Chapter 235

A few days later, Li Ke finally decided to start the trial of the water ghost case. The governor's Office published the list, which caused a sensation in the whole state. The streets and alleys were all fried, and the people rushed to tell each other that the water ghost who had been harming Xiangzhou for decades was finally defeated at one stroke!

On the day of the trial, Li Keli invited Qin mubai, a military officer, to come to the court for trial. In order to show justice, Li Ke allowed 100 representatives of the gentry and the people to attend the trial. However, tens of thousands of other people surrounded the assassin's residence, which was full of lights and cheers. As a last resort, thousands of soldiers were sent out to maintain public order.

An hour before the opening of the court, Qin mubai took Pang Fei and a group of Baiqi guards to the assassin's palace to discuss some details with Li Ke in private and prepare to go to the court for trial.

Li Ke thought of a question and said to Qin mubai in private: "mubai, Zhang Tong doesn't have to try it together, does he?"

Qin mubai knew what he meant. Zhang Tong, who was also one of the hundred riders before, followed Qin mubai to Xiangzhou, but he was married by the water ghost. If the trial is conducted in public, Baiqi's reputation will be damaged. It is certain that it will have some influence on Qin mubai, but the biggest trouble is that it will affect the reputation of the Royal leader.

"It's up to you." Qin mubai just said so.

"Ah..." Li Kesha closed his eyes and hit his forehead with his fist. "Before, I had a dream to cook all these people in one pot. Now that I have captured the leader and defeated the party members, I feel more troublesome and intractable than before. Zhang Tong, I don't care. It's up to you. "

"I understand your trouble." Qin Mu Bai nodded and said, "there are too many people involved. Among other things, Wei Xiaochen and Du Chengyuan are the leading officials in Xiangzhou. For many years, one can call the wind and the rain. In Xiangzhou, their followers can be said to be all over the corner. Pull a hair and move the whole body! ——Your highness, I suggest that this time, we might as well refer to the way the emperor dealt with the aftermath of the Jiangzhou case to strike down the chief leader, and the rest will not be blamed. As the saying goes, there is some truth to it. If we really want to arrest all the people involved in the case, I don't think there will be a few officials left in the whole Xiangzhou County. "

"Well, I think so, too." Li Ke frowned heavily and said solemnly, "there's no need to cut the whole snake into meat sauce. The chief leader was eliminated and the core party members were defeated. The water devils will be defeated by themselves. But now, it seems that the chief is not so easy to clean up. "

"What's the matter?" Qin mubai asked warily, "is it hard to succeed? Is there news from Chang'an?"

"As you expected." Li Ke took a deep breath, slowly spit out, as if some depressed said, "last night, Chang'an came to the secret envoy, guess who sent it?"

"I can't guess, you'd better say it!"

"The king of Wei." Li Ke finished these two words, eyes dignified looking at Qin mubai, "did not expect it?"

"Indeed." Qin Mu Bai nodded, "what's the matter with the king of Wei?"

"It was not about the king of Wei. But if it's about the prince. It's about the king of Wei. " Li Ke said.

His words were a little tongue twister, but Qin mubai recognized the meaning of his words. The crown prince and the king of Wei were not at peace, and they played fiercely in the fight for reserve. If the Prince wanted to support it, the king of Wei opposed it, and vice versa.

Chang'an Weidu, go to tianwuchi, it's not a matter of saying. Nowadays, there is a daughter of the Wei family in Chang'an, who is accompanied by the emperor in the palace. She is the famous concubine Wei. Needless to say, Du Ruhui is one of Li Shimin's right-hand men. Although Du Ruhui died young, it did not hinder the Du family in Chang'an, which was still one of the most famous families in the Tang Dynasty. There are countless famous officials in the clan. Du Ruhui's son, Du he, married Li Shimin's daughter, Princess Chengyang.

Don't underestimate a legitimate princess. In a sense, the identity of Princess Chengyang is more noble than that of Li Ke. The ranking of the royal family banquet, the ranking of the imperial sister, is still above the Third Prince Li Ke. Perhaps Duhe, the son-in-law of Duwei, had no real power, was mediocre and incompetent, and made no achievements in politics. However, once a human offensive, Chengyang princess in Li Shimin's eyes, or quite weight.

