(Thanks to longtu168168 book friend for his monthly ticket)
The disappointment in Zhao Zhen's eyes could not be hidden from the shrewd courtiers, and some people immediately refuted Fan Zhongyan's remarks.
Someone said: "When friends discuss loyalty and traitor, they will always do things to oppose those who are in the same party. If they are in the same party and oppose those who are different, it is the behavior of a villain."
Someone said: "The purpose of the gathering of cronies is to control the direction of the government. This move to sideline the imperial power is an act of great rebellion. The decision-making power of the world's affairs lies in the hands of the emperor. How can others influence the government? No matter how sophistry, the cronies will not stop it."
It depends on loyalty and treachery, but it depends on the reason."
Another person said: "People who become friends may be loyal at first, but over time they will inevitably become accustomed to it. Gradually, the obedient will support the disobedient and attack them. They will deteriorate and change. Loyalty and traitor will not change. If the court condones it and ignores it,
, it will eventually become too big to fall off, and then it will become uncontrollable.”[
All kinds of comments were shot at Fan Zhongyan and others like sharp arrows. Han Qi, Ouyang Xiu and others opened their eyes wide in anger and wanted to refute, but they were all stopped by Fan Zhongyan. Fan Zhongyan understood that the description was getting darker and darker.
You cannot refute others. You have not admitted to forming a faction. Let them talk to the sky and there is nothing you can do about it.
Zhao Zhen had obviously lost interest in this topic. Fan Zhongyan's performance made him very disappointed. Zhao Zhen had already thought that if Fan Zhongyan confessed and plead guilty, he would never pursue the matter too much. However, Fan Zhongyan was obviously talking to him.
The idea was inappropriate. Not only did he not tell the truth, he actually defended the party, which aroused the anger in Zhao Zhen's heart.
"My beloved lords, there is no need to discuss this matter any further. I already understand your attitude. I have been exhausted both mentally and physically recently. I have trouble sleeping and eating, and my body is very sleepy. If you want to discuss this matter, let's leave." Zhao Zhen rubbed his stiffness.
His brows were about to rise and fall.
"Your Majesty Bao Zheng has something to say." Someone came out from the crowd and kowtowed in front of the steps.
Zhao Zhen raised his eyebrows. Bao Zheng's appearance surprised him. Bao Zheng was originally transferred from Yingtian Mansion to the capital as an admonisher in order to help the New Deal, but for some reason Bao Zheng suddenly had no interest in the New Deal.
He neither opposed nor supported it. At first he suggested impeaching some officials, and later he simply took leave to return to Luzhou to visit relatives. Until he returned later that year, Zhao Zhen did not know why this straight minister, who was known for his uprightness, had such a big change.
"What's Bao Aiqing's proposal?"
"Your Majesty, I have been back in the capital for less than ten days. I have privately heard various discussions inside and outside the imperial court. I feel that this situation of floating people and turbulent discussions must be put to an end immediately. Otherwise, it will damage the prestige of the imperial court and cause trouble if it spreads to foreign countries.
contempt."
Zhao Zhen frowned and said, "What are you referring to?"
Bao Zheng said: "What I am referring to is the rebellion of Fu Bi, the deputy privy envoy. This matter must be thoroughly investigated as soon as possible. If there is any truth, it will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. If it is true as the rumors say, Fu Bi was wrongly accused."
Even if he is being framed, he must also restore his innocent reputation. He is always dragging on like this, with different opinions and no consensus, and gossip flying all over the sky. How can there be a stable situation?"
Zhao Zhen said: "I have ordered the three halls of the Criminal Department of Dali Temple's Yushitai to examine the case, and there should be a result soon."
Bao Zheng shook his head and said: "As far as I know, all three halls have made great achievements. After seven or eight days of investigation, I still have no clue. Shi Jie denied it. Someone actually wants to torture Shi Jie. What kind of trial is this? Is it necessary to torture him to extract a confession?"
No? This method of reviewing the case is simply ridiculous."
Zhao Zhen said: "Three Halls have their own means of trying cases, so why should Bao Aiqing worry about this?"
Bao Zheng said: "How not to worry? It involves a shocking rebellion, and it involves an important minister of the Song Dynasty. How can we be so procrastinating? If Fu Bi really conspired to rebel, it means that there must be a large number of comrades to help him.
How can we allow his accomplices to have ample time to destroy the evidence? If someone frames Fu Bi, it means that there is a treacherous person in the court, who must be dug out as soon as possible and punished severely. Today it is Fu Bi, tomorrow it may be me, Bao Zheng, and later
It is possible that other officials have been framed, so how can we act slowly when there are urgent matters?"
Zhao Zhen smiled and said: "Bao Aiqing's words are too much. How could they be so serious?"
