Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Chapter 23
Seeing this, Yinyu hugged Yinzhi's neck and couldn't help but grin. As he laughed, he said to the 679 system in his mind: "System, look at my cheap big brother. He is really pitiful. Look at him running back and forth like a headless fly. It's really funny. If he had paid more attention to the courtyards he passed by several times, the evidence would have been found long ago."
System 679 nodded and said, "The host is right. He can find evidence and the account books. This is of paramount importance."
"If we find the account books and confiscate the property, the money we find would probably be too much to hold in several national treasuries."
Yinreng's eyes suddenly brightened up. The house must be confiscated. His royal father would live a better life and would not cause trouble for him every day.
This short video made his elder brother understand that Shiwu watched short videos just for fun.
If they look at it, they can get the clues they want.
Thinking of this, he glanced at Yinzhen with some disgust. Look, look, just in these few short sentences, he actually knew all the clues he wanted to know.
He should be nicer to Shiwu in the future, at least he should not deliberately tease him just to make him angry.
Thinking of this, he looked at Yinyou's fair and tender chubby face and couldn't help feeling a little regretful.
What a pity, Fifteen looks so cute when he’s angry.
Yinzhen's arm, which was holding Yinyou, was trembling slightly. His breathing became a little rapid as he listened to the words of Yi Yitong. Looking at Yinreng's bright eyes, he turned his head and looked away.
If he left the court now, I wonder if his royal father would break his legs?
When he thought of this, he looked towards the corner gate and happened to see Kangxi walking out from inside. Yinzhen shrank his head and suppressed the thought just now.
Let’s finish the important things first.
Kangxi was listening to what the others were saying at the corner gate. He glanced at Yinzhen twice, then walked out. He coughed lightly and said, "Go to court."
All of a sudden, everyone withdrew their gazes and stood straight in their seats.
After everyone stood up straight, Kangxi's eyes fell on Yinzhen. He asked Yinzhen, "Yinzhen, how is the investigation of the salt merchants going?"
As soon as these words were spoken, some people in the court changed their expressions drastically, while others seemed to gloat over the misfortune.
The affairs of salt merchants concern national taxes and involve a wide range of issues. Few people in the court dare to say that they have no dealings with salt merchants.
But now the emperor has sent people to investigate the affairs of the salt merchants without leaving any trace, for fear that the investigation will lead to them.
Yinzhen took two steps forward, holding Yinyu in his arms, and said to Kangxi, "In reply to Your Majesty, I have been investigating the salt merchants and have found a lot of evidence. Please review it, Your Majesty."
As he spoke, he reached into his pocket and took out an account book and a very thick memorial.
Upon hearing this, Liang Jiugong hurried down, took the things from Yinzhen's hand, and walked towards Kangxi in small steps.
When they arrived in front of Kangxi, the account books and memorials were respectfully presented to him.
Kangxi reached out to take the account book, opened it, looked at it for a few seconds, and put it on the table.
He switched to another memorial and began to read it. His expression turned ugly at first glance, and anger welled up in his eyes. He suddenly looked up at the people around him before sneering, "You're truly capable of concealing something so completely."
He really didn't expect that these people would be so rampant. Not only did they raise the price of salt, but they also resold private salt and made huge profits from it.
Yinyu hugged Yinzhi's neck, his body swaying with his movements. He mentally said to the 679 system, "System, why do I feel like my big brother is so strong? Even with these movements, he can still hold me firmly in his arms."
At this point, he paused slightly, and silently calculated in his mind: "I weigh at least 20 kilograms, right?"
System 679 said to Yin Yu, "Host, do you know how heavy the iron lump your eldest brother practices every day is?"
Without waiting for Yinyou to speak, he continued, "One hundred pounds, one hand weighs one hundred pounds, it's very powerful. If it were in the time when Wu Song was fighting a tiger, your elder brother would also be able to kill the tiger."
"That punch was enough to break bones, so don't bully your big brother. You can't even withstand the force of one finger of his."
Yinyu 679 system said something a bit exaggerated, and poked Yinzhi's arm with his little finger. In this November day, Yinzhi was wearing very thin clothes, and he could poke his hard machine head with a little force of his hand.
He touched it with his hand and couldn't help but sigh: "It's really amazing."
At this point, he paused slightly, then immediately realized what System 679 meant. He questioned him, "Are you saying I'm bullying my cheap second brother? How did I bully him? He drinks porridge, so he drinks it, and even spits it out. Can't I take revenge? I need to grow, and delaying my meals means delaying my growth. Isn't it normal for me to fight back?"
"679, you've really turned bad. You're not on my side anymore."
System 679 was silent for a while, and its voice became much weaker: "Host, don't be angry, I didn't mean that. Really, I didn't mean that."