As a result, if the people of Wei Du and Du Chengyuan in Chang'an start their activities together in order to protect Du Chengyuan and Wei Xiaochen, Li Ke will be under great pressure. Moreover, Du he has always had a good relationship with Prince Li Chengqian. He must have gone through Li Chengqian's way and wanted to use him to put pressure on Li Ke or intercede with him. It is even possible that Princess Chengyang also came forward and wanted to unite with the prince to protect his husband's brother Du Chengyuan.

"What did the Wei King's emissary say?" Qin mubai asked.

"Old four has always been cunning. He won't say anything more." Li Ke said, "he only sent someone to tell me that the crown prince is in Chang'an. He wants to unite a group of Wei and Du ministers and his party members, and then ask Princess Wei to come forward to his majesty and ask him to pardon Wei Xiaochen and Du Chengyuan."

"What happened?" Qin mubai asked.

"No results." Li Ke frowned and said, "old four is cunning here. If there is a result, he will not report it. Just when the prince and Princess Wei were still active, he got ahead of them. Guess what he wants to do? ""Two meanings!" Qin mubai sneered and said, "first, he sent a letter to you in advance. On the surface, it's for your own good, and then you'll have to pay him a personal debt. Second, he told you in advance, deliberately embarrassing you. If you give up and take Wei Du lightly, it's dereliction of duty and perversion of the law, and you have a big handle in his hand. If you know that the prince and others are working hard to save people, you also start ahead of time to face the difficulties and enforce the law impartially, it's no doubt that you are directly fighting against the crown prince, Princess Wei and Wei Du of Chang'an. A snipe and a clam fight for a profit. This is probably what the king of Wei wanted most. "

"You are quite right. However, there is another meaning. That is his most dangerous intention. " Li Ke showed a trace of anger and gnashed his teeth with hatred.

"What is it?" Qin mubai asked.

"He's provoking." Li Ke gritted his teeth and said, "the Wei Du family in Chang'an has always been an important arm of the Li family since our emperor's grandfather started his army. There were many famous officials and generals in the clan, so it would be so brilliant in the Zhenguan Dynasty. All along, even his father and Emperor looked at each other with new eyes. Du Ruhui was one of the most trusted and dependent prime ministers of his father. For example, if the royal family is a big tree, the aristocratic family is the land where the big tree is rooted. If you think about it, I'm going to move the Wei and Du families now. That's not shoveling the root soil of my Li family, moving the foundation of my Tang Dynasty and hurting my father's heart! So, old four provoked me. He came to inform the public, but in fact he was just watching the fire and enjoying the disaster

"I see what you mean." Qin Mu Bai nodded, "perhaps, the emperor has already known about it. It is very likely that the king of Wei himself is the one who informs. He has found out some thoughts of his majesty and has come to challenge you

"Smart! I think so, too Li Ke nodded heavily and said, "from Lao Si's provocation, we can see that after his father's majesty knew about this case, he was also quite embarrassed and headache. First of all, the rule of law has always been his father's insistence. It is almost impossible for him to ask for an amnesty for Wei Xiaochen and Du Chengyuan. Secondly, the nephews of the Wei and Du families are going to be taken down by me for questioning or even exterminating because of their crimes, which is very likely to hurt the feelings between their father and the Wei and Du families. That's what he didn't want to see. Father's difficulties, old four see in the eyes, happy in the heart. Because if even my father is in a dilemma, can I not? Therefore, no matter how I judge this case, I will offend people. "

"Let's analyze it more clearly." Qin mubai said, "if you execute the law impartially and punish Wei Du and his family, it's the Wei Du family in Chang'an, the princess Wei, the crown prince, Du he and others that you offend. If you forgive them out of the law, you will violate the law. It is the law of the Tang Dynasty that you offend. It's not a sin you can afford. "

Li Ke's eyes brightened: "do you mean to judge according to law?"

