Chapter 84 Zhou Xuan, are you willing to be the queen?
In late July, an imperial edict was issued.
Xie Xuanlan murdered the Prince of Huai and Princess Wenshuang, violating human ethics and national law; he beheaded the Western Tartar envoy, damaging the relationship between the two countries. His crimes warrant the extermination of his entire clan. Considering his long service as a guard of the imperial palace, his meritorious service, and his father's loyalty and filial piety, a legacy passed down through generations, we will spare his life and assign him to a garrison in the northwest, departing in August.
At the same time, Wang Zhaoshen, who had been imprisoned for more than half a year, was released, his salary and title were cut, and his official rank was demoted by seven levels. However, he was still allowed to return to the northwest to take up his post as a small captain of a thousand cavalry.
After the Ghost Crying Mountain incident, the Wang and Xie families had already fallen out. Had this been the case in the past, the Xie clan would have undoubtedly filed a petition accusing Wang Zhao of crimes worse than treason and claiming the punishment was too lenient. But now that the Third Master Xie had also committed a crime, the emperor had shown leniency. The Xie clan was incredibly grateful. If they complained about the Fourth Master's punishment being too lenient, they were complaining about the Third Master Xie's life being too long. Therefore, this time, all the aristocratic families agreed and praised the emperor's grace.
But the Qingliu of the Han clan began to jump up and down, clamoring to kill both Wang Si and Xie San.
Cong Ying had been very busy these past two days. He first visited Du Rupan and found that he was drafting an impeachment memorial, suggesting that Xie Xuanlan's sentence of exile be changed to death penalty.
Du Rupan hesitantly put his pen-holding hand behind his back and began to shift the blame: "This was all Han Zhongcheng's idea. I was just writing the letter. Even if I didn't write it, he would have someone else do it. Fourth Lady, I know you're heartbroken and reluctant to see Xie San die, but official business shouldn't be interfered with by personal feelings. I hope Fourth Lady will be understanding."
Jiang Congying raised his eyes and scanned the lines of heart-piercing words on the impeachment letter. The more he read, the heavier his mood became, and he gradually sneered.
But her expression remained gentle as she spoke to Du Rupan, "Prince Huai was corrupt and domineering in the past, and the upright officials repeatedly petitioned to punish him. Now that he's dead, they're speaking up for him. And then there's the Western Tartar envoys, who previously said that barbarians were wolves and should not be associated with. Now they plotted to murder the princess, but because they were killed by the Third Young Master, they've become the good guys. Censor Du, isn't this the public opinion of the court? Isn't this selfish?"
"I don't mean to blame Brother Du..." Cong Ying and Ruo Chunfeng, "I would like to ask Brother Du to introduce me to Han Zhongcheng for the sake of my grandfather."
Du Rupan knew that this was not a good idea, but he could not resist her pleading and finally agreed.
He thought that no matter whether the matter succeeded or not, she and Xie San would break up, so he hoped that she would remember the kindness of helping him in his time of need, and would give him priority when she wanted to get married in the future.
The next morning, Du Rupan brought Cong Ying to visit Han's house.
Cong Ying had inquired with Madam Xie in advance about the personalities of the masters of the Han Mansion, and brought the generous gifts prepared by Madam Xie. Just an ingot of Li Chao ink and two pens made of red rhinoceros and golden fox armpits were priceless, not to mention the two silver notes worth a total of one thousand taels that were used to pay for the ink and pens.
Before opening the box, Han Sui, the Central Minister of Han, frowned deeply. After looking at the treasures in the box, the wrinkles on his face gradually relaxed.
His tone was much gentler as he said to Cong Ying, "Your grandfather and I are quite like-minded. It's rare that you're willing to come and visit me. There will be a meeting later, so you can come and sit in."
Cong Ying thought Han Sui, worthy of his title as "Great Zhou's No. 1 Non-Stick Pan," had accepted such a generous gift without promising to do anything, merely allowing her to attend the meeting. No matter what the outcome, her presence wouldn't allow it to be used against her later. Cong Ying was disgruntled, but she had no choice. She mentally considered her next words, deciding which people to win over with subtle hints and which to exclude.
