Chapter 120 But once something like this is done, it is hard to undo it
Meng Yan stood at the door of the palace listening, her beautiful face expressionless, her scarlet lips even slightly raised.
This group of civil officials are really good at planning.
It's like catching shadows, at least there is wind and shadow. This is a false accusation made with empty words and empty promises.
Is it so easy to be a censor nowadays?
Her brother was still fighting for the country on the front line, while these censors were in the capital, free from the danger of being beheaded and the worry of famine. Instead of thinking about how to repay the court and stabilize the country, they kept fanning the flames and instigating the king.
Such a bunch of good-for-nothings are of no benefit to the country or the family!
It's no wonder that after Lu Haozhi consolidated the imperial power in his previous life, he went on a killing spree and almost purged and restructured the entire civil service team. Liang Chengbi's father, Liang Benwu, was also squeezed out of the cabinet and sent back to his hometown for the sake of his relationship as an old minister of two dynasties.
But these all happened after she was sent to the cold palace.
There is no point in thinking about these past events. Meng Yan wants to know what Lu Haozhi is thinking.
The Meng family rose to prominence through military power. Ever since the pacification of the world, the old Marquis Meng has always been cautious and self-restrained. He often warned his brother and sister not to be complacent and proud, so as to avoid suspicion between the monarch and his subjects.
Lu Haozhi had never shown any suspicion of the Meng family's disloyalty. Although his brother in his previous life had no intention of rebellion, it was an indisputable fact that he led troops armed with weapons and stormed into the palace.
Although her brother got the news from somewhere that the emperor was going to execute her, he came to rescue her.
But once something like this is done, it is impossible to undo it.
But her Meng family did not rebel!
Meng Yan couldn't help but clench her hands, and her slender nails pierced into her palms, causing a slight pain.
Then Lu Haozhi's voice rang out from within the hall, "Zhang Huainan, I think you've become senile and confused. Meng Changyuan is still fighting for the country at the border, and how can he fight without any military power?! I personally handed over those so-called heavy troops to him. Are you mocking my inability to judge people?"
But with a thud, Zhang Huainan seemed to kneel down.
"Your Majesty, I am a loyal minister to you, but honest advice is unpleasant to the ears. Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Meng Yan couldn't help but want to laugh when she heard this.
These old ministers either take advantage of their seniority or their honest advice is unpleasant to the ears, and there is not even a fresh word to say every day.
It's hard for Lu Haozhi. He has to listen to these clichés every day and deal with them.
"Zhang Yushi," footsteps could be heard, and Lu Haozhi seemed to be walking down the hall. "You are a loyal minister to the late emperor. You made great contributions in two major corruption cases during the late emperor's lifetime. I understand your loyalty. Marquis Yiyang was also a minister in the same palace as you. You should know his character better. Children raised in the Meng family's family tradition will not become rebellious. I am assured. The court is in need of talents now. Meng Changyuan is serving the country in the western expedition. I vaguely remember that your two sons are now adults, right? Bring them to the palace someday so that I can see them."
Zhang Huainan was an old and experienced man, so he could hear the hidden meaning in the words. It was a pleasant surprise. He kowtowed to express his gratitude and never mentioned the Meng family again.
Meng Yan was listening outside the hall and couldn't help but sigh softly.
First give a slap and then give a sweet treat, Lu Haozhi has a good balance.
It was this emperor who created the later Qianyuan prosperous era.
As a king, he is a good one.
But after hearing Lu Haozhi say a few more words with some effort, Zhang Huainan took his leave.
When he saw her, Zhang Huainan bowed as a greeting, his back was straight and he looked aloof.
Meng Yan bowed, returned a half bow, lowered her eyes and smiled slightly.
Intellectuals have had these bad habits since ancient times, always wanting to appear tougher than others.
After sending Zhang Huainan away, Lu Haozhi sat on the dragon throne and sighed.
The previous emperor had founded the Great Zhou Dynasty, but upon his death, he left behind a shattered mess. The old officials in the capital were deeply entrenched, ostracizing and suppressing newly elected young officials. Furthermore, the forces of the previous dynasty, led by the Nanping Prince's Mansion, had not been completely eliminated.
Back then, the remnants of the previous dynasty relocated to the southwestern borderlands. This region, at the very edge of Great Zhou's military might, felt out of reach. Furthermore, it bordered the southwestern kingdoms, creating a complex and complex situation. The previous emperor had intended to take his time, but the heartland of the Central Plains suffered repeated years of drought, epidemics, and locust plagues, leaving the people practically destitute. In desperation, he halted all activities and allowed the people to recuperate.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the royal family of the previous dynasty expressed their willingness to submit to the Great Zhou, and left the prince in the capital as a hostage, and the princess entered the palace as a concubine, paying tribute every year.
The previous emperor was worried about the disaster, and seeing that he voluntarily surrendered, he gladly accepted it and conferred the former prince the title of Prince of Nanping. It was also at this time that Concubine Xuanhe entered the palace.
It was not until the late emperor's old age, when the Prince of Nanping had also grown old, that he was allowed to return home.
When Lu Hao ascended the throne, the regent prince's rebellion first occurred. Just as peace had finally been restored, an enemy state in the southwest invaded. This time, Meng Changyuan was sent westward on a campaign, not only to repel the invasion but also to bring the southwest within the military reach of the Great Zhou.
At this critical juncture, the heartland of the Central Plains, especially the capital, must be as stable as a rock.
In recent days, Lu Haozhi has dealt with many people like Zhang Huainan and is really tired.
However, the emperor cannot say he is tired.
Picking up the tea bowl and taking a sip, Rong An came in and reported, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine requests an audience and is waiting outside the door."
Hearing Meng Yan coming, although Lu Haozhi was now self-aware and knew that she was definitely not here to see him, he was still somewhat happy and could not help but smile and said, "Please let her in."
As soon as the news spread, Meng Yan was seen walking over the threshold and coming in slowly.
Lu Haozhi held his face with one hand, squinted his eyes and looked at her, with a faint smile on his lips.
Meng Yan didn't want to get close to him, and watching her dress and put on makeup every day became a pleasure amidst the busy government affairs.
Today she had her hair tied up in a bun with flowers, and wore a peony crown with red gold and kingfisher feathers on the front. She wore a sky-blue long-sleeved silk robe with flowers, auspicious clouds and flying birds embroidered on her skirt. She looked dignified yet charming.
Although she dressed casually in Changchun Palace, she still paid attention to her appearance when she came to meet the emperor.
After the ceremony, Meng Yan explained her purpose and the details of the case that Ren Shuyi had investigated. She then said, "I have come to ask the Emperor for instructions on how to deal with Zhao."
Lu Haozhi looked at her, his thin lips slightly curved, "I have already said that this matter is up to you to decide, no need to ask me."
Meng Yan raised her head, met his eyes directly, and said bluntly, "Your Majesty, I wish to request the death penalty for Zhao!"
According to normal social practices, she, the princess's adoptive mother, should have acted magnanimous and tolerant at this moment, said a few words to excuse Zhao, and then punished her casually to make the matter less serious.
But she was unwilling to do so. Her child was framed and murdered, yet she was still willing to be tolerant and forgive him. Does this make sense?
Although Zhao Shi was not the main culprit, she had a hand in the plot to murder the princess, including providing advice and passing messages and gifts. Moreover, since she was willing to be Liang Chengbi's scapegoat, then let her do as she wished.
If those people accused her of being cruel because of this, she would be happy to accept it!
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