The snow in the winter of Kaibao's ninth year was heavy and did not last long, but the biting cold after the snowstorm was far worse than in previous years. Of course, for the upper-class dignitaries in the imperial court, this winter was indeed too cold, from the soles of their feet to their hearts.
In the inner courtyard of Duke Rong's Mansion, it was still the same study. The bright candlelight shone on Zhao Kuangyin's face, leaving half a thick shadow. Some of his eyes could not be seen, but his mood was obviously bad. The cool air was It's so heavy that it makes people breathless.
Zhao Dezhao stood in front of the desk, bowed his head and tied his hands, not daring to speak. The reason is very simple. Today, he was ordered by his father to visit the prison with wine and meat, but he was rejected. Although the jailer's tone was soft, his attitude was tough, saying that Zhao Kuangmei was a repeat offender and was not allowed to meet anyone. If there was no one behind this, , no one stood up, how could a little jailer dare to offend the Zhao family.
This was obviously not a good signal. Thinking about the trend that had occurred in Xijing in the past few days, even if Zhao Kuangyin didn't see it clearly, he felt a sense of depression in his heart.
Soon, the steward came to report that Zhao Kuangyi had arrived. He went straight into the study without leading the way, and retreated to the left and right, leaving only the father, son, uncle and nephew.
"Kuang Yi, something seems to be wrong. Looking at the public sentiment in Beijing these days, nobles pleading guilty, and courtiers surrendering, I feel more and more uncomfortable. In the past two days, I feel even more frightened! Today, I asked De Zhao to visit the prison, but he was actually Rejected!" Zhao Kuangyin looked at Zhao Kuangyi and said seriously.
Compared with the past few days, Zhao Kuangyi was less calm and more anxious. He no longer had the previous indifference, his brows were furrowed, and his eyes were filled with worry.
"I made a mistake in this matter!" Zhao Kuangyi said solemnly: "I never thought that Kuang Mei's surrender would attract so many people to follow suit, leading to such a turbulent situation!"
In fact, there is not much problem with the suggestion that Zhao Kuangmei surrender. The problem lies in Zhao Kuangyi's action of personally sending people to the Ministry of Punishment. Thinking about it afterwards, Zhao Kuangyi wanted to slap himself.
Of course, he has secret ambitions and wants to use this to further enhance his presence and influence. This is what he has been doing all along. It has almost become an instinct. As long as there is an opportunity, he will not let it go.
However, he never expected that he would find himself in embarrassment because of this. He, Zhao Kuangyi, did not want such a situation in this world and such prestige.
"Nowadays, even the Fu family, the Gao family, and the Zhe family have all come to surrender. The matter is getting bigger and more serious. Nearly 30% of the nobles and officials in the court are involved! This is not unusual. , It’s too irrational and too dangerous!” Zhao Kuangyi said in a serious tone:
"Second brother, I also heard some rumors today. Many people in the government and the public believe that this matter has such wide implications and involves so many noble officials. In order to ensure the stability of the government and the stability of people's hearts, the court will not let it go anymore. Expand and even provide some immunity to those who commit crimes!
There are even people who are secretly colluding, wanting to encourage more people to participate and ask for orders from Chui Gong Palace to stabilize the center and stabilize the world..."
Speaking of this, Zhao Kuangyi's tone was already a little bitter: "These people are so unwise and naive! They think that the turbulent public sentiment will force the court to compromise and let them go, thinking that they are involved. With so many people, Your Majesty will be a little wary. Do they think that with a large number of people, they can achieve the effect of not punishing the law?
Conspiracy in private cannot be any more stupid behavior! They thought that through this method, His Majesty would be able to worry about compromise, and even thought about using it to completely wash away the past crimes and crimes. However, they did not know that this was a self-imposed excuse. If the court wanted to rule it, it could even just follow the plan without deviation. ....”
The more Zhao Kuangyi said, the uneasiness lingering in his heart became clearer and almost turned into reality, blocking his heart.
Zhao Kuangyin was not a martial artist who was ignorant of politics. Of course he was aware of the danger involved and said in a low voice: "The key is what does your majesty think? This has gradually become a situation of forcing the palace. What kind of monarch is your majesty? How can you do this?" When forced by public opinion, the more this happens, the more dangerous it becomes, and things have already deviated from our imagination!"
As he said, the development of things has long been out of control, even beyond the imagination of everyone involved. At this point, it is no longer possible for a few upper-class dignitaries to pacify the situation by relying on their power and prestige. And Emperor Liu, who is the only one qualified and capable of applying the brakes, seems to be about to become the most unpredictable variable.