Having said that, he paused slightly, then continued, "What I mean is, if you bite your eldest brother's arm, your teeth will break."
When Yinyou heard this, he fell completely silent. Judging from the hardness he had just felt, if he took a bite, his front teeth might be gone.
Yinzhen couldn't help but laugh as he listened to the words of "One Man, One Ruler." He bowed to Kangxi and said, "Your Majesty, I have one more thing to report. The salt merchant's affair is related to Prince Li. The money flow recorded in this account book is the evidence I found after confiscating a salt merchant. I hope Your Majesty will take a closer look."
When Prince Li was mentioned, all the civil and military officials in the court fell silent and their breathing became much lighter.
Prince Li is a prince of the old establishment. He was highly respected when the Empress Dowager was alive. After the Empress Dowager passed away over the years, he became very low-key and would carry a birdcage to walk his bird every day.
Sometimes he goes to restaurants to drink and is usually a kind person.
If someone said he had any connection with the salt merchants, few people would believe it.
Kangxi looked at the memorial in his hand and listened to Yinzhen's words, then fell silent. After a pause, he said to him, "Take your evidence and go over there. If they're really investigating something, we'll confiscate their property and put them in the Imperial Clan Court."
If Prince Li was really involved in the salt merchants' affairs, he must not be tolerated.
Yinzhen bowed slightly to Kangxi and said, "Yes, I obey your order."
Mingzhu listened to the two men's conversation from the side, his brows furrowed. He took two steps forward and said to Kangxi, "Your Majesty, I think it would be better to investigate further. We cannot just convict Prince Li based on this little evidence, whether it's true or not."
Having said this, he paused slightly, then continued, "Besides, Prince Li was promoted by the Grand Empress Dowager. Now that she's gone, he's still the elder she left behind. Even if he truly made a mistake, I hope the Emperor will give Prince Li a lighter sentence for the Grand Empress Dowager's sake."
During this period, the Prince of Zhi was obviously different from before. He had little contact with him and was ruthless in attacking his people.
Prince Li had a close relationship with him, and he absolutely could not allow Prince Zhi to confiscate his property.
If the house is really raided, then it will be truly irreparable.
When Suo Etu heard Mingzhu's words, his eyes flickered. He glanced at Yinreng, took two steps forward, and said to Kangxi, "Your Majesty, I think Master Mingzhu is right. No matter what, Prince Li is close to the Empress Dowager and was promoted by her. I hope Your Majesty will show leniency to him."
As Yinzhi listened to what the two people said, the expression on his face became a little complicated. Mingzhu used to stand on his side, and Soetu stood on Yinreng's side.
Now these two people have actually joined forces regarding Prince Li.
They joined forces to oppose Prince Li and were imprisoned in the Ministry of Clan Affairs.
It seems that the two of them are related to Prince Li.
Yinyu lay in Yinzhi's arms, watching with great interest. He mentally commented to the 679 system, "System, are these two teaming up?"
System 679 said uncertainly, "It's hard to say. It looks like they've joined forces, but who knows if they'll bite back later? If they don't, then it's truly a coalition."
He said this, and then continued: "If they really unite, it will be troublesome."
When Yinyou heard this, a look of worry appeared on his young face. In a three-way confrontation, if two parties cooperated, the other party would soon be swallowed up and the situation would become one-man show.
But Kangxi would never watch the entire court become dominated by Mingzhu and Soetu.
He just didn't trust others, but he believed that Kangxi would never allow these two people to join forces.
Thinking of this, he said to System 679 in his heart with certainty: "Don't worry, my father will never let Mingzhu and Suo'etu unite. Even if they really unite, I will defeat them one by one."
"Besides, my cheap eldest brother and cheap second brother are not like before, they are not in the same group with them. Now they are obviously on my father's side."
At this point, his voice became much happier as he said, "I feel relieved."
Kangxi listened to Yinyou's confident words, and a smile unconsciously curled up his lips. He turned to Mingzhu and Suo'etu and asked, "So, according to you, for the sake of the Empress Dowager, I should turn a blind eye to Prince Li? And then watch him stir up trouble in the court?"
Having said this, he suddenly chuckled, and the coldness in his voice was felt by Yinyou. He stared at Kangxi with wide eyes, and felt that there was a solemn and murderous atmosphere in the whole court.
He muttered to the 679 system in his heart: "Why do I feel like my father wants to kill someone?"
Upon hearing this, System 679 said to Yinyu, "How could you not want to kill someone? In a three-way confrontation, these two banded together to protect one person. How could your father not be angry?"
