Chapter 183: Murder case on the first day of taking office
Fang Yuan was a little stunned.
He has traveled through the Tang Dynasty for many years.
But this was the first time I encountered a situation where I was forced to ask about the relationship between a man and a woman.
You know, this is not the era of free love in later generations.
But again, Fang Yuan doesn't know how open the Tang Dynasty is.
Situations like the Du family's are nothing new among senior aristocratic families.
Many marriages between aristocratic families or high-level officials will be expressed before the marriage.
After the relationship is established, the development between the two people will generally not be interfered with, and their intimate behavior will be acquiesced.
Fang Yuan doesn’t know these things.
But it does not hinder his answer to Du He's question.
"I like Miaoyan and want to develop a relationship with her!"
Fang Yuan stood up and said solemnly.
As soon as the words fell, everyone in the Du family was moved.
Du Miaoyan blushed and lowered her head.
Du He snorted coldly and rolled his eyes at Fang Yuan.
Du Ruhui and Mrs. Du nodded with satisfaction.
"Then those gifts just now should be regarded as engagement gifts."
Du Ruhui chuckled.
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone was moved again.
"Dad, are you in such a hurry?"
Du He said directly speechless.
We just came to express our feelings, is this considered an engagement?
Even if you want to marry your sister off, there’s no need to be in such a hurry, right?
Although my sister is no longer young, in her early twenties, she is still the most beautiful woman in Chang'an City.
Du Miaoyan also looked at Du Ruhui in surprise, feeling that her father's operation really shocked her.
"What do you know?"
"Everyone, please go down. I have something to talk to Fang Yuan alone."
Du Ruhui waved his hand, not intending to explain to Du Miaoyan, Du He and others.
Originally, Fang Yuan wanted to express whether he was too impatient, but seeing that Du Ruhui had something to say to him alone, he endured it.
"Mother~"
Du Miaoyan and others looked at Mrs. Du.
Mrs. Du usually makes the decision in the Du family, but today there was surprisingly no objection.
Instead, under her leadership, Du Miaoyan and others were taken away, leaving Fang Yuan alone in the living room.
"Fang Yuan, you should know that I am not in good health, right?"
Du Ruhui invited Fang Yuan to come and sit down at the coffee table.
Thanks to Du Miaoyan's exaggeration, Du Mansion now also has a coffee table.
Moreover, drinking tea has become a favorite of everyone in the Du family, and many people drink tea every day.
"I heard Miaoyan say it."
Fang Yuan said solemnly.
There is no need to say too many words of comfort.
There is no need to say too much about helping to find a doctor.
In short, the miracle doctor Sun Simiao will help keep an eye on it. It’s hard to say whether he can find it.
"I once told my fortune that I will die next year."
Du Ruhui smiled and said.
"Uncle Du, fate is an elusive thing, you can't believe it."
Fang Yuan immediately said in a deep voice.
He believes that fate is all illusory.
All that bullshit about destiny and destiny is all fake.
Fang Yuan believes even more that people can change their destiny and destiny.
"I'm different from you, I believe in fate."
"I also feel that my time is running out."
Du Ruhui said in relief.
The smile looks a little free and easy.
Fang Yuan looked at it and didn't know how to answer for a moment.
If one does not believe in fate and the other believes in fate, it is difficult to convince the other party.
Especially people with high authority like Du Ruhui are not easily persuaded by others.
"So I want to see a good outcome between you and Miaoyan before I die."
"It would be best to see you get married, but don't be nervous, I won't force you."
Du Ruhui chuckled.
His biggest concern is that he did not see his eldest daughter get married.
The eldest daughter is extremely talented and is known as the most beautiful woman in Chang'an City, attracting countless people.
If she were not alive, such a woman would be the target of the powerful, and she would not be under Du Miaoyan's control.
But it would be great if she could marry Fang Yuan. With Fang Yuan’s current status, most people would not dare to stare too hard at their own daughter.
"I'll try my best."
Fang Yuan said solemnly.
He can understand the feeling of being a father.
But there is still a difference between him and Du Miaoyan.
We cannot say that we should get married as soon as possible just because he is about to die. We need an opportunity.