In addition to her and Han Sui, there were a total of eight censors, one of whom was the great-nephew of Qian Jijiu and the other was the nephew of her aunt Cai. When these two saw Cong Ying, they glared at each other and gave up the idea of winning her over as soon as possible.
The good news is that Wei Ji just joined the Censorate two days ago, was appreciated by Han Sui, and is here today.
Before the meeting even started, he quickly introduced another Censor He to her: "This is Madam Jiang, who helped clear Lu Mu's name. Madam Jiang, this is the young Censor He. We are sworn brothers with Lu Mu."
After the exchange of greetings between Ying and Censor He, I felt a little relieved when I heard the gratitude in his words.
In this way, we only need to win over the remaining four censors.
Cong Ying quietly asked Wei Ji, "Have you resolved the issue with Xie Liuniang?"
When Xie Miaozhu was mentioned, a look of shame flashed across Wei Ji's face. He nodded and said, "It's solved." He didn't elaborate.
The meeting began soon. Han Zhongcheng introduced Congying's identity. When he mentioned that she was Xie San's fiancée, Congying noticed that the expressions of the remaining four imperial censors were either frowning or sneering, or looking at her frivolously, and none of them were good people.
First, Qian Jijiu's nephew jumped in, arguing that killing someone meant paying with one's life, then Cai's nephew stepped forward, denouncing the Xie family's tyranny and calling them the nation's most damaging pests. These two advocated that the Xie family be sentenced to death, and ideally, that the investigation extend to other members of the Xie family, even Prime Minister Xie.
Han Zhongcheng gave Congying a chance to explain. Congying stepped forward, avoiding Prime Minister Xie's question, and embellished her remarks to Du Rupan, saying eloquently, "The Twenty-Four Guards were supposed to protect the Emperor and inspect the enclosures. The Western Tartars plotted to murder your lord, and Commander Xie executed them first and reported them later, though that was reckless. As for the Prince of Huai and Princess Wenshuang, they were cousins of the Third Young Master, yet they were entangled with the Western Tartars. Even the King of Ying acknowledged that they were guilty of capital crimes. The Third Young Master was angry at their lack of resistance, and accidentally killed them. While it's tragic, they weren't treacherous and didn't deserve death."
It also mentioned that Xie Xuanlan cut down the flag of the Western Tartar king and danced under the Golden Terrace, severely crushing the arrogance of the Western Tartar envoys:
"If the Western Tartars invade, the Third Prince will certainly be of use. If he achieves merit, it will be of great benefit to both the country and the people. If he dies in battle, that is also the outcome you all desire. Why rush to execute him now? This will not only harm the country's generals, but also hurt the emperor's prudent judgment."
…
Whether in public or in private, from the court to the northwest, she was allowed to say everything.
Du Rupan was impressed and nodded repeatedly, quietly pushing the draft of the impeachment memorial deep into his sleeve pocket.
Wei Ji and He Yushi exchanged a glance, and He Yushi chuckled softly, "This Madam Jiang looks kind, but she's really not simple. She can make everything black and gray seem white. If she had been at the Hanlin Academy's Qingtan Conference last year, Brother Wei, your top spot would have been in jeopardy."
Wei Ji asked: "Then do you want to stand on her side?"
Censor He nodded. "Although Han Zhongcheng's attitude is unclear, I give my vote to Madam Jiang for her eloquence."
Wei Ji thought for a moment and said, "Although I wish all these noble family members were executed, Madam Jiang has been very kind to me, and I must repay her this time."
Thus, three censors agreed with her, three opposed her, and the remaining three, having learned the essence of Han Zhongcheng, bowed to him and said, "We will follow your Lord Zhongcheng's opinion."
Looking from Ying to Han Zhongcheng, her eyes were bright and sharp.
Han Zhongcheng was pondering and considering. On one side was the hint given to him by the King of England, and on the other side was the generous gift and favor from the Xie family.
