14 Chapter 014
◎Public and private use◎
As the sun sets in the west, the magnificent rays of light cover the red walls and golden tiles.
One hundred palace guards escorted the princess' carriage and escorted Zhang Gao and his servants through the East City Market to the outside of the Meridian Gate.
Feng Caiyu was waiting at the palace gate in advance to welcome the princess out of the car.
It's too late to go to Weining Marquis' Mansion at this hour.
Xie Mingzhuo then ordered her, "You personally deliver the medicine to the Marquis's residence."
"As you command."
Zhang Gao and dozens of servants in the Zhang family were already terrified in front of the powerful palace guards. Their legs were trembling and they all knelt on the bluestone slabs, not daring to breathe.
As for Xie Ji, although he was a member of the royal family, he knew that he would be implicated if he traveled with Zhang Gao, so he knelt aside and waited for the emperor's decision.
The news spread like a meteor to Prince An's Mansion and Duke Jing's Mansion.
While the two heads of the family were rushing to the palace, Xie Mingzhuo and his family had dinner and took the opportunity to look through the information reported by Yang Yunkai.
In less than half a day, the whole process of Lu Er's injury, the relationship between Prince Zhang and Prince An, and the major and minor events that had occurred in the Jingguo Mansion and the Prince An Mansion in the past year were all clearly listed.
Xie Mingshuo laughed when he heard this. "Are you sure? Zhang Gao told Lu Er that he hired craftsmen to build a pig farm for you? Didn't he want to snatch this land from you before?"
"Well, Lu Er has the documents issued by the Ministry of Revenue, which are legal and compliant. Zhang Gao has no other options but to change his strategy and disgust Lu Er."
"What does he want?"
"Have fun and get revenge."
Xie Mingxuan said calmly, "He doesn't consider the consequences of his actions?"
"That's precisely why they resorted to this desperate measure." Meng Qi analyzed the other party's psychology. "Shao Shao let Lu Er raise pigs because she valued his skills, but in the eyes of the other nobles, this is humiliation and punishment. How can someone who is disliked by the princess not be bullied?"
Xie Changfeng: "My wife is right."
"Tsk tsk, the Zhang family is really rich. Old man Zhang spent one hundred thousand taels on a birthday banquet, and the gifts given by others must be worth tens of millions or even hundreds of millions." Xie Mingshuo's "hatred of the rich" nerve was aroused.
After Xie Mingzhuo finished reading the information, he stroked the pages with his fingertips.
"Shao Shao, what did you think of?" The four knew that this was her habit when thinking.
"Today I went to a pig farm and saw the craftsmen there, and they were quite unusual."
"What's unusual about it?"
"It's just a hunch. The details still need to be verified." Xie Mingzhuo stood up and said, "I estimate that Duke Jingguo and Prince An will be here soon. Dad, please leave them alone for now. I will investigate further before we can say anything."
Xie Changfeng nodded happily: "No problem, I'll do as you say."
"I plan to promote Jiang Qing to be my personal guard. Father, please give me an oral order so that she can accompany me in and out of the outer court and the inner court."
Generally, a prince's palace would have a guard command office, which was included in the official staff and received a salary from the royal family. Princess palaces also had similar military institutions, but they were not as powerful as those of princes, and at most they were considered guards for noble families.
Xie Mingzhuo's princess mansion had guards, but most of them were the leftovers. Their martial arts skills were not as good as Jiang Qing's, nor were they as disciplined as Jiang Qing. Also, due to the difference between men and women, it was not convenient for them to provide close protection.
Jiang Qing had acted without hesitation today, even when aiming at the powerful Prince Jingguo. This alone made her qualified for the position of Guard Commander.
It is unrealistic to promote him to commander all at once; it is more appropriate to promote him step by step.
Xie Changfeng responded to all requests.
After leaving the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Jiang Qing remained outside the palace. She would not leave without the princess's permission.
Xie Mingzhuo brought her to Wenhua Hall and asked, "On the way back, I saw you hesitate several times, but did you have something to say?"
"I don't know whether I should say it or not."
"You are not guilty."
"Yes." Jiang Qing no longer hesitated. "Earlier at the pig farm, I noticed that the people who built the pig houses didn't look like ordinary craftsmen. They looked more like they were from the military."
Xie Mingzhuo was slightly surprised: "You noticed it too."
