In the Chui Gong Hall, beside the eucalyptus, Emperor Liu was teaching his young son Liu Yao to write stroke by stroke. The father and son, one dared to teach and the other dared to learn, were both attentive and their expressions were particularly focused.
However, this warm scene did not last long, and his body soon couldn't bear it any longer. After telling him to "practice on his own," Emperor Liu sat aside, pounding his waist, and sipping hot tea.
Yantuo quickly stepped inside, stopped in front of the emperor, looked at the father and son, and bowed and saluted: "Guan family, the younger one has come to return his life."
"Is the matter done?" Hearing this, Emperor Liu didn't even raise his eyelids. He stood up and stood behind Liu Yao, observing his movements.
[In view of the general environment,
Yan Tuo responded: "I would like to inform you that Uncle Hechuan has passed away from illness..."
"Nothing happened, right?" Emperor Liu asked.
Yantuo held up his hands and said, "Uncle Hechuan passed away peacefully!"
Emperor Liu nodded and ordered: "When it's time to mourn, let Liu Zhao (the tenth prince) hold the memorial ceremony for you!"
"yes!"
Obviously, Hechuan Bokang Yanze died of illness under the secret arrangement of Emperor Liu. Kang Yanze's "death of illness" was basically the result of Emperor Liu's likes and dislikes, triggered by Wang Yansheng's death. Emperor Liu selectively vented his anger, a behavior seeking psychological compensation.
From a legal point of view, Kang Yanze was somewhat unjust. He himself did not break the law. The villain's actions are despicable, but it is only on a moral level. But logically speaking, it was a self-inflicted disaster. Although it had already given Emperor Liu a bad impression, he was regarded by Emperor Liu as the cause of Wang Yansheng's death, and ended up "died of illness." It was not too bad. strangeness.
There is a saying that Kang Yanze also set a precedent. Emperor Liu adopted such a simple and crude method to secretly execute a distinguished minister. This was the first time in decades, which shows the imbalance of Emperor Liu's mentality in this matter.
From Wang Yansheng to Kang Yanze, plus Chang Ning Bo Haijin who had been executed, in less than ten days, the Han Dynasty had lost three meritorious officials, a county prince, and two first-class uncles, all of whom were extraordinary. Normal death. In the twenty-sixth year since the founding of the People's Republic of China, in this unpleasant and even depressing atmosphere, we are heading towards summer...
"Today is the day of Wang Yansheng's funeral!" Emperor Liu said sadly after thinking for a moment.
"Yes! Many distinguished ministers went to the funeral." Yan Tuo reported.
"How are the funeral arrangements for the Duke's family going? I heard that there was a lot of conflict between the brothers!"
"The official decree ordered Wang Yingjie to seize the title, but Wang Yinghao refused to accept it. The two brothers had many quarrels. It is said that the two of them had another argument in front of the funeral the night before. They almost wanted to fight. Wang Yinghua, the third son of Pingliang Gong, also proposed to divide the family property. The three brothers were entangled. It has already spread in Beijing..."
After listening to Yantuo's description, Emperor Liu was full of surprise. After a while, he said excitedly: "The bones are not cold and the soul is not far away, and they are fighting for the family property? Wang Guanglie'an Wang Guanglie, what sin did you commit to give birth to a child?" Such a wolf-hearted person! With all your good intentions, you have fed such beasts, and I’m afraid you won’t even be able to have peace of mind!”
Although Emperor Liu's rebuke was not aimed at himself, Yantuo was also a little frightened. In recent years, what frightened Emperor Liu's servants the most was his moodiness and uncontrollability. However, the old emperor was becoming more and more angry and irritable, which often made people angry. Caught off guard.
Yan Tuo was like this, and the others were even more unbearable. The few palace ladies waiting around were all silent, with lowered eyebrows and lowered their heads. Even Liu Yao couldn't help but stop writing and raised his head, curious and curious. He looked at his old father with fear.
Taking a deep breath, Emperor Liu quickly calmed down. It was really not worth it to vent his anger on the Wang family brothers. However, since he knew about the fight between the Wang brothers, he had to react, otherwise Emperor Liu would be upset. For the old emperor, it was very important to be in a comfortable mood and have clear thoughts.