Fang Yuan admitted that he and Du Miaoyan had not developed to the point of getting married, they were just in love.
"That's good, I believe you."
Du Ruhui chuckled.
He believes in Fang Yuan and has great confidence in Fang Yuan.
This kind of confidence is strange, but at least he feels that Fang Yuan is a trustworthy person.
"Uncle Du, how about you follow the emperor's wishes and cultivate yourself for a while?"
Fang Yuan pondered for a moment and said seriously.
He still hoped that Du Ruhui could rest and recuperate his body.
"Hahaha..."
"Do you think His Majesty's words today really want me to rest?"
Du Ruhui was stunned for a moment, then laughed.
"No?"
Fang Yuan frowned and said.
"Yes and no."
"Your Majesty really wants me to rest, but in fact he doesn't allow me to rest."
"Now Prime Minister Pei and others are leaning towards the Supreme Emperor. Many people in the court are alienated from His Majesty and are dissatisfied with His Majesty's killing of his brother to gain power. If I leave, it will have a great impact on Your Majesty's power."
Du Ruhui chuckled.
He was the only one who said this to Fang Yuan, not even his legitimate son Du He.
Because Du He's political consciousness is much worse than Fang Yuan's, there is no need for Du He to know so deeply, and it will not be beneficial to him.
And Fang Yuan will soon be one of our own, so giving Fang Yuan some guidance is powerful and harmless, and will also be of great help to the Du family in the future.
"Then you..."
Fang Yuan's heart trembled.
But I wasn’t surprised.
There are very few kings who can care about old feelings.
They value more the power in their hands and the throne they sit on.
Many things in the Tang Dynasty now require Du Ruhui's participation, and Li Shimin will not let Du Ruhui rest easily.
He said that he wanted Du Ruhui to have a good rest, just to gain a good reputation.
But Du Ruhui followed Li Shimin's wishes and worked hard, which puzzled Fang Yuan.
"I don't have long to live."
"It's better to do more and keep His Majesty in mind."
"Even if I leave in the future, Your Majesty will miss the Du family a lot."
Du Ruhui sighed.
He found someone to tell his fortune, but time was running out.
In this case, then make a good contribution to yourself in the days when you are running out.
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Leading the people to live a better life also made Li Shimin remember his kindness and seek blessings for his descendants.
"Uncle Du...wise!"
Fang Yuan suddenly felt a little heavy.
At the same time, I was also shocked by Du Ruhui’s wisdom.
On the one hand, guess what Li Shimin really means.
On the other hand, Li Shimin can remember his efforts.
It’s really not easy for a person who died so early to be ranked third in Lingyan Pavilion.
"What is wisdom or not?"
"If I had a choice, I wouldn't have to do this."
"Fang Yuan, I will ask you to take care of Miaoyan from now on. Please make her happy."
Du Ruhui's expression became a little lonely.
He has seen through a lot, but he can't let go of those children.
"Uncle Du, don't worry!"
Fang Yuan nodded solemnly.
He knew that Du Ruhui also had his difficulties.
With his power, there is no need to use the word "please" when facing himself.
But he understands that his time is short, and he has to leave without showing weakness.
"Okay, you should go back early."
"The curfew in Chang'an City is relatively strict. If you are caught, you will definitely be whipped."
Du Ruhui smiled and retracted his emotions.
He looked at the sky and saw that it was already dark.
Thinking that the curfew in Chang'an City was stricter than that in other places, he asked Fang Yuan to go back first.
If it's too late, the Jinwu Guards and Chang'an County Government will patrol, and if they find people wandering around for no reason, they will be whipped.
Even though Fang Yuan is under the command of Chang'an, no one should dare to torture Fang Yuan, but it is inevitable that some people will not give Fang Yuan face.
After all, Fang Yuan is not an order of Chang'an yet, so it is possible that someone really wants to whip Fang Yuan.
"Okay, I'll take my leave now."
Fang Yuan nodded solemnly.
Walk out of the hall, take Xue Bowu and others to leave.
A peaceful night.
Early the next morning, Fang Yuan put on his official uniform and took Zheng Jiu to the Chang'an County Yamen.
