When Zhao Kuangyin left Xiyuan and returned to the city, dusk was already deep. Emperor Liu pretended to invite him to stay in the palace, but he declined politely. On normal days, Zhao Kuangyin might still be interested. After all, there were not many opportunities to get close to the emperor. Now, he was worried about things and could not rest at peace.
On the way back home, while riding in the car, Zhao Kuangyin's expression was very serious, even a bit dignified. After a conversation with Emperor Liu, he vaguely discovered that the fire of the "Han Chang case" seemed to be burning on him, and he seemed to be a little too active...
"Dad!" In front of the Rongguo Duke's mansion, Zhao Dezhao personally greeted Zhao Kuangyin with a serious expression and said, "Uncles Li, Dang, Liu, and Wang are coming over to pay their respects!"
"Why are they here!" Zhao Kuangyin frowned even more tightly and asked, "How long have they been here?"
Sensing that Zhao Kuangyin's expression was not right, Zhao Dezhao said: "In less than half an hour, I will serve tea in the front hall!"
"Let's go!" Zhao Kuangyin took a deep breath, waved his hand, and quickened his pace.
The Li Dang and Liu Wang mentioned by Zhao Dezhao refer to Li Jixun, Dang Jin, Liu Shouzhong, and Wang Zhengzhong. Among them, Li Jixun is the oldest and has the most seniority. Dang Jin was Zhao Kuangyin's old comrade-in-arms, and they had a deep friendship. Liu and Wang were his subordinates in their early years. They were promoted by him through life and death, and now they also serve in the Forbidden Army.
When they entered the hall, the four of them were enjoying tea and drinking wine. Seeing the four of them, Zhao Kuangyin burst into a smile and looked open-minded. He cupped his hands and said, "Brothers, why are you here? I've been waiting for you for a long time. Please forgive me!"
Zhao Kuangyin was the "boss" and the four of them did not dare to be informal, so they met together. Then, it was Li Jixun who said: "Rong Gong, Sanlang of the Han family has been sentenced to death. I think you know this, so are you just sitting back and watching Han Deshun, the only remaining heir, be exterminated?"
After hearing what he said, Zhao Kuangyin asked: "Han Qingxiong violated the national law and was punished according to the law. Why should he be relegated? Why should it be easier? In my brother's opinion, what should I do?"
It's not necessarily true that people like Li Jixun have a good relationship with Han Lingkun. After all, they only communicate with each other through Zhao Kuangyin. This kind of performance is probably just to show his attitude and support for Zhao Kuangyin.
On this night, Zhao Kuangyin did not deliberately hide his running around, and he did it fairly. The interesting part is also here. There is obviously a suspicion of bending the law, but many people see it and think that Zhao Kuangyin is kind, affectionate and righteous, and they have a deep friendship...
When asked, Li Jixun responded: "Han Deshun died only a few months ago, so it is inappropriate to pass away. In any case, he was also a hero of the Han Dynasty. In the Nankou Battle, he also fought to the death against the enemy. He was seriously injured and almost died. Only then did he usher in Opportunity to counterattack and defeat the Liao army..."
"Gong is merit, fault is fault. How can the merits of the father offset the faults of the son? Moreover, Han Deshun's merits are not rewarded by His Majesty and the court? Isn't the official treatment that Sanlang of the Han family had enjoyed before, not because of the shadow of his father? "Zhao Kuangyin asked again and again.
Being asked this question, I was a little speechless. Several people couldn't help but cast doubtful glances at Zhao Kuangyin, who looked like he was trying to protect Han Qingxiong from drought.
Sensing their doubts, Zhao Kuangyin sighed and said, "Now that the penalty has been handed down, can it still be overturned?"
Looking at a few people, Zhao Kuangyin asked: "Do you have any idea?"
Dang Jin said simply: "The verdict has been passed, but doesn't it still need to be reported to the Ministry of Punishment and Dali? We don't understand the law, but we also know that we can ask for forgiveness from His Majesty. We are willing to jointly submit a letter to Your Majesty, not asking for forgiveness, but only I beg for a reduced sentence, no doubt about serving the sentence or being exiled, just keep your life!"
Hearing what he said, Zhao Kuangyin's face turned dark immediately. He glared at Dang Jin and scolded: "Fortunately, you haven't done this yet, otherwise, I'm afraid you will be the ones who are reprimanded!"
Hearing this, Dang Jin was a little surprised and said blankly: "What do you mean by this?"
"Do you know where I came back from?" Looking around, Zhao Kuangyin didn't show off and said directly: "I just came back from Xiyuan to meet with His Majesty, just for this reason!"
Li Jixun immediately said: "What's the result? Your Majesty must show some favor to Mr. Rong!"
There was no direct answer. Zhao Kuangyin thought for a moment, then raised his head to look at his "horse boys", which seemed a little awkward to them. Finally, Zhao Kuangyin said in a deep voice: "I won't entertain you tonight. You all can go back to your homes. You don't have to interfere in this matter, and don't make false claims!"
