Liu He was not only Cui Cen's confidant, but also one of his money bags.

The other officials involved cannot be saved now, but Liu He still has to be saved.

Cui Cen said calmly, "Since your name isn't on the account book, then just pretend you don't know about this."

Don't you know about this? Liu He was a little confused and asked carefully:

"Teacher...I am stupid and I hope you can explain it clearly."

“You are unaware of all the corruption, bribery, and smuggling of salt.

Liu Han is using your name to seek personal gain. If you clear yourself of this, the Emperor won't be able to do anything to you."

What the Prime Minister means is... to put all the blame on my eldest brother and the others?

Liu He was stunned for a moment, then understood what he meant, but he was still hesitant for a moment.

Cui Cen said indifferently: "If you can't be ruthless, then this self can't save you."

Liu He suddenly clenched his hands under his sleeves, and the hesitation in his eyes was replaced by a hint of ruthlessness.

Ultimately, this disaster was caused by that kid Liu Yishan.

If it weren't for him, how could I have fallen so hard?

Then it is only natural that they should bear the blame for themselves this time!

"Students, please understand that I had no knowledge of this matter!"

Liu He kowtowed to Cui Cen and said:

"Teacher, you saved my students. I cannot repay you. I should repay you by working like an ox or a horse!"

…

Wan Chao and the others came out of Liu's house. Wang Zhi was afraid that Wan Chao would go directly to the Prime Minister's house to ask for them, so he stopped him and said:

"Lord Wan, Liu He has taken refuge in Prime Minister Cui's residence. I'm afraid it would be inappropriate for us to go look for him directly.

How about we go back to the palace and report this to the Emperor?"

Wan Chao naturally knew that if he really took people to the Prime Minister's Mansion, things would get out of hand.

"Send someone back to the palace to report this to the emperor. All the officials on the list in Beijing must be arrested tonight."

Zhao Xin was concerned about whether Wan Chao and the others were doing their job smoothly, so he did not go to the Queen tonight, but waited for news in his own palace.

When Zhao Xin heard the report from the person sent by Wan Chao that Liu He had heard the news in advance and had gone to Cui Cen for help first, and was now staying in Cui's mansion, he was not surprised at all.

It seems that it will be difficult to bring Liu He down this time.

Zhao Xin stared at the burning candle with deep eyes.

At midnight, Wan Chao and Wang Zhi entered the palace to report to Zhao Xin.

Except for Liu He, all those listed in the account book in Beijing were arrested and brought to justice, awaiting trial and sentencing.

Several officials outside Beijing have also sent people to arrest him overnight.

Zhao Xin didn't say much, just nodded and waved his hand to let them leave.

Cui Cen wanted to protect Liu He, but he couldn't let him escape so easily.

I finally got this opportunity. Even if I can't kill Liu He, I will skin this guy alive!

Zhao Xin stood on the steps with his hands behind his back. The bright lights reflected in his eyes, but they revealed a coldness.

He decided that he would personally judge the case!

What happened tonight broke the tranquility of the night and left many people sleepless and anxious.

Overnight, the news that officials were suspected of corruption and were arrested and imprisoned spread throughout the officialdom of Beijing.

Because of this incident, the atmosphere in the court was a little subtle during the morning court session the next day.

After all the ministers paid their respects, the eunuch in front of the emperor said at Zhao Xin's instruction:

"If you have something to report, please do so. If not, please leave the court."

"I have a memorial."

A man holding a sceptre came out. Zhao Xin took a glance and saw that it was the Grand Herald Liu Min, a disciple of Cui Cen.

"What does Lord Liu have to report?"

Liu Min said, "Last night, people from the East and West Factories broke into officials' residences and arrested people. This incident has spread throughout the capital and has caused a negative impact."

Zhao Xin raised his eyebrows slightly and said coldly:

"Lord Liu, don't you know that those arrested are all corrupt officials who broke the law?

Do you want to speak for these national parasites?"

"Your Majesty, it is too hasty to accuse so many officials of corruption and bribery without any evidence." Lu Qian, the Minister of the Imperial Household, stepped forward and said

"Since I was able to arrest them, I have evidence in my hands."

Zhao Xin's tone was cold, and he turned his gaze towards Cui Cen.

"There is still a suspect in this case, Liu He, who has not been arrested. I heard last night that he is in the Prime Minister's Mansion?

Prime Minister Cui, are you aware of this matter?"

Cui Cen frowned and said, "Your Majesty, I just learned the news today.

What Lord Lu said just now makes sense. Your Majesty has arrested so many people at once, so it would be better to investigate thoroughly.

If a good person is wrongly accused, wouldn't that chill the hearts of those of us who are loyal to Your Majesty?"

Zhao Xin said: "I have found a lot of evidence.

Since all of you have objections to this case,

After all the people are arrested and brought to justice, I will personally hold a public trial in the Jingzhao Prefecture Yamen.

At that time, everyone from the three dukes and nine ministers to ordinary people can attend the trial.

Prime Minister Cui, since Liu He is in your house, you must keep an eye on him.

When the case is heard, he must be present, otherwise...

I’m afraid there will be no peace in the Prime Minister’s Mansion!”

Cui Cen's face was somewhat gloomy. He didn't expect that the little emperor wanted to try the case personally.

But so what?

Cui Cen sneered in his heart. Liu He's name was not on the account book. He must have kept this person in Baoding!

If he gave in this time, the little emperor would become even more arrogant.

He must take this opportunity to let him know his own worth!

After Zhao Xin finished speaking about this, he announced his departure from court.

The remaining officials involved in the case who were not in the capital were arrested by the Western Factory and brought back to Beijing this morning.

Therefore, a public trial was held that afternoon.

There were crowds of people outside the Jingzhao government office.

The people outside were all gathered here to watch after hearing the news.

The news of last night’s massive arrest has already spread throughout the capital.

But the people didn't know what had happened, and now they heard that the emperor was actually trying the case personally, which caused a sensation.

Zhao Xin intended to let this matter spread among the people, so he did not stop the people from coming to the Jingzhao government office to watch.

The three dukes and nine ministers in the yamen were also present. Zhao Xin, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat down solemnly and slammed the gavel.

He said in a deep voice: "Open the court! Bring the prisoner up!"

The people crowded outside the yamen stretched their necks to look at the scene inside.

The yamen lobby was quite a distance from the entrance. Although they could not see the people in the lobby clearly, they could see the prisoners being brought into the lobby.

Liu He, Liu Han, father and son, and dozens of officials were escorted up and knelt in the hall of the yamen.

When the people watching outside the gate saw those people, they immediately became agitated.

"Look! Is that Liu Yishan's uncle Liu He? I didn't expect him to be here too!"

"If Liu Yishan didn't have an uncle who was the Jingzhao Yin, he would have died countless times!

This time his uncle was also tried for corruption. It's true that birds of a feather flock together. He who does evil will eventually perish. Bah! He deserves it!

"So many officials are corrupt... Alas, fortunately they have all been caught. I hope the emperor will punish them severely!"

The people were whispering excitedly. They had had enough of the oppression and humiliation from these corrupt officials. Such a scene was simply gratifying.