
"Haha, I got an advantage over that idiot Hu Ximin for nothing!" Gao Moling shook his head and smiled bitterly.
"If you say so, then Hou Xie must not be able to stay any longer." Xie Minhong suddenly felt that he was valuable again: "So this is how your majesty plays. Then let's wait a little longer. When Hou Xie goes down, he can't return the favor. I turned a blind eye."
"Well, we have to do more and win over more people." Gao Moling said softly: "Your Excellency has always regarded himself as the leader of the southern officials, but now it seems that this is not enough! Even with Chuanhu's support, it is still not enough."
He stood behind Xie Minhong and said: "If you want to join the cabinet, or even climb to a high position below one person and above ten thousand people in the future, I am afraid you will need more support.
Jiangnan is the foundation, but it seems necessary to strive for people from Sichuan, Hunan, Guangdong and Guangxi and more northerners to continue to move closer to adults. The bigger the snowball is, the more eyes it will attract! "