As he spoke, he analyzed the situation to Yinyu: "Originally, Mingzhu, Suo'etu, and Zhang Ying represented the three factions. Zhang Ying was the weakest, but the most cohesive. Suo'etu's side was the prince's party, while Mingzhu was from the lineage of the Prince of Zhi."
"As a result, the Crown Prince and the Prince of Zhi rebelled and no longer wanted to participate. How could Mingzhu and Suo'etu not be anxious? Their good deeds as a follower of the emperor were ruined. No one would be happy about that."
Yinyu nodded and thought to himself, "You are right."
If this is the case, Mingzhu and Soetu will attack Yinzhen this time.
So is there going to be another big drama next?
Mingzhu and Suo'etu looked at each other, and Mingzhu bowed to Kangxi and said, "Your Majesty, I just think that Prince Li would never do such a thing. He has many people in his backyard, but they are all daughters. His eldest daughter and second daughter are married to the Junggar people."
"Besides this, Prince Li has no son, and he is corrupt and colludes with salt merchants. In the end, this money may still end up in the national treasury."
Having said this, he paused slightly, then continued, "Also, Prince Li's only son died in that incident while trying to save the Empress Dowager."
As soon as he said this, the whole court became a little heavy, and many people gasped.
Mingzhu is really bold and presumptuous. She actually dares to bring up this matter at this time.
Suo Etu bowed to Kangxi and echoed, "The Empress Dowager had the same idea in mind back then, which is why she treated Prince Li with such courtesy. If we punish him severely now, wouldn't that be a bit unreasonable?"
Kangxi frowned as he listened to what the two people said. He knew what they meant.
Prince Li made great contributions in those days, except that his only son died in that turmoil.
Later, Prince Li had many children, but he never had a son. This was Prince Li's pain.
He has been in a daze these years and seems to be completely unconcerned, but what Yinzhen has discovered now is not as simple as it seems.
It was just that Soetu and Mingzhu wanted him to let Prince Li go, but once this person was let go, it would be tantamount to setting a precedent, which would encourage the atmosphere of corruption, and it would be difficult to correct it.
Thinking of this, he suddenly smiled and said to Mingzhu and Suo'etu, "You are right. We must not let him feel disappointed."
Having said this, he paused slightly, his expression cleared, and he said to the two of them, "Since Prince Li cannot punish him, then let him go to the imperial mausoleum to apologize. If the ancestors of the Aisin-Gioro clan want to let him go, then I will let him return to the capital."
These words immediately shut up Mingzhu and Suo'etu, and their expressions became a little complicated.
Seeing this, Yinyu hooked his hand around Yinzhi's neck and asked the 679 system in his mind, "Why do I feel like Mingzhu, Suo'etu, and Prince Li are in cahoots?"
Otherwise, why would these two people always speak for Prince Li?
When System 679 heard this, the childish mechanical voice was filled with joy. He said to Yinyu, "Host, you are right."
"Prince Li is connected to Mingzhu and Suo'etu. They've been drinking and listening to music together lately, and it's been really unpleasant."
As he spoke, he pulled out a screen in front of Yinyou.
In a room inside the screen, Prince Li, Mingzhu and Soetu were sitting in front of a round mahogany table, and there were many delicacies on the table.
Mingzhu picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. His eyes suddenly widened. He gave Prince Li a thumbs-up and said, "Prince Li is really capable. This is a deep-sea fish. I've only eaten it once, and the taste is still fresh in my memory. I never thought Prince Li could actually get this fish to the capital."
Suo Etu picked up the wine glass and drank it in one gulp. Then he tasted it carefully and said with a smile, "Mingzhu, this is really good wine. Most people can't drink it."
Prince Li listened to what the two men said, stroked his beard with his hand, and laughed heartily. He waved at them and said, "Since you two adults like it, I'll give you each a portion when you leave later."
Kangxi looked at the scene in front of him, his face so gloomy that water could drip out of it. He really didn't expect that these three people had colluded with each other.
The salt merchant's affairs are related to Prince Li, so is it possible that these two people have no connection at all?
Thinking of this, he glanced at Yinreng and Yinzhi imperceptibly, then his gaze went blank again, falling on the screen in front of him.
This short video is relatively long, it is a full forty seconds long, and what the people say in it is very clear.
Mingzhu raised a glass of wine and toasted Prince Li, then said flatteringly, "Prince Li has to bear the brunt of this matter alone. I believe that the Emperor has feelings for the Empress Dowager, so he will definitely not do anything to Prince Li. At most, he will be locked up at home."
"Lord Suo and I will definitely come to see you then."
Suo Etu also bowed to Prince Li and said, "Don't worry, Prince Li, this is only temporary."