Bao Zheng walked up the steps with eyes wide open and shouted: "Why did your Majesty say this? Is this a threat? Doesn't your Majesty go and inquire about the situation outside? Everyone in the capital is panicking. They don't know what happened in the court. If this continues
How to make people live and work in peace and contentment?"
Zhao Zhen was startled. Bao Zheng's saliva sprayed a few drops on his face. Zhao Zhen wiped it subconsciously and heard Huang Peisheng step forward to stop Bao Zheng and said: "Master Bao is not polite, how can you roar?"
Court? Get out."
Bao Zheng said angrily: "Go away, I am explaining national affairs to the emperor, do you have the right to interrupt?"
Huang Peisheng's face turned red. He looked back at Zhao Zhen for help, only to see Zhao Zhen laughing loudly and saying, "You are indeed a straight minister. You are worthy of being Bao Zheng. Everyone says you are straight-tempered and rude. I have seen it today. Huang Peisheng, get out of here."
Well, it’s nothing to do with you.”
Huang Peisheng was so depressed that he had no choice but to retreat to the side of the dragon case and listened to Bao Zheng say: "I am not rude. It is related to the stability of the country and the stability of the people. How can I not take it seriously."[
Zhao Zhen smiled and said: "Then what should I do with you? I heard that you have a good way of investigating cases, how about you take over?"
Bao Zheng shook his head and said: "I can investigate, but I am not suitable to intervene."
/
Zhao Zhen said: "Oh? Why is that?"
Bao Zheng said: "Not only me, but also the officials in the capital should not intervene."
Zhao Zhen frowned and said, "What does this mean?"
Bao Zheng said: "I just said that if it is a major treason case, there must be other accomplices. If it is framed, there must be someone behind it. There are rumors in the market that Fu Bi's case has been pending for a long time.
It was because someone secretly obstructed the trial process and the two sides struggled. Although this is all nonsense, I believe that the best way to put an end to the rumors is not to block their mouths, but to verify the truth as soon as possible and let the people in the capital know the truth.
A third party from outside intervenes to show justice; to be honest, except for you, the emperor, who dares to guarantee that the courtiers here will pardon this matter?"
Everyone finally understood what Bao Zheng meant. Something was lost at home, and everyone looked like a thief. Fu Bi committed the crime. No one knew who was the accomplice and who was the mastermind. Even the person who was investigating the case was an accomplice or the mastermind of the frame-up.
It is also unknown that Bao Zheng wanted to invite officials from outside the capital to handle the case in order to appear impartial.
Zhao Zhen nodded slightly and asked: "Who do you think is suitable to hear this case?"
Bao Zheng said: "I can't name the candidate. That would be unfair. I think this case needs someone who is bold, careful, thoughtful, and not afraid of power. The emperor will consider the specific candidate himself."
Zhao Zhen said with a smile: "You have so much attention to detail. Where can I find such a person?"
Bao Zheng said: "There must be."
Zhao Zhen frowned and thought hard, and suddenly his eyes flashed and he said, "What about Su Jin? He has handled a few difficult things, so this case shouldn't be a problem for him."
Bao Zheng did not answer: "I can't express my position on this matter. It's okay if the emperor thinks he can. Everything must be decided by the emperor."
Zhao Zhen said: "Well, it's Su Jin. He has never let me down before. I immediately issued an order to summon Su Jin to Beijing and temporarily appointed him as a special envoy to thoroughly investigate the case."
Bao Zheng didn't answer, turned around and left, only to see Du Yan step forward and say: "Your Majesty, I think Su Jin is not suitable."
Zhao Zhen said: "Why is it inappropriate?"
Du Yan said: "Su Jin and Fu Bi are relatives, so they should avoid suspicion. If he comes to investigate, there is no guarantee that he will not show favoritism."
Zhao Zhen said displeased: "Privilege Du, can that be considered a relative? Su Jin and Fu Bi are half-blood relatives, how could they be so stupid as to shield him in this major case? Besides, I will order you to do so."
He announced the entire case, and under the supervision of all officials, how could he dare to mess around."
When Du Yan was about to say more, Bao Zheng said coldly: "Master Du, I heard that you told others that you are related to the emperor, right?"
Du Yan was shocked and said: "Don't talk nonsense, I never said this."
Bao Zheng said: "Master Du's wife is the daughter of the Tang family, a large family in Bianliang, right? The head of the Tang family, Tang De, has a nephew in Yingtian Mansion, and his daughter is a noble in the harem. So you are not related to the emperor.
What?"
Du Yan said angrily: "You're talking nonsense, how can these relatives who are so different from each other be considered relatives?" [
Bao Zheng spat: "Then why do you call Su Jin and Fu Bi relatives even though they have had several twists and turns in their relationship?"
Du Yan responded, and Zhao Zhen smiled slightly and said to himself: This Bao Zheng is not as upright as he appears, and he can actually argue with Su Jin. No wonder he is a good handler in handling cases.