Chapter 76 Nieces and nieces
Reforms, no matter how big or small, should be gradual. It was a bit early to talk about gender equality in the Northern Song Dynasty.
If the person involved was not Li Qingzhao, the Li Qingzhao who appears once in three thousand years, Zhao Huan would not have acted so resolutely.
After ascending the throne, Zhao Huan issued a general amnesty. It has only been a few days, and the prison of the Ministry of Justice should be empty and full of rats running around. Unexpectedly, another person was moved into the prison today.
That's right, it's about living, because this person has a prominent background, is well-known, and is worth a lot of money. The most important thing is that this person is a hotshot in the Ministry of Justice. A memorial was delivered personally by Lord Ma, the doctor in the Ministry of Justice, who sent away hundreds of corrupt officials.
This person is Li Qingzhao. Her father-in-law was once the prime minister, her eldest uncle was once the prime minister, and her younger uncle-in-law was and will be the prime minister in the future. He may still be on his way to Goryeo.
This person is Li Qingzhao, and the three prime ministers are Zhao Tingzhi, Cai Jing and Qin Hui.
Doctor Ma waved away the yamen runners around him, walked into the quiet and clean cell where there was a bed, writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone, and looked at Li Qingzhao with a doting look.
"Yi An, why are you doing this? Zhang Ruzhou is just a small official in the Audit Department of the Military Supervision Department, a small official. Uncle can easily find a reason to put him in jail for life. Why do you have to cancel the engagement by reporting it to the police?"
"Uncle Ma, I'm sorry to bother you, Yi An. Since the Song Dynasty has a procedure for citizens to sue officials, just follow the normal procedures. I believe that Kaifeng Prefecture will handle it impartially, so there is no need to use connections or relationships. It would be unfair to others."
“…”
Doctor Ma was choked speechless by Li Qingzhao. I am an official of the Ministry of Justice. Tell me if I understand fairness. If I understood fairness, you would still be in the stinking ditch prison cell next to me.
"Uncle means that I can do my best to help you and Zhang Ruzhou reach an agreement. At least I can ensure that Zhang Ruzhou doesn't bully you at will. This bastard is asking for too much. He wants two-thirds of all the calligraphy and paintings that you and Mingcheng have worked so hard to collect."
Doctor Ma flicked his sleeves and said, "This kind of person should be properly reformed in the prison of the Ministry of Justice."
Li Qingzhao looked calm as she looked around, feeling quite satisfied. "Thank you for your care, uncle. For me, even two years in jail is better than sharing a bed with such a despicable person."
The Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues: "The ruler is the bond of his subjects," "the father is the bond of his sons," and "the husband is the bond of his wife." If a woman sues her husband, the consequences can be quite serious.
According to Song Dynasty law, if a woman sued her husband, she would be imprisoned for two years regardless of whether she was right or wrong, or won or lost.
Doctor Ma sighed, "Fortunately, the evidence is solid. This Zhang is quite arrogant, even daring to casually reveal something like cheating in the imperial examination. The punishment should be exile to Lingnan at the very least. As for you, I'll ask someone to inquire more about you. You should try to get out as soon as possible."
"Uncle, there's no need to worry about that. Don't let my affairs get to you. Now that the prison is peaceful and quiet, it's a good time to compile the Jinshilu."
Li Qingzhao stared at the wall for a short moment, then picked up a pen and wrote a poem on paper.
Live as a hero, die as a ghost hero.
I still think of Xiang Yu, who refused to cross the Yangtze River.
When facing a powerful enemy, the emperor guards the national border and dies for the country, which is very heroic. The emperor does not desert and can be called a hero.
"Uncle, you have braved the wrath of the world to expose corrupt officials. You deserve the title of a hero. This poem is dedicated to you."
"A good poem, a good poem." Doctor Ma took the paper and said in amazement, "There's just one flaw, just one flaw. If the title of this poem were changed to "Li Qingzhao Sends Ma Jili from Prison," it would be perfect."
Li Qingzhao smiled and gave him a look: "You decide for yourself. As long as you are happy."
"If you need anything, just tell the prison boss. We'll satisfy you if we can. Just stay here for a few days and I'll go get you help."
Doctor Ma left a word and hurried out.
In the Bian Jing Palace and Funing Hall, Zhao Huan was so busy that he was about to vomit blood.
Only when you become an emperor will you realize how busy he is.
Every day there are endless memorials to review, and he also has to meet with officials from the two governments and local officials. Every two days, he has to listen to a court lecture. When he finally has some time to rest, the two of them work together again.
After resigning from office, Cai Jing was trembling with fear and devoted himself to social relief in order to avoid trouble from His Majesty.
It’s true that Cai Jing’s reputation has undergone a huge turnaround in just twenty days.
Many tents were set up in and outside the city to distribute porridge made from cloth, providing free accommodation. Those who were able to work were paid, and the wages were paid in cash after the work was completed.
When talking about Cai Jing, the people of Bianliang couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.
A prodigal son who returns is worth more than gold, and Master Cai finally finds his conscience.
The people are forgetful. If you let me take advantage of you, then you are a good person. But if you start to stand against the people again one day, the people's attitude will change again.
Although he had a good reputation and actively cooperated after Zhao Huan ascended the throne, he still did not want to get close to the emperor. A new emperor means new ministers, and he knew very well that he was not liked by Zhao Huan.
But, what can be done, Li Qingzhao is his sister-in-law. Moreover, Cai Jing did some unscrupulous things in his early years, so he wanted to make amends at this time.
It can be said that Cai Jing rescued Li Qingzhao not for Li Qingzhao, but to satisfy his own conscience.
Doctor Ma has had a bad reputation recently. No one wants to deal with him, for fear that he will send them to the guillotine at any time.
Since he couldn't get anyone to help, he had to do it himself. It was because he and Li Qingzhao's father were brothers who had their heads kowtowed to the ground.
Cai Jing and Doctor Ma were both surprised that the other came to the palace to meet the emperor at this time. After greeting each other, they entered the meeting room of Funing Hall under the leadership of Shao Chengzhang.
Zhao Huan put down the memorial in his hand, rubbed his brows, and asked, "What important matter has brought you two to the palace?"
Cai Jing thought that his matter was a private matter and it would be better to leave it for later, so he let Doctor Ma speak first.
"That..." Doctor Ma organized his words, then pulled out a piece of white paper from his sleeve pocket and handed it to His Majesty: "This is a poem describing the resistance of the Song Dynasty, from Your Majesty to the soldiers. Your Majesty, please read it."
He came all this way just to give me a poem, to flatter me? Makili doesn't seem like that kind of person.
Live as a hero, die as a ghost hero.
I still think of Xiang Yu, who refused to cross the Yangtze River.
Zhao Huan read it word by word and found it very familiar. Isn't this Li Qingzhao's famous summer quatrain? How could it be in Makili's hands?
"Doctor Ma, this poem wasn't written by you, was it? From whom did you get it?"
"Your Majesty, it's my niece, Li Qingzhao."
"Li Qingzhao, your niece?"
Doctor Ma looked at the agitated Cai Jing and asked, "Yes, what's wrong?"
“…”
"Let me introduce myself again, Doctor Ma. I am Cai Jing, and Li Qingzhao is my niece."
…
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