After watching what the people on the screen said, Yinzhi and Yinreng frowned. They never thought that Soetu and Mingzhu were colluding with Prince Li.
Prince Youli is responsible for the salt merchants' affairs, so how can Mingzhu and Suo Etu escape?
Thinking of this, a solemn look appeared on their faces.
Kangxi chuckled as he looked at Mingzhu and Soetu, but the coldness in his eyes could not be dispelled. He trusted these two people so much, but he did not expect that these two people would collude with Prince Li.
Prince Li was able to take all the blame for these two people. Was the relationship between the three of them just a simple collusion?!
Mingzhu just felt a little uncomfortable all over, but Prince Li could only be locked in his own yard and absolutely could not go to the imperial mausoleum. If he went to the imperial mausoleum, it would be difficult for him to come back.
Thinking of this, he glanced at Suo Etu, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, if you allow Prince Li to go to the imperial mausoleum, I'm afraid it would be inappropriate."
Yinzhen suddenly turned around, looked at Mingzhu, and said sarcastically, "Master Mingzhu, what's wrong? I think Prince Li has something on you. Otherwise, why would you be so supportive of him?!"
As the screen in front of him slowly faded away, Yinzhen was about to explode with rage. His chest was heaving violently, and he was worried that if he used too much force on his hands, he would accidentally hurt Yinyu. So he tried hard to suppress his emotions.
But he couldn't calm down when he thought about him joining forces with others to trip him up.
Yinreng was also rather silent at this moment, his eyes staring at Soetu dimly.
Mingzhu was shocked by Yinzhen's anger. It had been so many years and he had never seen him so angry. Now he suddenly felt that if he continued to talk, Yinzhen would break off relations with him.
But he quickly shook his head, shaking off the thought in his mind, and said to Kangxi: "Your Majesty, please understand. This servant is absolutely thinking about your Majesty and has no intention of protecting anyone. Besides, Prince Li is also a royal relative, so there is no need for this servant to protect him."
Suo Etu was a little uneasy under Yinreng's gaze. He was silent for a moment and then said to Kangxi, "Yes, I am not protecting Prince Li. It is Prince Li who has an imperial decree. I and others are worried that the emperor will be in trouble, so we are asking for mercy."
The imperial edict in Prince Li's hand was given to him by the Empress Dowager, and it was also his capital to save his life.
Now if the emperor really lets Prince Li go to the imperial mausoleum, Prince Li will probably really use it.
When Kangxi heard this, his eyes flickered slightly. He knew about the imperial edict, but it also had a prerequisite. It could only be filled out under the condition that it would not go against the country.
Is Prince Li going to use it now?
Thinking of this, he said to Liang Jiugong, "Call Prince Li into the palace."
As soon as these words were spoken, Mingzhu and Soetu were obviously relieved. As long as Prince Li came to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, they would not be afraid that he would really go to guard the imperial tomb.
Prince Li arrived quickly. His hair and beard were all white, and he was trembling. The moment he saw Kangxi, he knelt down and saluted, "Greetings to the Emperor."
Kangxi looked at Prince Li with his white hair and beard, and couldn't help but pursed his lips into a straight line. If Prince Li had not done those things, he would still be happy to see him, and then talk to him and recall the kindness of his royal grandmother.
But now when he saw him, he thought of the magnificent house and the delicious food. Not to mention the wine he drank, he had never even seen the fish he ate.
An emperor is not as good as a prince.
Kangxi looked at Prince Li in silence, without asking him to stand up. He lowered his eyes and asked him in a deep voice, "Prince Li, I asked you to come to the Yangxin Palace today. Do you know what it is about?"
Prince Li looked up at Kangxi and nodded slightly.
He seemed to understand everything, and was completely calm. He took out the imperial edict from his bosom and said to Kangxi, "Your Majesty, I know that I will take sole responsibility for what I have done. Even if Your Majesty punishes me, it does not matter. Now I just want to ask Your Majesty, does this imperial edict still count?"
This imperial edict was handed to him personally by the Empress Dowager on the night his son died. Now he wants to use this imperial edict to exchange for an opportunity.
Kangxi nodded slightly while sitting on the dragon throne and said, "It counts. The Imperial Grandmother's decree naturally counts."
The imperial edict was given to Prince Li by his royal grandmother. Since it was given, it must be counted. Even if his royal grandmother died, this promise must be fulfilled.
Upon hearing this, Prince Li's eyes sparkled, and a brilliant smile crossed his lips. He then said to Kangxi, "I know what the Empress Dowager meant back then, and I've gotten used to it over the years. But now I want the Emperor to fulfill his promise.
Having said this, he paused slightly and looked at Yinyu with a steady gaze: "I only want the emperor to adopt the fifteenth prince to me."
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