"Your Highness is as clear as day, and it is I, a commoner, who am causing trouble for myself." Jiang Qing said embarrassedly.
"You're worried about speaking inappropriately about the military, and being accused of spying on military secrets." Xie Mingzhuo picked up on her thoughts, his eyes smiling. "I've already informed my father that from now on you will be my personal guard. You don't have to hesitate to report anything to me."
"Yes—" Jiang Qing said, her eyes suddenly widening as she realized what was happening. "Your Highness just said 'personal guards'?"
Xie Mingzhuo nodded and asked with a smile, "Are you willing?"
"I am willing! I, a humble woman, am willing to swear allegiance to Your Highness until death!" Jiang Qing immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed.
"Get up."
Jiang Qing got up, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and she couldn't suppress the upward curve of her mouth. In the end, she simply let it go, revealing a row of neat teeth, looking particularly festive.
Xie Mingzhuo admires such motivated employees.
"You recognize that they come from the military, but do you know why they became craftsmen?"
The household registration in the Qi Dynasty was fixed. Military households were military households. Without special circumstances, they could not change their careers or become craftsmen.
Jiang Qing had just been appointed to the royal system and was full of fighting spirit, so he dared to say anything.
"I've heard that some people are using soldiers from the capital army as servants, even taking away horses and weapons. There's a saying circulating in the barracks that this is 'Yi Zhan'."
Xie Mingzhuo understood that this was "misusing public resources for personal gain."
"Where did you hear that?"
"My family lives near Dongzhimen. Outside Dongzhimen is the South Barracks of the Right Outpost of the Fifth Army Camp."
What Jiang Qing said suddenly opened Xie Mingzhuo's mind.
The reason for the rapid fall of the capital was finally found.
Fortunately, I was careful today and asked the guards to guard the pig farm and keep the craftsmen.
"Early tomorrow morning, you will come with me to Nanxiaguan again."
"yes."
Not long after, Feng Caiyu returned to the palace from Weining Marquis' Mansion and reported Lu Er's injury to Xie Mingzhuo.
Lu Er had learned martial arts and knew how to protect his vital parts when he was surrounded and beaten. Although he was bleeding, it only looked scary and his life was not in danger. The doctor said he needed to rest for a while.
"How is he feeling?"
"When I went to visit him, he was lying on the couch, holding an apple and examining it. I asked him a few questions, but he didn't seem to be resentful at all. He even blamed himself for not doing his job well."
Xie Mingzhuo: "Since he likes apples, send some more to the Weining Marquis' Mansion tomorrow. Pick out the best quality ones. I'll go see him again when I have time."
When an employee suffers a work-related injury, leaders should always express their condolences.
"As you command."
"Will you be able to see Prince An and Duke Jing when you return?"
Feng Caiyu nodded and said, "I saw them both kneeling outside the Meridian Gate, requesting an audience with the Emperor."
It is impossible to let royal relatives and nobles like these kneel outside the Meridian Gate to beg for mercy. The matter must be resolved and they must be met.
However, when to meet and how to deal with the situation after meeting still needs to be considered.
If the key to the easy fall of the capital was "occupation", as the supreme commander of the military affairs of the capital camp, Duke Jing could not escape the blame.
Judging from Zhang Gao's behavior, it can be seen that the family tradition of Duke Jingguo's mansion is not right, and Duke Jingguo must not be a loyal and honest person.
The ancestors of the Zhang family fought with the founding emperor for many years. After the establishment of the Qi Dynasty, the Zhang family inherited the title of duke and enjoyed wealth and glory.
It's a pity that wealth and honor can be dazzling and can also wear down people's will. In recent generations, the Zhang family has completely abandoned the bravery and bloodiness of their ancestors. There has not been an outstanding general, but instead they have raised a group of idle and lawless playboys.
The reason why Duke Jingguo is able to lead the military affairs of the capital camp today is not because of his outstanding talents, but because of the protection of his ancestors and his nepotism with the royal family.
Duke Jingguo's sister was the late emperor's empress. Although she did not give birth to an heir, the emperor and empress were deeply in love with each other. The late emperor also took good care of his brother-in-law. He established a military government and appointed him as the governor of the military affairs of the Beijing camp, commanding the three major camps of the Beijing army.
The grandmother of Xie Mingzhuo's body was originally just a female official in the palace. By accident, she became pregnant with the late emperor's child.
From then on, a rift began between the emperor and the empress, and the prince "Xie Changfeng" became a thorn in the side of the Zhang family.