"Not exactly." Qin Mu Bai shook his head. "Some of them should be killed, such as Zhao Chong, the leader, the backbone and the minions who are rebellious. You have to cut them off with a knife, and give the local people in Xiangzhou a fair and straightforward way, so as to lay a good foundation for you in Xiangzhou. But for sensitive people like Du Chengyuan and Wei Xiaochen, you have to be vague. You can deprive them of their official titles, but you can't sentence them severely now. Aren't they all officials above grade five? According to the law, a crime committed by an official above grade five must be handed over to Yushitai and Dali temple for trial with the participation of the Ministry of punishment. So, you can throw these two hot mountain Yu to those people in Chang'an! What do you have to do with who will kill and who will save? "

Li Ke's eyes widened in surprise: "yes! Why didn't I expect that? It's not a judgment. It's not a judgment. Why don't I judge both However, in this way, it is against his father's principle of justice and strictness, that the prince is guilty of the same crime as the common people. Although he will not have any clear reason to reprimand and punish me, it's hard to guarantee that he will not keep an account in mind for me! He'll think I'm weak and weak, cunning and afraid of offending people. "

Qin mubai laughed and said, "don't blame me for being outspoken, your highness. It's not a bad thing to be considered cowardly. All the time, don't you just show your edge too much? According to your habitual habit, no matter 37 or 21, cold face, cold frost, just enforce the law, and cut off all these people. Yes, in this way, you will get a reputation of being upright, strict, smart and capable. But is it really what you want to make enemies everywhere? To solve the problem in a more satisfactory way, your majesty will also think that you are smart and capable. At the same time, he will think that you are tactful and good at dealing with all kinds of complicated relationships. Isn't this the place where the emperor most valued the king of Wei? "

As soon as Li Ke's eyes brightened, he was excited. He understood the meaning of Qin mubai's words. The king of Wei was a bit sinister and vicious, but his tact and sophistication were perhaps the most moving things for Li Shimin. Because, in order to choose a prince, ability is important, but character is also an important aspect. A strong and capable person, a black and smooth person, the former is respected and famous, while the latter will be despised and disgusted by those who are familiar with him, but more qualified to become a superior person!

No one ever said that, because no one dared to say that the emperor was so successful. It's because he has a black stomach and a city. But in Li Shimin's mind, there must be such an account!In terms of ability, Li Ke was never inferior to the king of Wei, and he was more enterprising than the king of Wei. He was very similar to his father Li Shimin, and had the qualification to become the leader of a generation. In contrast, what he lacks may be some tact and black belly!

This is just like the difference between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang!

"What should I do, then?" Li Ke clenched his teeth, restrained his excitement and said, "let's talk straight! We haven't worked together for a day or two. What's the matter that I don't listen to you? "

"That's what I said." Qin Mu nodded and said, "it's hard to ride a tiger today. It's necessary to hold a public trial. There is no need to say more in the court, because the evidence of arresting the thief and the stolen goods is conclusive, so we directly state the case and announce the judgment. Kill Zhao Chong and a group of water ghosts. As for Wei Xiaochen and Du Chengyuan, they were handed over to Chang'an Yushitai and Dali temple for trial. That is to say, the Ministry of punishment has the following information to ask for major criminals. In this way, the people will not say much. As for Duan Rongji, the owner of Zhengchang grain company, and Ouyang Jun, the owner of Yongye salt shop, because they are close relatives to Wei Xiaochen and Du Chengyuan, and have great influence among local gentry and rich businessmen, there is no need to make a judgment in court. We can throw them to Chang'an. As for whether they will live or die in the future, they will not do your business. The most important thing is that Quan Wanji is the escort! "

"Wonderful, wonderful!" Li Ke's excited slap, "Quan wanjisu is upright and upright, and has the style of Wei Zheng. He dares to go against the dragon scale. When I sent him to escort the criminals to Beijing, it was no doubt to show my father that I wanted to make a heavy sentence according to the law, but I had to make some compromises under heavy pressure. In this way, the head of state will punish the evil, and the local officials and people will clap their hands; the hot mountain Yu will be thrown away, whether it is the Wei and Du families, the prince or the princess. They all have nothing to say to me. In the end, even my father will understand that I want to have a heavy sentence, but I have to give in. As a result, he will not think that I am weak and incompetent, but that I am more sophisticated and sophisticated. Kill three birds with one stone. What a brilliant plan

Qin mubai laughed and said, "I thought that if I escaped to Xiangzhou, I would be able to get rid of the disputes in the court. But I didn't expect that I still couldn't!"