Therefore, without any extra thought, Emperor Liu opened his mouth and ordered: "According to my decree, all three traitorous sons of Wang Yansheng should be deposed as common people, and they should all be demoted to the northwest to feed horses! They have also lived well for several decades. The days are gone and I don’t know how to cherish them, so let’s let them
They truly experienced the pain of their father guarding the border and starting a business!
As for the title and property, summon Wang Zhekai to Beijing to inherit it! "
"Yes!" Yantuo responded, sighing secretly in his heart. With such unworthy descendants, the decline of the Wang family can be expected, and at the same time, I really disdain the stupidity and short-sightedness of those brothers.
After drinking a cup of tea, his anger dissipated a little, and he was about to teach Liu Yao some calligraphy again when Wang Jien, an old eunuch, came excitedly. Seeing his condition, Emperor Liu thought about it, touched Liu Yao's head, and showed a gentle smile: "Let's go play!"
"My son, please retire!" Liu Yao was overjoyed when he heard this. He seemed to be able to escape. This was a real escape. Although Emperor Liu loved his younger son more, Liu Yao was really afraid of his old father.
Turning his face, Emperor Liu's expression became serious, his eyes became a bit colder, and he stared directly at Wang Jien: "There is a result!"
After hearing the inquiry, Wang Jien immediately took out a booklet from his arms, presented it solemnly, and said: "After investigation by Xiao et al. during this period, there are seventy-eight powerful families related to Kang Ning, among which fourteen have close contacts. , there are twenty-five families with debts... This is a small list, please take a look at it!"
"Bring it here!" Emperor Liu frowned and stretched out his hand. Yantuo immediately took it from Wang Jien and carefully handed it to Emperor Liu.
Opening it slowly and reading it carefully, Emperor Liu's expression also underwent a complex and interesting change. The weight of this list is not light. It includes distinguished officials, court ministers, and even relatives of the emperor.
"My uncle also reached out to borrow money?" Emperor Liu couldn't hide his surprise and looked at Wang Jien.
Wang Jien lowered his head and said cautiously: "Yes!"
"He will also be short of money?" Emperor Liu couldn't help but wonder.
Emperor Liu had reason to have doubts. Uncle Guo
Li Ye was a money-making boss. When he was the chief official in Yuanzhou, he made a lot of money by smuggling tea and horses through his domestic slaves. Every time he took office, he never failed. In the years since he retired, he has been running an industry. When it comes to business, it may not be any worse than Corning.
It is unbelievable that Li Ye would be short of money. Seeing the suspicion on Emperor Liu's face, Wang Jien did not dare to neglect, and quickly assured: "The specific situation still needs to be investigated, but there is conclusive evidence that the uncle did borrow 20,000 yuan from Kang Ning..."
"Go, call me Li Ye!" Seeing Wang Jien's vow, Emperor Liu couldn't hide his anger anymore and ran away from the rock.
He continued to flip through it, his movements became more and more urgent, his face became more and more ugly, and finally he slammed the list on the ground: "The imperial court has so much salary every year, how has it ever been short of it? Isn't it enough to support a family? A big man has so many honors." Gui, being reduced to borrowing money to survive, is simply the most ridiculous thing in the world! Where is the face? Where is the decency?"
"The officials calm down!" Seeing that Emperor Liu's eyes were about to burst into flames, Wang Jien was slightly startled and instinctively comforted him.
"This Kang Ning deserves to be the leading wealthy businessman in the Han Dynasty. He is generous and willing to make money!" At this time, Emperor Liu's tone was extremely sinister and terrifying: "What does he want to do? Want to borrow those stinky people?" Money, to control the powerful men of the Han Dynasty? They are so bold and have a heart that can be killed!"
Compared with the nobles who borrowed money, what made Emperor Liu even more angry were the bureaucrats who held important positions and held real power in the court. Compared with the nobles, their corruption and damage were obviously greater.
"Go, arrest that Kang Ning!"