In one word, your heart is unpredictable!
Those who play tricks on emperors are dirty and ruthless, especially an entrepreneurial king like Emperor Liu, who can dominate the world by himself. They were already very suspicious, but some people unwisely wanted to stir up trouble and force Emperor Liu to make concessions. Just think about it and you will know how dangerous it is.
The Zhao brothers, because of this kind of knowledge, began to panic. The two brothers could honestly say that he had no intention of gathering momentum to force the court. Their original intention was just to save their brother.
However, the development of things is like a veered train, driving wildly on a bumpy and dangerous track, and may derail and capsize at any time.
The most important thing is that it was the Zhao family that triggered the wave of surrenders and confessions. Under a huge network, a dangerous situation, unknowingly, the Zhao family seems to have become the same role as Zhang Jin, trapped in a whirlpool, unable to extricate themselves, and may even be swallowed up at any time.
"Yes! What will your Majesty think?" Zhao Kuangyi's eyes were filled with worry and a grimace on his face: "If he thinks that it is our Zhao family who secretly used means to add fuel to the flames and take the lead in building momentum in order to escape guilt, then for us, it is really Too dangerous!"
When Zhao Kuangyi said this, his tone was lamenting, as if he had suffered a great grievance.
"How can we brothers have such a reputation that responds to everyone's call!" Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but laugh at himself.
"But your Majesty may not think so!" Zhao Kuangyi looked at Zhao Kuangyin and reminded: "Second brother, Li Jixun, Dang Jin and others seem to be involved. They have always been close to us."
Zhao Kuangyin was silent for a long time, looked at Zhao Kuangyi, and sighed: "You are right! Now we are on top of the stove!"
Looking back after a few days, their decision to let Zhao Kuangmei surrender seemed a bit unwise. In fact, it would be better to let the Sanfa Division find out by themselves. Then they would be able to act according to the situation, at least it would not be like this. The entire Zhao family fell into a passive state that was neither embarrassing nor embarrassing. Obviously they don't have that idea, but they are bearing pressure that does not belong to them.
"Second brother, we must find a way to break the situation!" Zhao Kuangyi said seriously.
"I know! But, how to break the situation?" Zhao Kuangyin was very troubled.
Zhao Kuangyi pointed out with certainty: "At least, let His Majesty know that we, the Zhao family, have no intention of manipulating public opinion and building momentum to defy national law and exonerate Kuang Mei!"
Zhao Kuangyin nodded. It was indeed the case. The key was how to dispel Emperor Liu's suspicion and how to separate himself from those who were instigating the campaign. At this time, protecting your home is the most important thing.
After pondering for a long time, Zhao Kuangyin's expression became firm, his eyes regained their sharpness, and he looked at Zhao Kuangyi: "Kangyi, please don't worry about this anymore!"
Zhao Kuangyi responded with an "unexpected" expression, seeming a little confused.
Zhao Kuangyin said seriously: "This matter arises because of Kuangmei. It has nothing to do with you. Next, I will deal with it myself."
Although he felt a little emotional about his brother's responsibility, Zhao Kuangyi smiled bitterly and shook his head: "The matter has come to this, how can I stay out of it!"
To this day, the backbone of the Zhao family is still Zhao Kuangyin. If something goes wrong with Zhao Kuangyin, he knows very well how Zhao Kuangyi can survive alone.
"What is the second brother going to do?" Zhao Kuangyi asked.
A trace of hesitation flashed across his stern face, and Zhao Kuangyin said firmly: "I will make a decision later and go to the palace overnight to ask Your Majesty for the crime of lax discipline. I made it clear that Kuang Mei's crime will be determined by the court's laws and disciplines. The Zhao family will never do anything." Complain!”
"What about Kuang Mei?" Zhao Kuangyi asked.
"It all depends on his luck!" Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but feel a little sad. This almost made it clear that he wanted to give up on Zhao Kuangmei.
Originally, according to normal sentencing, even if the sentence for Zhao Kuangmei's crime was serious, it might not be impossible to save a life, even for the sake of their brothers. However, after such a turmoil, if Emperor Liu wanted to scare the monkeys, he would be sentenced to death. As far as the Zhao Kuangyin brothers are concerned, it may be that those who ask for the top will get the bottom, and they have shot themselves in the foot.
After hearing Zhao Kuangyin's decision, Zhao Kuangyi also fell silent, but in his heart, he felt inexplicably relieved.