After the Prince of Huai was defeated, could the Ying Palace still participate in the succession struggle? After the Xie family lost Xie Xuanlan, would they inevitably decline?
And there is Jiang Congying, it is also a hassle to refute her.
He was just hesitating, wondering whether to give up the chess game and discuss it another day, when suddenly a servant came rushing in with a report: "His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin has arrived! He barged in without waiting for a notice!"
The prince was so sick, who would dare to stop him? When everyone came to their senses, the sedan chair had already stopped in front of the council hall.
Holding a jade crutch, he smiled and said to Han Zhongcheng and the other imperial censors who came to greet him, "Unfortunately, it turns out that the Zhongcheng's residence is holding a meeting. Can I sit in on it?"
Han Zhongcheng wanted to say no: "This——"
As soon as he uttered a word, the King of Jin walked around him and into the house.
Cong Ying was a little surprised to see Prince Jin. Since she had not told him about her visit, she guessed that he had other important matters and they just happened to bump into each other. So she bowed respectfully and stood close to him. Prince Jin just nodded to her without any other greetings.
The King of Jin sat down at the head of the table and ordered everyone to step back three steps outside the courtyard gate. He closed the door and called everyone in one by one to face the emperor.
Wei Ji and He Yushi were the first to be called. They went in half an incense stick at a time, then came out and gathered together to quietly check their accounts.
"That prince asked me what we were discussing just now."
"Me too."
"And asked me what each of us said."
"Me too."
"Finally, he asked me what my attitude was towards Third Master Xie's conviction and sentencing."
"Me too."
Cong Ying was puzzled and asked, "And then it disappeared?"
The two shook their heads, also confused, not knowing what this prince intended to do.
It was not as easy for the rest of the people. Censor Qian and Censor Cai went in for an incense stick of time and came out trembling with cold sweat on their faces, as if there was an evil ghost with a green face and fangs sitting in the room. They were so distracted that they even fell down the stairs.
Everyone came over to ask what was going on, but the two of them just waved their hands, looking as if they had nothing to say.
The situation of the remaining imperial censors was similar. They went in with suspicion on their faces and came out as if they had lost their parents.
Combined with the fact that King Jin knew everything in the past, Ying had a guess in her mind.
The last to enter was Han Zhongcheng, who had waited longer than everyone else combined. The others, unable to stand still, found the steps and sat down in groups of two or three. About half an hour later, the door to the meeting hall opened, and Han Zhongcheng slowly emerged, meeting eyes with Cong Ying, who stood gracefully in the courtyard.
His expression was calm, but his entire aura had changed, like a burnt non-stick pan or a pine tree wilted by frost.
"What we discussed today needs to be reconsidered." Han Zhongcheng paused and said to Congying, "His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin also wants you in for questioning."
Cong Ying walked to the door of the council hall, knocked gently, and after getting permission, he pushed the door open and walked in.
Only the Prince of Jin was in the room. He was reading the original copy of the impeachment memorial confiscated from Du Rupan. He raised his eyes with a smile and tapped the small table beside him: "The tea is gone."
Cong Ying walked forward with the teapot and refilled his cup with tea. When she was about to leave, he grabbed her sleeve.
The King of Jin said, "You must be tired of standing outside. Just sit here."
The few people just now definitely didn't receive such treatment. Cong Ying sat across from him at the table and asked gently, "Could it be that Your Highness has something on me that he can use against me by suddenly revealing it? Would that frighten me and make me change my mind?"
The King of Jin laughed and said, "If I really had it, it would be great. Why would you be so disobedient?"
A few days ago, he had asked Zisu to tell her that he would handle Xie San's case and would never ask him to be executed. Congying was filled with gratitude, but secretly went to find Du Rupan and came to visit Han Zhongcheng on his own initiative without even notifying him. If he hadn't had spies in the Han Mansion, wouldn't her humiliation today have been in vain?
Cong Ying said, "Your Highness is not feeling well, and it's not nice to trouble you with everything..."
The King of Jin mercilessly exposed her: "First, you don't want to owe me too much, fearing that I might use it to repay you. Second, you don't trust me, thinking that I just want Xie San to die quickly and that I'm not really devoted to him. Is that right?"