"More!" Without waiting for their reaction, Zhao Kuangyin continued to speak, with a particularly serious expression: "In the future, unless necessary, please do not gather people to visit like this again!"
"It's so objectionable!"
After hearing what he said, several people looked at each other and some said something, but seeing the power on Zhao Kuangyin's face, they did not dare to refute. After saluting him together, they all said goodbye.
In the study, the maid was changing candles, and Zhao Kuangyin was sitting cross-legged behind a table, thinking to himself. The atmosphere seemed very dull.
"Dad!" Zhao Dezhao entered and saluted softly.
"All sent away?" Zhao Kuangyin asked.
"Yes!" Zhao Dezhao responded: "Uncle Dang, tell me, you have done everything you should do. If things are really irreversible, there is no need to blame yourself!"
Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin smiled: "I have always known that people who enter the party are rough and reckless on the outside, but they are shrewd on the inside!"
Seeing this, Zhao Dezhao hesitated for a while, but couldn't help but ask: "What happened when you went to see His Majesty? Did His Majesty refuse to show mercy?"
Looking at his son, his eyes full of curiosity, Zhao Kuangyin sighed and said, "Your Majesty invited me to drink and eat. The meat was roasted by Your Majesty himself. It tastes very good..."
Zhao Kuangyin didn't answer the question, paused, and then said: "In the end, I was given two choices on this matter!"
"Two choices?" Zhao Dezhao became even more confused and made a request for advice.
"Although His Majesty didn't say it explicitly, that's what he meant!" Zhao Kuangyin explained: "In spite of Han Deshun's contribution, Your Majesty does not want to see his heir extinct, but the fact that Han Qingxiong killed someone must not go unpunished, otherwise it will be difficult to convince the people!
Therefore, two solutions are given. First, Han Qingxiong was sentenced for murder and abandoned the market to commit suicide. The Marquis of Wuning was not deprived of his title, and a member of the Han family was selected to adopt Han Deshun;
Secondly, His Majesty showed mercy outside the law and spared Han Qingxiong’s life, but he was sentenced to be sent to guard the border and all his titles were removed..."
Zhao Dezhao is considered a smart man. Hearing his words, he quickly reacted, but his expression also showed a bit of confusion. The difference between the two is obvious.
Option one is to retain the title, and Han Lingkun's lineage will be continued, but in terms of blood, it is no longer his direct descendant. It does not matter whether it is the title or the property. After all, it will be easier for "outsiders". In this regard, Emperor Liu was particularly kind. In addition to the hereditary inheritance of the Han Dynasty, the title succession of the Han Dynasty was based on blood. No
If there is no direct connection, the title will be taken back by the court. If a crime is committed, the title will be reduced or deprived according to the seriousness of the case. For those who have a title, their heirs need to be registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs from conception to birth. There is also a set of inspection systems. If there is deception or fraud, it will be a felony as long as it is discovered or reported.
After the death of the old patriarch, Haiyang Marquis Zhou Zong, because he had no surviving sons, the clan he adopted only inherited the property and the title was taken back. However, for the sake of Mrs. Zhou and her children, perhaps Emperor Liu will be merciful and grant him another title in the future.
This is the value of Han Dynasty titles today. The stricter the management, the more difficult it is to grant them. The superiority in status gradually manifested itself over time.
It is conceivable that in the future, when the nobles of the Han Dynasty choose their heirs, in addition to considering concubines, they will also consider the third generation...
Option two is even simpler. Apart from one life, there is not much left. He will be deposed as a commoner and be tortured while living. It is estimated that a large amount of property will be compensated to the Chang family, and the rest will also need to support his mother and sister...
Zhao Dezhao thought for a long time and couldn't help but ask: "Dad, what do you think we should choose?"
Sighing, Zhao Kuangyin asked: "What choice do you think brother Han Lingjun will make?"
In response, Zhao Dezhao smiled bitterly. Marquis Wuning was a first-class marquis, and since the title was hereditary, there was no guarantee that Han Lingjun would not switch from protecting his nephew to considering interests.
If he was adopted from the clan's family, he could be sure to choose from Han Lingjun's sons. After all, he was the only one of Han Lingkun's two biological brothers in Xijing. In that case, even if the inherited title is reduced to a third degree because of Han Qingxiong's murder, it will still be a win-win situation. Han Lingjun and his family will make a lot of money without a title...
Perhaps sensing a little awkwardness in Zhao Kuangyin's heart, Zhao Dezhao made a suggestion, that is, before Han Qingxiong serves his sentence, let him find some women in his house and mate as soon as possible.
Although, there are still certain risks, such as whether you can get pregnant, or if you fail to give birth to a son. If that is the case, the title will really not be preserved.
After all, Emperor Liu made an exception and showed mercy, and there was no chance of repeating it.
This was a difficult multiple-choice question. After thinking about it for a long time, Zhao Kuangyin ordered Zhao Dezhao: "Send someone with my name card to find Han Lingjun and have him go to Luoyang Mansion Prison!"
With that said, Zhao Kuangyin also stood up, ordered someone to help him take off his official robe, put on his regular clothes, and prepared to go out. This whole day and night has been tiring enough.
