When news of the commotion in Qiao County reached the capital, some people wanted to seize the opportunity to punish the people for rioting.
Before he could even open his mouth, Emperor Hongde slammed a memorial in front of Zhang Yunjian.
Zhang Yunjian picked it up and took a look; his face immediately turned green.
Although Jiang Zhixu was a military general, he was not a reckless man. He had been taught by the Grand Tutor in the palace since childhood, and he also possessed strategic acumen.
After arriving in Qiao County, the first thing I did was investigate the Cha family.
These local tyrants did more than just seize fertile land from ordinary people. They also inflated prices, engaged in the buying and selling of people, and forced women into prostitution.
Why would the people rebel?
Because we can't survive anymore.
First, the Yin family in the Northwest embezzled plague supplies, then the Ruan family and other powerful families worshipped evil spirits, and now the powerful families in Qiao County are exploiting the people.
Even if the emperor wasn't angered to death, he could still be praised for his magnanimity.
Zhang Yunjian was annoyed that these people were careless in their work, which allowed Jiang Zhixu to seize on their weakness.
Now that the Ruan, Xie, and Yu families have all fallen, there is no reason to mobilize the troops stationed at Tianmen Pass.
Compared to their fear of powerful families, the common people believed more in the gods who condescended to protect them.
Jiang Shumiao's reputation as a goddess has been circulating for almost two years and has long been deeply ingrained in people's minds.
She also exorcised demons twice.
No one dared to smear her anymore.
After all, it seems that even the heavens favor her.
After the court session, several important officials, including Cao Yinglin and Zhang Yunjian, gathered together.
"I heard that His Majesty has issued a decree that Ruan Lao and the others will be executed in three days, without waiting until autumn. Once the axe falls and heads roll, there will be no turning back."
Cao Yinglin said, "Isn't this also thanks to the joint trial by the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate?"
She had previously plotted against Wen Zhixuan, hoping to use him to send away that little brat Jiang Shumiao, but in the end, Princess Huyang stopped her with a few words.
Cheng Jing, the Minister of Rites, and the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, who proposed building the altar, were both reprimanded.
Zhao Shiyao, the only one who was not implicated, remained silent.
Zhang Yunjian, along with Dali Temple Minister Sun Baimin and Minister of Justice Zeng Youxi, all looked grim.
"What do you mean by that, Lord Cao? Although this case is being jointly tried by the three judicial departments, it is being presided over by the Crown Prince. Jiang Xiuyuan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, is Jiang Zhixu's cousin, and the two clerks are his maternal cousins. How can I possibly cover up the truth?"
Zeng Youxi's grandfather once served as the Grand Secretary, and he himself was in charge of the Ministry of Justice for many years. He was not much different from the Ruan family, so he naturally spoke with confidence.
Zhang Yunjian also said coldly, "Lord Cao, have you forgotten that last year His Majesty wanted to promote that young punk Jiang Yiqing to the position of Censor-in-Chief? Although he is only a fifth-rank official, he wields considerable power, and His Majesty intends to protect him. Do you think I can drive him out of the Censorate?"
Sun Baimin said calmly, "Princess Fule brought out those demon bones in front of the entire court. How can we protect her? Although the Crown Prince is young, he is not an ignorant child. He is swift and decisive. Yao Cong, who is by his side, is also a stubborn rock that cannot be moved."
After a pause, he said, "In truth, Elder Ruan was too reckless this time. He revealed all his cards before even knowing the enemy's strength, which gave them a handle to use against him."
The Prefect of the Capital, Qiu, had a gloomy expression. "We haven't gotten rid of Wen Zhixuan yet, but that little brat has regained the limelight. Now she has followers all over the world, and she's not easy to deal with."
Cao Yinglin wasn't angry at being teased by everyone; instead, he laughed.
"They are gods; how can we mortals possibly contend with them?"
Zhang Yunjian looked over and said, "Judging from Lord Cao's words, are you going to back down? Are you really going to let that Wen fellow manipulate things in the court and bewitch the emperor? Are you even willing to give up the honor of your entire Cao family?"
Cao Yinglin calmly sipped his tea, saying, "Lord Zhang is joking. My Cao family has never associated with evil spirits."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned sour.
Who would have thought that Ruan Rongping would be so audacious as to raise and worship a great demon?
What if it runs out and harms people if we're not careful?
Demons don't have as much lust for power as humans. When they eat people, who cares about social status? They treat ordinary people like dirt, and in their eyes, aren't they just another dish?
If Jiang Shumiao is weak and is indeed divided up by those demons, who can guarantee that they won't continue to wreak havoc on the world? Who will be left to eliminate the demons then?
Protoss?
The powerful families had extensive connections and naturally knew people in the Xuanmen sect. They had even recruited immortals from the East Sea in the past.
I've heard a few whispers and rumors.
The gods are high above and no longer protect mortals.
Otherwise, why would they allow so many powerful demons to wreak havoc in the mortal realm?
The Ruan, Xie, and Yu families truly deserve to die.
Cao Yinglin took in everyone's expressions and said, "Things have come to this point. I advise you all not to cause any more trouble, otherwise you will lose the honor of your entire family."
Cheng Jing, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up, "His Majesty's implementation of the equal-field decree is a foregone conclusion."
Cao Yinglin clearly thought so too.
I wonder which deity that little baby Jiang Shumiao is. Why didn't the gods come to claim her? They let her 'run rampant' in the mortal realm and become the emperor's biggest protector.
Aristocratic families can oppose imperial power, but they cannot go against the will of the people.
The higher a person's position, the less able they are to give up wealth and glory.
Zhang Yunjian frowned. "Has Lord Cheng also considered resigning?"
Cheng Jing sighed and said, "His Majesty didn't force you to give up your own land. Do you still think you're not rich enough?"
Everyone was speechless.
Which prominent family hasn't accumulated wealth over dozens of generations?
Naturally, they are incredibly wealthy and noble.
But as the saying goes, greed knows no bounds; who would ever complain about having too much money?
Therefore, the aristocratic families reacted strongly.
Cao Yinglin and Cheng Jing exchanged a glance and said, "His Majesty has been making frequent moves in recent years, and the aristocratic families have not benefited at all. Once war breaks out, not to mention the chances of winning, both sides will surely suffer heavy losses. At that time, not to mention land, I'm afraid that everyone's money and grain will be burned to ashes. That would be a complete waste of effort."
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