Compared to the bloody terror outside, the atmosphere inside is still peaceful, with Jiangling's unique peace and elegance. In the elegant hall, the old emperor only wears a fur robe, without a belt, and still looks casual.
He just bent his waist slightly and walked back and forth.
In the hall, Fan Zhigu was kneeling. He finally got the chance to meet the old emperor, but he looked a little embarrassed, even scary. When he asked to see him, he used too much force. Not only did he knock his head and faint, but his skin was also torn and bloody.
It was flowing like water and there was no time to take care of it. Even in front of the old emperor, he had such an unbecoming look.
Silently, after glancing at him a few times, the old emperor finally stretched out his hand and said softly: "Fan Qing, please get back on your feet!"
"I dare not! I am guilty! Your Majesty, please punish me!" Fan Zhigu kowtowed somewhat mechanically.
Hearing this, the old emperor showed a hint of anger on his face, and said in a cold voice: "You are bleeding all over your head from knocking, and if you are asking to see me just to talk nonsense, then get out of here!"
When the old emperor said this, Fan Zhigu naturally did not dare to talk in circles anymore. He took a deep breath and bowed: "Your Majesty, those who have failed to live up to the holy grace, corrupted the law, derelict in their duties and harmed the people, it is not a pity to die. Your Majesty has already punished them severely.
, everyone is shocked. I am bold, and I beg your majesty to be a little tolerant."
"Fan Zhigu, Fan Zhigu! I think you are out of your mind!" The old emperor was not polite at all and scolded him: "Why should I use the smuggling case to impose severe punishments?"
The law is killing people, but you don’t have any thoughts in your heart?"
As soon as the old emperor said this, fan Zhigu felt ripples in his heart. Of course, he couldn't have thought without thinking, otherwise he would not be worthy of being a politician, and he would not be able to reach the high position he is today.
As if he didn't expect Fan Zhigu to give any answer at this time, the old emperor quickened his pace, wandering and said:
"It has been almost two years since you took office in Jinghu North Road, which is not a short period of time. You have no understanding of the current political situation and people's sentiments in Hubei, and you have no judgment in your mind?
You know, Hubei has not undergone in-depth and thorough rectification since it surrendered to the imperial court, and it retains too many things from the old era!
The reason for showing leniency in the early years was not only to restore law and order quickly and smoothly, but also because those people were quite sensible.
However, over the past few decades, Jiangling Mansion has been changing rapidly, and Jiangxia is a brand new city. People have also changed, becoming ulterior, unscrupulous, and even taking the court's tolerance as a matter of course!
From Ezhou to Jiangling Prefecture, there is indeed prosperity, but these phenomena are created by the blood and sweat of millions of people in Hubei, but some people are proud of their own abilities and think they are their own contributions!
The Gao family, the Li family, the Sun family, and the Wei family are all expanding their family's influence. These families that should have been swept into the garbage dump of history are now thinking about becoming a thousand-year-old family like the Five Surnames and Qiwang.
Treat Jinghu North Road as your own backyard, take whatever you want.
The ambition of a wolf can be punished, but people like this dare to have such extravagant hopes! They don't even open their eyes to see who controls the world today!"
When the old emperor said this, his expression was cold and his tone was stern, while Fan Zhigu had a look of surrender. Of course he could see that the old emperor had attacked Hubei's wealthy families, especially some of the dignitaries of the original Jingnan regime.
The Wei family of the "four major families" must be unable to handle this incident and will inevitably decline.
However, what made Fan Zhigu feel palpitated was that from the old emperor's tone, it was obvious that he did not intend to stop there and wanted to cure the poison in depth. This made Fan Zhigu doubtful.
During the time he took office in Jinghu North Dao, Fan Zhigu certainly had some understanding of the political structure within the Dao. He was aware of the power and influence of those families, and he also felt constraints in the process of governing.
He would naturally support and strongly support the rectification and crackdown, but if all of them were to be wiped out, it would not be what Fan Zhigu wanted. In that case, Jinghu North Road would probably fall into turmoil, and the good situation would inevitably be lost, and he would not have any control over his governance.
Benefits, this is considered from the standpoint of the chief official of Jinghu North Road.
But obviously, it was impossible for the old emperor to think about the problem from his perspective. His harsh tone and strong attitude said everything. What was terrifying was that the hundreds of heads outside still did not satisfy him.
He was calculating rapidly in his mind, and soon, Fan Zhigu paid his respects and said: "Your Majesty's concern for the country and the people has been well-intentioned. I cannot understand it. It is my fault. However, my uncle is not from Jing. What happened in Hubei has nothing to do with it."
The implication is not serious, so I beg your Majesty to forgive me!"
Hearing Fan Zhigu plead for Fu Zhaoshou, the old emperor's expression looked a little strange, and his scrutinizing eyes fell on him. After a long time, he said quietly: "Fan Zhigu, do you think that I am doing nothing by issuing an edict to execute Fu Zhaoshou?"
It seems that I am just waiting for you ministers to provide me with a step down. On the one hand, it is purely personal and does not violate the national laws. By the way, can you still gain my favor? "
Heart-breaking words! Although the old emperor's tone was calm, Fan Zhigu's hair stood on end listening to it. It was a trivial matter to call him by his first name. The old emperor thought that he was speculating on the Sacred Heart and had bad intentions, and this nature was revealed.