Officials of the fifth rank and above in Chang'an City are eligible to attend the morning court, but that does not mean that they all need to attend the morning court.
Generally speaking, those above the fourth rank cannot be absent without excuse, while those below the fourth rank do not need to attend the morning court unless there is an edict.
When Fang Yuan arrived at the Chang'an County Government Office, the county magistrate Zheng Mingzhu had already led the county government officials to greet Fang Yuan.
"Meet Fang Ling!"
Zheng Mingzhu and others saluted respectfully.
There are more than a hundred people in a county government office.
They have already exceeded the number of people that Fang Yuan had just arrived at Liaozhou Governor's Mansion.
"No gifts!"
"Except for the county magistrate, everyone else should return to their respective positions!"
Fang Yuan said calmly.
"Yes!"
As expected, everyone left one after another.
"Fang Ling, what are your orders?"
Zheng Mingzhu asked respectfully.
He saw Fang Yuan with the emperor and Du Ruhui yesterday.
Therefore, he took the initiative to summon everyone to welcome Fang Yuan today, and was very considerate to Fang Yuan, even though Fang Yuan was a foreigner.
"Why are there so many people in the county government?"
"As far as I know, the average county government office has a maximum of fifty people."
Fang Yuan said while walking.
Chang'an County Government Office is very large and solemn.
The desk in the main hall is a bit grander than the Liaozhou Governor's Mansion.
From the outside to the inside, except for the name change, they are almost all much better than the Liaozhou Governor's Mansion.
"Huifang Ling, because of the uniqueness of Chang'an City, the number of county government officials is twice that of other counties."
"Not only that, the number of government officials can also be increased to 300, but the court will only reimburse 100 of them."
Zheng Mingzhu explained.
Chang'an County Government not only has twice the number of people in each position as in other counties, but also every position is crowded with people.
Unlike other county governments, some positions cannot be filled, let alone as many as 100 people.
"Got it."
"Go and register a new yamen officer named Zheng Jiu..."
Fang Yuan nodded and pointed at Zheng Jiudao.
The Imperial City is the Imperial City, and it is indeed extraordinary.
Since the number of government officials can be three hundred, Zheng Jiu, who was brought from Liaozhou, will be registered.
Fang Yuan set out from Liaozhou this time, and in addition to the people from the Fang Mansion, he also brought some state officials, such as Zheng Jiu who was very easy to use.
In fact, many of the three hundred state officials in Liaozhou City will be removed from their positions by the governor's office after he leaves.
Because there are many state officials who are supported by Fang Yuan himself, without Fang Yuan they would have no jobs.
So a large part of them traveled thousands of miles to follow Fang Yuan to Chang'an City and hang out with Fang Yuan.
"Yes!"
Zheng Mingzhu respectfully says yes.
Immediately after leaving, ask someone to register Zheng Jiu’s information.
Every new Chang'an order will find ways to arrange his own manpower, and there are no surprises for him.
Soon, Zheng Jiu returned again and changed into a new pair of clothes. The clothes specially worn by Chang'an County government officials made him look much more handsome.
"Zheng Jiu, according to your current clothes, arrange a few more for each of the state officials brought by this hexagram from Liaozhou."
Fang Yuan said calmly.
He just took a look at the official structure of Chang'an County and discovered a very interesting situation.
That is, in the Chang'an County government office, even a small government official's identity is not simple, at least he comes from a small aristocratic family.
In other words, such a county government is filled with people from various aristocratic families. It may not be easy for you to mobilize them casually. You must arrange for your own people to come in as soon as possible.
"Yes."
Zheng Jiugong said yes.
Next, Fang Yuan checked the county government files.
I have a better understanding of the situation of the county government and the situation of Chang'an City.
With a deeper understanding, Fang Yuan felt that becoming the Chang'an Order was not a very happy thing.
There are too many powerful people here, and it is difficult to use your methods. If you are not careful, you will offend some people who cannot be offended.
For example, the last Chang'an Order was transferred out of Chang'an City because he offended someone he shouldn't have offended.
Moreover, almost every case that has survived in the county government office is related to a certain senior official or a certain big family.
As a result, it became an unsolved case and was sealed in the archives.