In order to suppress the only prince, the Zhang family could only use the queen's hand to continuously send beauties to the emperor, hoping that one of them would give birth to a prince and foster him under the queen's name.
Unfortunately, no matter how many people were sent, all the children born in the end were princesses. Until the death of the late emperor, there was only one prince, "Xie Changfeng".
They could only watch "Xie Changfeng" ascend the throne.
The former queen was the biological mother of "Xie Changfeng" and was honored as the empress dowager, but she died of depression not long after.
As for his biological mother, she died when he was ten years old.
The Zhang family had some resentment in their hearts. Although they did not show it on the surface, they did not respect the emperor in private, and their descendants rarely had any interactions with him.
Even at palace banquets, Duke Jing often declined to attend due to poor health.
"Xie Changfeng" had never experienced a great battle for the throne, and the throne came to him too easily, so he was lazy and casual in nature. After ascending the throne, he ignored government affairs and often kept company with the Taoist alchemy furnace.
In addition, he did not dare to disobey his father's teachings, and turned a blind eye to Duke Jingguo's behavior, allowing the Zhang family to become more arrogant.
Duke Jingguo really had no talent. He was neither good at literature nor martial arts. Being the governor of the military affairs of the Beijing camp was already a source of ridicule. He also heard that some people thought he was not as good as Marquis Weining, so he felt resentful towards Marquis Weining.
The ancestors of Marquis Weining were also founding heroes, but after the founding of the country, they were only granted the title of earl. By the generation of Lu Ping's father, the family had already declined.
Unexpectedly, Lu Ping emerged as a rising star, shouldered the responsibility of the Lu family, and even had his title raised by one level.
Comparing these two people, anyone with a discerning eye can clearly see who is better and who is worse, even Duke Jingguo himself knows it.
Influenced by his father, Zhang Gao naturally sneered at the Lu family. He was always compared with Lu Lian, which made him even more resentful. He often did some despicable tricks in secret to cause trouble for the Lu family.
All these things can prove that the Duke Jingguo's Mansion has no loyalty or reverence.
Even if the "labor occupation" matter was not initiated by Duke Jing, he must have tacitly approved it.
Xie Mingzhuo never hesitated to assume the greatest malice towards her enemies. Based on Zhang Gao's unbridled and rampant temperament, she could conclude that the crime committed by the Duke of Jingguo's Mansion was definitely not just this one.
If we cannot suppress the founding heroes in one fell swoop, they will inevitably launch a crazy counterattack.
At this critical moment when the country is about to perish, she must be extremely cautious and produce sufficient evidence to eradicate them completely.
The Jinyiwei’s intelligence capabilities are excellent, but not enough.
Even if she threw out a series of serious crimes that could lead to the confiscation of property and the extermination of the clan, the Zhang family could just shed a few tears and beg for mercy in the court, and the matter would be resolved.
Perhaps Duke Jingguo would become determined and instigate riots in the military camp, and then join forces with the rebels, causing the capital to fall ahead of schedule.
In short, they must not be given any chance to turn things around.
Xie Mingzhuo had some thoughts in his mind and returned to the Palace of Heavenly Purity to discuss the plan with his family. The main executor of the plan was Xie Mingshuo.
At any time, public opinion and public sentiment are powerful weapons to defeat the enemy.
Xie Mingshuo was radiant when he received the task, and he patted his chest and promised: "Don't worry, leave this to me, I will definitely do it beautifully!"
"Act in secret and don't alert the enemy," Xie Mingzhuo warned. "We shouldn't show up directly when the time comes."
There are some things that leaders cannot speak directly about, and they have to wait for their subordinates who are perceptive to take the initiative to share their concerns.
Xie Changfeng: "Who has the guts?"
"If we could really dig up some dirt on the Zhang family, I'm sure many people would want to report it." Xie Mingshuo shrugged. "The Zhang family has been acting arrogantly in recent years, and they've offended many people."
"The first bird to stick its head out gets shot," Meng Qi said pessimistically. "No one wants to be the target of the Zhang family's firepower. If the Zhang family can't suppress it this time, the first bird to stick its head out will be finished."
Xie Mingzhuo nodded. "Let's find evidence of their crimes first. As for what happens next, it all depends on who has the guts to risk their career and life for a chance at a meteoric rise."