"Thanks to you." Li Ke grinned, breathed a sigh of relief, nodded gratefully, and said, "these questions. I've been thinking about it for several days, and I haven't come up with a perfect way to deal with it. Today I have a talk with you, which makes me very happy. Mubai, you are really my think tank and lucky star

"Ha ha!" Qin mubai said with a smile, "I'm just a spectator. I'll remind your highness once in a while. In fact, you have already thought about it in your heart, otherwise, how can you get along with me? Well, it's almost time. It's time to go to class! "

"Let's go together! I really want to see how Zhao Chong kneels down on the steps and sees you in the hall! Ha ha

Right now. Li Ke's laughter was particularly bright.

The assassin's office opened a trial. The local squires and the representatives of the common people went to the court together to judge or listen in. Outside the mansion, there are thousands of people surrounded, and the momentum is spectacular.

Li Ke stepped on the stage in his official uniform. After the powerful voice of all the Yamen servants, he was startled by the sound of "take, man, Zhao Chong!"

In full view of the public, Zhao Chong in prison clothes, shackles and handcuffs was brought up. He was calm, not half in a hurry and fear. He glanced coldly at all the people in the hall, and finally fixed his eyes on Qin mubai.

"Not on your knees yet!" The Yamen servant who was in charge yelled. Push him to his knees.

Zhao Chong slapped his knee heavily on the stone floor. People listening to the sound trembled with pain. However, Zhao Chong didn't blink his eyelids and stared at Qin mubai.

"Who is kneeling down in the hall? Give me your name!" Li Ke said in a loud voice.

Zhao Chong ignored him and kept staring at Qin mubai. He was angry and resentful, but he didn't say a word.

People see in the eyes, doubt in the heart, thought: where have seen such a criminal? When he was tried in court, he was neither afraid nor speechless, but he was staring at an official who was on the side of the court.

"Mr. Fu, can we wait for the trial. Let's have a humble position and have a personal view on criminals? " Qin mubai got up and said.

"Sure." Li Ke said.

"Thank you." Qin mubai got up, left his seat and went to Zhao Chong.

"Zhao Chong, do you have something to say to me?" Qin mubai said.

"Yes." Zhao Chong looks up and still stares at Qin mubai like he did at the beginning.

"Say it. If we don't talk about it now, we won't have another chance in the future. " Qin Mu said with a white smile, just like chatting.

"I'm not reconciled." Zhao Chong bit his teeth, and the veins on his forehead burst up. He widened his eyes and said, "I haven't cheated you like this. It's impossible! There must be some traitor who betrayed me. Otherwise, you can't know that I am the master of song Cao! "

Qin Mu Bai smiles: "it's you who betray you. You're too smart. Cleverness is mistaken by cleverness. You think it's perfect, but it's a mistake to be too perfect. Because there is no absolute beauty in the world. Your plan is so ingenious that you are going to cheat yourself. Unfortunately, a few small flaws betrayed you. ""I don't believe it." Zhao Chong shook his head stubbornly, "from the beginning, you have no reason to doubt me. Don't you still want to alienate me and let me turn back to you? In principle, you should doubt Du Chengyuan! "

"Yes! At first, you were the least suspect. Because in any case, you are just a minion, an insignificant minion who is submissive to Du Chengyuan and looks up to him. You really cover up very well. Your intelligence is beyond my imagination. I've already fallen into your trap. " Qin mubai laughed and said, "when I thought you were the master of song Cao, I thought of a clever plan to catch you. In fact, before the successful rescue of the princess and Zheng Anshun, I am not sure whether my guess is correct or not, and whether you are the real song Cao master. But the result confirms my conjecture. The people I sent followed you and successfully rescued the hostages. "