As a minister, you often need to understand what you want, but it also depends on the situation. At least the direction that the old emperor understands now is very terrifying to Fan Zhigu.
"I never have such scheming! Your Majesty, please take a closer look!" Fan Zhigu said: "I just feel that my uncle, emperor, and relatives are prominent and respected. Even if I am wrong, I must be confused by Wei Zhong, and I will never do anything with him.
If there is collusion, Your Majesty can just impose a small amount of punishment, rather than resorting to swords and axes!"
"People give you some benefits by naming them, but they don't know why. They live up to the king's expectations and ruin the lintel of the family. What's the use of keeping such a fool!" The old emperor stared at Fan Zhigu coldly: "Keep it, let him commit more serious crimes.
sin?"
"Your Majesty takes the national law as the foundation and destroys relatives for justice. I admire you very much!" Fan Zhigu said: "It's just that my uncle is the younger brother of Empress Xiaoxianren after all!"
After mentioning the talisman, the old emperor's ice-like face was finally moved, but at the same time, his eyes narrowed and he stared directly at Fan Zhigu: "I need you to consider these worldly things for me.
?You seem to have forgotten that I even killed my son-in-law, so what does it mean to kill a brother-in-law?"
As soon as these words came out, Fan Zhigu's expression changed drastically. Only then did he realize that he had really made a wrong calculation. And the wrong actions caused by wrong judgment obviously affected the old emperor's view of Fan Zhigu.
At this moment, kneeling on the ground, Fan Zhigu felt uneasy in his heart. He felt as if the old emperor's gaze could penetrate his whole body.
However, the old emperor obviously still had certain expectations for Fan Zhigu. After thinking for a while, he raised his hand and said to him:
"Since I have said this, I might as well make it clear to you. I am not satisfied with your governance in Hubei in the past two years!
You were promoted over the next level because of your ability to do things, which you don't seem to have a clear understanding of yet.
Let’s get this out of the way, by putting you as the chief envoy of Hubei, I want you to strengthen the authority of the imperial court and weaken and attack those so-called noble families who intend to exploit the foundation of the imperial court’s rule!
I understand the reason why you can’t live in a high place, and you can understand why you want stability in your work. But if you think that you only need to get through the qualifications and get further, then it will be a matter of course, then you are totally wrong!
Think carefully about how you got to the position of the powerful Chief Minister you are today."
The old emperor's words made Fan Zhigu break into cold sweat. He did not dare to say anything else, but said eagerly: "Your Majesty's admonition, I will bear it in my heart. I will definitely follow the holy will and go to Hubei to do evil!"
"I hope so!" Looking down at Fan Zhigu, the old emperor said in a cold voice: "Before, I can treat you as if you are familiar with the political situation. After that, you can take care of yourself!"
After saying that, he stopped talking to him and directly waved his hand to drive him away. Fan Zhigu walked out of the walk feeling a little lost. He was stirred by the autumn wind outside and finally came back to his senses.
Hubei's bureaucrats were still kneeling, and a few people in the front row were basically "drowned" with blood, but they didn't dare to move at all. Sensing the movement, they all raised their heads with questions in their eyes, but Fan
Zhigu didn't express any words, he just lowered his head slightly and continued to kneel in front. The bright red blood stains were like clear water at this time, baptizing his spirit.
Before long, a guard came out, looked around, and said loudly: "Your Majesty has a decree, kill him!"
As soon as the edict came, the swordsman who had already prepared the sword and ax did not hesitate at all. When the sword was raised, there were two more screams. Fu Zhaoshou and Wei Zhong were both killed!
Liu Wenji, who had been restrained and suppressed, finally couldn't stand anymore. Wang Xuanzhen, with his quick eyesight and quick hands, supported him and said, "Your Highness, you are fine!"
Feeling Wang Xuanzhen's strong arms, Liu Wenji tried his best to steady his mind and said in a trembling voice: "I, I'm fine!"
After saying that, he gently pushed aside Wang Xuanzhen's support and stood stubbornly, even though his legs were still a little weak.
On the side, Liu Wenhuan, whose face was also a little pale, gradually returned to normal after seeing Liu Wenji's "unbearable" performance.
Such bloody killings were the first time for the two emperors and grandsons, but Liu Wenhuan was not like Liu Wenji. Although Anxi and his party did not directly go to the battlefield, the experience along the way was not entirely smooth. When they were in the northwest, the killings
I have seen some experience with death, but it's just not as shocking as the scene in front of me.
At night, the bleak autumn wind swirls around Jiangling City, bringing infinite desolation. The killings during the day are still so emotional and memorable.
Inside, the dim lights were swaying slightly. Beside the desk, Liu Wenji stood up straight, holding a pen in one hand and writing on the paper. He tried his best to control his hand, but he couldn't help but tremble, and the bloody pictures appeared in his mind.
On paper, it turns into scrawled and messy words.
A figure appeared in front of the door. There were almost no footsteps, but Liu Wenji, who was highly sensitive at this time, still noticed it. He raised his eyes and saw that it was the old emperor who was looking at him with a peaceful look.
Not daring to be negligent, he put down his pen and Liu Wenji stepped forward to salute.