"Okay, let's do as Shao Shao says." Xie Changfeng asked again, "They're still kneeling outside. What should we do now?"
"Then call them all in to see him."
Night enveloped the entire imperial city. There was no moon tonight, and the imperial road outside the Meridian Gate was pitch black and dim, with only two rows of floor-standing palace lanterns illuminating the small area.
A cold wind suddenly blew, and Zhang Gao sneezed suddenly, but he quickly covered his mouth and nose. He curled up like a frightened bird.
His knees were numb from kneeling, but he didn't dare move at all, for fear of being charged with disrespect.
It was not until this moment that he felt an indescribable fear. The road ahead was like a dark corridor, with no light at all.
He really regretted it.
He regretted not recognizing Princess Rong'an, regretted not keeping his mouth shut, and regretted not giving up the land in time just to humiliate Lu Er.
A palace lantern suddenly lit up the scene before my eyes.
The eunuch's slightly shrill voice rang out: "Your Highness Prince An, Duke Jing, and the Second Crown Prince, the Emperor has summoned you."
Zhang Gao's heart skipped a beat, and he even felt a little pain. He couldn't help but turn his head to look beside him.
The soft yellow light from the lantern shone on Duke Jingguo's face. He lowered his head, and the eunuchs could not see his expression clearly, but Zhang Gao could see it clearly.
There was a hint of uneasiness on his face, but there was no fear in his eyes, which were like a calm and deep pool of water.
No one knows a father better than his son. Zhang Gao suddenly found support, and his original fear instantly turned into confidence.
The fact that his father is still interested in acting here shows that he is confident.
Moreover, Xie Ji was also present at the time. If Prince An wanted to save his son, he would have to keep the situation as it was.
As soon as these thoughts emerged, Zhang Gao's heartbeat slowly stabilized, and his frightened legs regained strength.
He followed Xie Ji, passed through the Yemen Gate, stepped onto the solemn and majestic palace road, and stopped in front of the Qianqing Palace.
The eunuch went in to report, and after a moment, he led four people into the hall.
The hall was brightly lit. Zhang Gao lowered his head, and his shadow on the ground was clearly visible. He and Xie Ji walked side by side, following behind his father. When they knelt and kowtowed, he could only see his father's raised butt in front of him.
The floor was a little cold, and kneeling down made me feel cold all over.
Duke Jingguo stood in front and apologized, "Your Majesty, long live the emperor. I am deeply ashamed to have disturbed Your Majesty so late at night. However, there was a misunderstanding between my son and Princess Rong'an today. I am deeply sorry and want to apologize to Her Majesty."
An act of "disrespect" directly turned into a "misunderstanding", and Duke Jingguo was actually able to confuse right and wrong.
Xie Changfeng was displeased and said directly, "My daughter was insulted in public, and I forgive you with a simple apology. Where will my face be?"
"Your Majesty, I understand that my son is young and impetuous. Although he speaks arrogantly, his original intention is also for the benefit of Her Majesty the Princess."
Xie Changfeng's eyebrows jumped fiercely, and his voice became even deeper: "What do you mean?"
"He knew Her Royal Highness was planning to open a pig farm, so he recruited craftsmen to repair the piggery for Her Royal Highness. However, he happened to encounter Her Royal Highness hunting and thought Her Royal Highness's guards were trying to disrupt the pig farm. In anger, he spoke rudely. Everything this wicked boy did was to protect Her Royal Highness's pig farm."
Xie Changfeng: "Xie Ji, do you also agree with what Duke Jing said?"
Xie Ji raised his head with difficulty, and saw his father's drooping eyelids out of the corner of his eye, and he knew what was going on.
"I only know that Prince Zhang renovated the pigsty out of a desire to honor Her Royal Highness. However, when the princess's personal guards shot an arrow, I was startled and surrounded by the guards, so I didn't see the situation clearly."
"Your Majesty, I have always been weak. I was frightened by the arrows shot by Your Highness's personal guards. In the panic, I was unable to see Your Highness's face clearly. Please forgive me, Your Majesty." Prince An spoke at the right time.
Xie Changfeng: “…”
Is this accusing Rong An of deliberately shooting arrows to intimidate?
He couldn't argue with the two of them, so he looked at Xie Mingzhuo.
Xie Mingzhuo judged from their expressions that Prince An and Prince An's son looked relatively calm. After all, they were not the ones who insulted the princess. At most, they would be reprimanded for not being able to judge people well and making the wrong friends.