"I despise the enemy too much." Zhao Chong laughed bitterly. In despair, he shook his head and sighed again, "when you cut Feng daoscar in Yuanmen, I thought that your eyes had all shifted to Du Chengyuan. Later, I went missing with Pang Fei and was kidnapped. I've become like this. I didn't expect that you were still staring at me. "

"Well, I'm afraid we can't finish the twists and turns in ten days." Qin mubai said, "don't waste your time. I just want to ask you one question. How can you, as a dung picker in Xiangyang City, persuade Wei Anchen, Du Chengyuan, Duan Rongji and Ouyang Jun? "

"Hum!..." Zhao Chong sneered and said, "historically, flies don't stare at seamless eggs. People, as long as they have a handle, will be manipulated and become puppets. You and the one sitting in the hall, aren't you just a little different? It's true that I choose dung, but as soon as I was born, I was the leader of the Song Dynasty. I can't help it. "

Qin Mu Bai slightly twisted his brow: "it means that you are the son of the father?"

"Not bad." Zhao Chong grinned indifferently. He said, "from the Sui Dynasty, my father and my ancestors were on the waterways of Jianghan, Jingxiang and so on. At least they were heroes in the green forest. Later, when the world came to an end, we could not live as we used to, so we had to find another way to survive. Smuggling salt and selling grain and rice have all been done before, but they are all small-scale activities, which can't make the climate. They are also pursued by the government. Later, we became water ghosts, living under the water. Who let you officials be greedy enough to give us a chance? Over time, we grow stronger. Wei Xiaochen and Du Chengyuan. When I first came here, I was not as arrogant as you. I wanted to cure the water devil quickly. In the end, is it not reduced to our claws and eagles? Ha ha, officer, that is to say, he just wears a hat and has two mouths. Under coercion and inducement, he has no backbone compared with thieves and bandits! "

Zhao Chong's words were like the heroic hero who died in awe of death. He heard all the words in his ears. Many people blushed at the news, but no one said a word in reply.

"You must have heard it very clearly. I don't need to talk about it any more." Li Ke, who was in the hall, said, "the officials of Tang Dynasty became the accomplices of thieves and bandits. It is a great shame not to mention the sin of breaking the law. After returning to the government, you colleagues will reflect on how to be an official and how to be a man. Zhao Chong, I hate your sin, but I have to admire your ability and tact. If you use this wisdom in the right way, you will have a bright future. It's a pity that you chose to go against heaven and against the law. "

"There's no need to say these nice sarcastic words, his royal highness, the governor of the governor's office and the king of Wu." Zhao Chong gave a cold smile and said, "since I was born, I have no choice. It's just like you were born to be a prince, and you have no choice. Do you think I don't want to live a good life? When you are involved in the lives and livelihood of hundreds and thousands of brothers, there are some things you can't scruple and consider. I know this day will come sooner or later, but this is my destiny, so I'm not surprised or afraid at all. On the contrary, I feel relieved. Well, there's no need to talk nonsense. Let's start the trial and sentence. Give me a good time! "

"Fate..." Everyone in the hall has the word chewing in mind.

Not everyone. From the time of birth, has already had the destiny of God? Can't choose, can't change? Just as Li Kesheng was smart and capable, but he was a commoner prince. He was also burdened with the shadow of the imperial family of the former Sui Dynasty, which doomed his fate and ending?

Qin mubai thought of this, shook his head, sighed: "Zhao Chong, if you are not a thief, I would like to make a friend with you."

"Thank you, general Qin, for looking up to you in your next life." Zhao Chong smiles and nods.

Qin mubai shook his head. He went back to his seat and sat down.

"Fate? Everyone has a destiny What is the fate of Qin mubai? Perhaps, only the day of the final conclusion will come to light. At that time, I will certainly be the same as Zhao Chong. On the contrary, I don't care about these. Will I have a sense of relief and insight. This is a man, born to be teased by fate for a lifetime. When you see it clearly, it's the end of your life... "

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