He had a gentle smile on his face and spoke in a soft tone, but his words were very harsh. Cong Ying could clearly feel that he was very angry.
She didn't dare to argue, and calmly changed the subject: "Censors Qian and Cai have always had a bad reputation, but the others are well-known. And then there's Han Zhongcheng, who is cautious and smooth in his official duties. What evidence did Your Highness have on them that made them so afraid?"
The King of Jin said, "Greedy people accept bribes worth millions, lustful people rape female prisoners, or unfilial sons of families kill people in order to seize good farmland. Upon closer inspection, none of them are clean."
Cong Ying was surprised.
"So, your clever rhetoric with these people will be fruitless. Your ideas should be kept as beautiful writings on paper, and not spoken to these despicable people."
Knowing that getting angry with her was pointless, Prince Jin sighed helplessly, "Aying, you should trust me on this matter. Besides you, I want Xie San to be alive more than anyone else."
Cong Ying pondered his words carefully.
If the Prince of Jin treats her well because he has feelings for her, then why is he good to Xie Xuanlan?
If you put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself, if a gentle and beautiful girl had taken her Sanlang away, you probably wouldn't be able to do so much to save her when she was in trouble.
Cong Ying could only turn her thoughts to the politics of the court. She hesitantly asked in a low voice, "Prince Huai is dead, and Prince Ying and the Xie family have broken off relations. Does Your Highness have any interest in the position of Crown Prince and wish to secure the support of the Xie family?"
Prince Jin was almost amused by her.
He couldn't help but think darkly in his heart: Xie San was the most important person in her heart. She was so worried about him that she was confused. On the one hand, she went to the houses of these corrupt officials and hit a wall, and on the other hand, she was suspicious of his intentions. He really hated it... hated it...
What can I not do? King Jin said self-deprecatingly, "I can't do anything."
He was secretly furious, but his face remained calm and he deliberately said, "Yes, I want to be the emperor, then do you want to be the queen?"
This sentence frightened Cong Ying so much that her expression changed. She stood up and knelt before him: "Your Highness, please be careful with your words... I am a humble woman with humble background. I have already been promised to someone else and cannot bear your love..."
The King of Jin looked at her and said, "If I were to exchange Xie San's life for yours, would you be willing?"
Cong Ying was silent for a moment, and her eyes slowly turned red.
"Get up." The King of Jin stood up and helped her up. "I was just joking with you. Don't take it seriously."
But he was also worried and couldn't help asking, "Then, do you feel any different towards me than others?"
After a long silence, Cong Ying admitted in a low voice, "Yes, Your Highness is not wrong."
She looked up at Prince Jin, her tears filled with many emotions that she wanted to express but couldn't, but the underlying tone was one of struggle and pain.
She said, "But...it was impossible before. Now that Sanlang has come this far because of me, I can't possibly let him down."
Prince Jin nodded and sighed softly, "Okay, I understand."
There was a tentative knock on the door, and Du Rupan's voice came in: "Your Highness, Prince Jin, the memorial for this meeting has been re-drafted. Please review it."
Prince Jin turned around and sat down, wiped his eyes, and stood at the bottom of the hall with his head bowed. Du Rupan stole a few glances when he came in to deliver the memorial, thinking she had been scolded by Prince Jin and was crying, and he couldn't help but feel nervous.
Seeing him staring at him again and again, the King of Jin said coldly, "Didn't the court etiquette teach you not to look sideways? Go back to the Ministry of Personnel and start over."
Du Rupan quickly lowered his back and responded hesitantly.
The Prince of Jin quickly scanned the draft and saw that the censors had unanimously agreed to commuting Xie Xuanlan's death sentence to exile to the northwest. They even pleaded for him at the end of the draft, allowing him to leave after the Mid-Autumn Festival. He nodded and handed the draft back to Du Rupan.
"Have Han Sui make a copy, have you all sign your names, and then have Wei Ji and He Xun deliver it to the Ministry of Public Administration."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