Interestingly, although Duke Jingguo looked frightened and spoke cautiously, he had an aura of confidence, as if he was sure that the emperor would not severely punish Duke Jingguo's Mansion for such a small matter.
This is indeed the case - ignorance is not a crime.
All he relies on is the power in his hands.
Xie Mingzhuo's eyes passed over Zhang Gao's secretly happy brows and fell on Xie Ji.
"Uncle, you and I share the same roots. I would like to ask you a few questions, and I hope you can tell me the truth."
Xie Ji was startled by her calling him "cousin", and immediately replied respectfully: "I will tell you everything I know."
"You two wanted that piece of land for the pig farm before. What were you planning to do with it?"
"To be honest, Princess, I've never had any great ambitions. I just enjoy cockfighting and dog racing. I wanted to build a Colosseum to while away my time. I'm sorry to bother you, Princess."
"When Lu Er went there, did he show you two the land deed stamped by the Ministry of Revenue?"
“…It was indeed presented.”
"Why did you two beat him?"
Before Xie Ji could reply, Zhang Gao spoke impatiently, "Your Highness, it was that fellow Lu Er who was too arrogant and insulted me and Prince An. I explained to him that I was building the piggery for Your Highness, but he insisted on driving us away. Isn't this hindering Your Highness's pig farming plans? I was so angry that I scolded him, and he attacked me. The servants had a conflict with him to protect me."
"Didn't you just say you were going to build an arena? Why are you building a pigsty for me now?"
"Before, when we learned that the princess wanted to use this land, we felt guilty and wanted to do something for you, Your Highness."
Xie Mingzhuo smiled, seemingly pleased by the compliment, and said nonchalantly, "I see those craftsmen are all strong and skilled at their work. Where did you find them?"
"They are all ordinary craftsmen recruited from the South City Market. Those who do hard labor look like that." Zhang Gao saw that the atmosphere was not so solemn and became bolder.
"How much are their daily wages?"
"About, about... two hundred copper coins."
The others: “…”
Xie Mingzhuo secretly raised his eyebrows. Such a simple question could have exposed the person.
Two hundred coins a day, which is six strings of coins a month. This should be the monthly salary that a servant of higher status in the Duke of Jingguo's mansion can get.
Zhang Gao had no idea how much the craftsmen earned per day, so he probably estimated it based on the monthly salary of his regular attendant.
She didn't point it out and continued to ask, "I saw someone whipping them. Why?"
Zhang Gao said disdainfully, "Don't be fooled by their appearance of being strong and hardworking. In fact, they are all cunning and deceitful. If we don't tighten their skin, they will just slack off and skip work."
"I see." Xie Mingzhuo suddenly realized and turned to Xie Ji, "Is what he said true?"
Xie Ji hesitated slightly: "...It's true."
"I understand." Xie Mingzhuo looked at Xie Changfeng, "Father, it seems that everything is just a misunderstanding."
Xie Changfeng snorted coldly: "It is a fact that he insulted you, and you cannot let him off lightly."
"Since they sincerely built the pigsty for me, I'll give them thirty lashes and three months of confinement to reflect on their mistakes. They'll learn their lesson."
Xie Changfeng frowned, finally sighed and waved his hand.
This is agreed.
Thirty strokes of the cane is not considered a severe punishment, let alone confinement for self-reflection.
Although the result was unexpected, the four of them finally breathed a sigh of relief. Even Zhang Gao felt that he had escaped death and was willing to accept the thirty lashes.
Xie Mingzhuo signaled Xie Changfeng with his eyes.
Xie Changfeng understood and said, "It's late at night. It's inconvenient for you to go back home. Please stay in the palace tonight."
Staying overnight in the palace is a great honor for the ministers, and even though the four of them had doubts in their hearts, they could not refuse.
Wu Shanqing led them to arrange accommodation, and only five members of the Xie family were left in the hall.
"Shao Shao, what did you find out?" Meng Qi asked in a low voice.
Xie Mingzhuo stood up abruptly: "I won't wait until tomorrow. I'm going to Nanxiaguan right now."
Meng Qi and the other three sat up straight, looking puzzled.
"Duke Jing is too calm," Xie Mingzhuo frowned, "I feel something is wrong."
Xie Mingshuo stood up after hearing this.
"I'll go with you."
【Author’s words】
Send 100 red envelopes~
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