After thinking about it, Fang Yuan picked up these files and entered the palace.
After going through a very tedious process, Fang Yuan finally met Li Shimin.
"Fang Yuan, if you meet me on your first day as a new employee, you won't encounter problems that you can't solve so quickly, right?"
Li Shimin looked at Fang Yuan curiously and asked.
Next to him is a little girl who looks like porcelain, about eight or nine years old.
The little girl's hair is long, black and shiny, and her shining eyes are looking at Fang Yuan.
"Your Majesty, do you want me to govern Chang'an City, or do you want me to come to Chang'an City to take the blame?"
Fang Yuan placed the problematic files on Li Shimin's desk.
"What's wrong?"
Li Shimin asked in confusion.
Take one of the files and look through it.
The little girl next to him also followed suit.
The father and daughter looked at each other, their expressions slowly darkening.
"Under the emperor's feet, they don't know how to restrain themselves?"
Li Shimin's face turned dark with anger and he said in a deep voice.
I didn’t expect that such a bad thing would happen in the majestic Chang’an City.
He just got a file about a case in which a certain nobleman stole a concubine from a certain family and beat her up.
Because of the issue of the identity of the noble son, the previous Chang'an order was perfunctory, and the family was also afraid of the identity of the noble son, so the matter was left unsolved, and the file became an unsolved case.
"What does Your Majesty think should be done?"
Fang Yuan frowned slightly and said in a deep voice.
Listening to Li Shimin’s words, does it mean that big things have become trivial?
"Now that the victory of the great war has not been decided, it is not easy for the country to have too much chaos, so let's stay here for now."
Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice.
"If Your Majesty doesn't crack down on them, they will only become more rampant."
Fang Yuan also said in a deep voice.
But this is not the reason why he entered the palace today.
Just because Li Shimin's answer was beyond his expectation.
"I understand!"
"It's just not the time yet!"
Li Shimin shook his head, looked solemn, and said in a deep voice.
Now is not the time, there are too many things waiting for him to solve.
For example, the war between the Tang Dynasty and the Eastern Turks, the truth behind the collapse of the Yellow River dam, the hidden treasure of the prince, etc.
Compared with the problems in the files held by Fang Yuan, Li Shimin paid more attention to the latter.
At this time, he doesn't have much energy to target those aristocratic families.
"Since Your Majesty said so, can you give me an imperial edict or something?"
"I am worried that one day I will judge those noble gentlemen and I will not be able to hold back and kill them."
Fang Yuan said in a deep voice.
If the case does not fall into his hands, he can pretend that he does not know about it.
But if many things happen during his tenure, then those noble sons will suffer.
When the time comes, it will definitely become a thorn in the side of some forces, so Fang Yuan needs an imperial edict to transfer the conflict to the emperor.
"Fang Yuan, I will leave it to you."
"According to the law, but you can't kill. You must tell me before killing."
Li Shimin quickly warned.
Chang'an City has too many powerful people and too many aristocratic families.
There are some things that he, as the emperor, is also afraid of and cannot tolerate Fang Yuan messing around.
Otherwise, when Chang'an City is in chaos, the Tang Dynasty will be in chaos, and the world will be in chaos.
"Then give me an imperial edict?"
Fang Yuan didn't answer and asked further.
"I'd like you to think about it and go back first."
"Remember, you must act in accordance with the law, but you cannot kill. You must tell me before killing."
Li Shimin emphasized again.
I'm worried that Fang Yuan really couldn't hold back the killing blow.
"I understand."
Fang Yuan understands.
Leave after saluting.
"Father, that person didn't take the files away."
The little girl looked at Fang Yuan's leaving figure and reminded him.
"This guy... Changle, you go down and play first."
Li Shimin suddenly became angry and wanted to call Fang Yuan to stop.
When Fang Yuan has gone far away, he probably won't be able to call back.
That was left behind intentionally by Fang Yuan, indicating that the old case had nothing to do with him.
After thinking about it, I decided to keep these cases for now, they might be useful later.
"Okay."
Princess Changle stood up and left obediently.
On the other side, Fang Yuan returned to the county government.
As soon as he returned, Zheng Mingzhu came to report that a murder had occurred.