The entire court was shocked. They were not shocked by Tang Jingyu's murder, as everyone had done some shameful things. They were shocked by Emperor Wenxuan's attitude towards the matter.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that he was planning to deal with it severely.
I'm afraid that Prince Jin is really going to be in trouble this time.
As the Prince of Jin is the Fourth Prince's man, Gu Fanzhi naturally has to speak for him, otherwise it will discourage the ministers who follow him.
"Father, your Majesty, Tang Yu's words are unbelievable. He must be harboring a grudge, seeking revenge against the Prince of Jin for expelling him from the palace. I beg your Majesty to investigate."
Emperor Wenxuan had no expression on his face and did not speak.
Censor Zhou understood Emperor Wenxuan's intention and immediately spoke up, "Last night, based on Tang Yu's confession, we did find the letter sent to him by the Prince of Jin. Or does the Fourth Prince think our eyes are blurry and we can't see clearly?"
"You misunderstood, Censor Zhou. I didn't mean that. It's just that that kid Tang Yu keeps saying different things, which is really hard to convince people. I have to doubt his intentions." Gu Fanzhi had already hinted that someone was secretly trying to deal with Tang Jingyu and deliberately framed him.
Who would deliberately frame him? It would naturally be his good brothers.
He said this to Emperor Wenxuan, who was intelligent and naturally understood it.
"Father, please look into this matter carefully." Gu Fanzhi pleaded earnestly.
Emperor Wenxuan spoke up, "Prime Minister Zhou and Censor Zhou have already investigated this matter, so there's no need for you to say more. My dear ministers, please share your thoughts on how the Prince of Jin should be dealt with."
Censor Zhou stepped forward. "I believe they deserve severe punishment. The Mu family dedicated themselves to the cause of Yanzhou, Chongzhou, Jingzhou, and other regions, selflessly donating all their wealth to resolve the disaster that plagued the Jiangnan region. Who else could possess such ability and courage? This is a great achievement. Instead of being rewarded, these meritorious officials were framed. If this matter is not severely punished, it will likely chill the hearts of the people. I still remember those letters written in blood."
"The Prince of Jin, driven by his own selfish desires, deliberately sought revenge against the Mu family and his meritorious officials, thereby killing the innocent Zhang San family, Master Li, and others. This is disloyalty and unrighteousness. I beg Your Majesty to intervene for the people of the world."
Someone from the Fourth Prince's side immediately stood up.
"Although the Prince of Jin made a mistake, it was a moment of confusion. Your Majesty, please consider the merits he has made over the years and give him a lighter punishment."
"The old Prince Jin only left behind one son, Prince Jin. Your Majesty, please forgive Prince Jin for the sake of the old Prince Jin."
Emperor Wenxuan valued Tang Jingyu not only for his abilities but also for his father. The old Prince Jin had died saving Emperor Wenxuan, and Tang Jingyu had saved his life. For the sake of the old Prince Jin, Tang Jingyu would be spared unless he committed regicide.
The officials from the Third and Sixth Princes' camps naturally couldn't miss this golden opportunity, and one by one they denounced the Prince of Jin as an unforgivable criminal. Their main reason for attacking him was that if a prince broke the law, the common people would be equally guilty, and Mu was a meritorious official, so they couldn't let the people down.
The faction that supports Prince Jin, on the other hand, talks about the achievements made by Prince Jin and the life-saving grace between the old Prince Jin and the Emperor.
For a moment, the entire court was in an uproar.
Finally, Emperor Wenxuan made the final decision.
The Prince of Jin was stripped of his hereditary title and demoted to a commoner. He was spared because he was the old Prince of Jin, but because of his bad behavior, he was beaten with eighty sticks.
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