Chapter 1001 The most heart-wrenching thing is the expectation engraved in the deepest heart
Fang Zhong paused, and a trace of bitterness flashed across his face.
"It's just that she only listened to half of Xiaguan's advice. She didn't know who she received the advice from, and she felt that those brothers who supported her should rather support Xiaguan, so that Xiaguan could help her take care of her brothers.
She helped Xia Guan find a position as a judge in Kaifeng Prefecture.
Xiaguan also wants to get ahead, and he also wants the people of the Fang clan who kicked him out in the past to see that Xiaguan is not a lowly person who depends on others. On the contrary, they don't see Xiaguan's talent at the moment.
So I didn’t refuse, and I couldn’t refuse.”
As Bao Zheng said, serving as a subordinate official of Kaifeng Prefecture, serving as a county magistrate under Kaifeng Prefecture, and then serving as an official in the court is a ladder of success.
Few people can refuse.
Generally, only those who are valued by the emperor will take this Qingyun Ladder to enter the court and hold important positions.
Although the system of the DPRK and China has been changed, some old rules are still retained.
Unless the new system was completely imprinted into the Song Dynasty, some of the old rules would continue to be used.
Innovation and innovation not only revolutionize the system, but also the people's hearts.
Kou Ji stared at Fang Zhong and asked calmly: "You helped her brothers deal with a lot of troubles, right?"
Fang Zhong nodded and said: "Eight murder cases..."
"Taking people's lives for granted! Officials protecting each other! It's a capital crime!"
Bao Zheng said to the side with a gloomy face.
Fang Zhong said with a bitter face: "It is precisely because I know how powerful this is that I don't have the guts to go to Princess Kou to admit my mistake, nor do I have the guts to run away."
Bao Zheng sneered and said: "Perhaps there is still a sense of luck. Don't play tricks in front of me. I have handled many more cases than you have handled.
Your little thoughts cannot be hidden from me."
Perhaps he knew that he could not escape, so Fang Zhong did not hide anything, but admitted very frankly, "Xiaguan has a fluke mentality. It is not easy to get the official position of Xiaguan. He has not yet risen to the top, and he has not yet given up.
The Fang family members admit that they are short-sighted, so I really don’t want to lose it.”
Bao Zheng snorted coldly: "It is a serious crime to help others cover up a murder case. If you cover it up, you will lose eight lives. Don't think about protecting your official position. Think about saving your life first."
Fang Zhong smiled bitterly and was speechless.
Kou Ji waited until the two of them finished talking and said thoughtfully: "No wonder she was indifferent when I threatened her with her family.
When Nacha threatened her with someone related to her, she actually hit her head to death.
She knew in her heart that she was the one who suffered the consequences of what she encountered in the palace.
Therefore, no matter how the officials resolve the case, no one in her family will die.
But once you are found out, the criminal evidence of her brothers is obtained, and even the concubines who helped her behind the scenes are discovered, she will die, and so will her family members.
Even if the officials are willing to let them go, the concubines behind them will not let them go.
That’s why she crashed to death in the official’s palace.”
"Did she really commit suicide?"
Fang Zhong's eyes widened in disbelief.
Kou Ji glanced at Fang Zhong, as if he didn't hear what Fang Zhong said, and asked calmly: "Who helped you find the position of judge in Kaifeng Prefecture?"
Fang Zhong hesitated for a moment, "Can you let Xiaguan's family go?"
Kou Ji nodded, "Although you are guilty, you have not yet been implicated. The court will not embarrass your family. In order to prevent others from embarrassing your family, I can let them move to the border.
There are heavy troops stationed on the border, and some young men dare not act recklessly."
Fang Zhong took a breath and said: "That's good... the person who helped the official to find an official position was Concubine Shu, and Concubine Shu's natal family was related by marriage to the Lu Mansion.
At that time, Lu Gong was still in court.
Following Lu Gong's path, the lower official easily took the position of judge in Kaifeng Prefecture.
It stands to reason that when a lower official's term is over, he should be promoted.
But Lu Gong has been sent to Qingtang.
Your people don't seem to like Mr. Lu, nor do they like teasing those promoted by Mr. Lu.
Therefore, the lower official is still sitting in the position of the judge of Kaifeng Mansion."
"Concubine Zhou Shu..."
Kou Ji muttered Concubine Zhou Shu's name and frowned slightly.
Kou Ji ordered Bao Zheng: "Take him to the prison of the Criminal Law Department and order people to keep him under strict supervision. Don't let some young people hurt his life.
Everything he did should be dealt with according to national law."
Bao Zheng cupped his hands and said: "Student understand..."
After Bao Zheng saluted Kou Ji, he took Fang Zhong away, and Fang Zhong followed Bao Zheng out of Chenji Restaurant very obediently.
After the two left, Kou Ji frowned even more tightly.
The death of a little beauty involved two imperial concubines.
According to Fang Zhong, there are many concubines who are kind to Fang Meiren.
Then who forced the beauty to harm the prince?
No matter how stupid Fang Mei is, she should know that by harming the prince, she is bullying Queen Cao.
Queen Cao is the Lord of the Sixth Palace and has the power to deal with her.
Therefore, anyone who dares to force Beauty Fang to harm the prince must be a person of high status and not low status.
If the other party can lay out such a big picture, they will definitely not put themselves in danger.
Therefore, the other party is sure to protect himself when Empress Cao attacks.
A mother is qualified to challenge Empress Cao because her son is noble and she has the prince's concubines.
"Concubine Zhang Xian? Concubine Zhou Shu? Or someone else?"
Kou Ji thought about it and stood up and walked outside Chenji Restaurant.
The reason why Kou Ji couldn't come to a conclusion was because he didn't have enough evidence to prove the matter.
In addition, he felt that Concubine He De was not active in seizing the throne again, which was obviously abnormal.
You know, Concubine He De knows her goals better than anyone in the palace.
Before she entered the palace, she had already made plans to help her heirs fight for the throne.
If she gave birth to a prince, naturally the mother would be more valuable than the son.
If you can't give birth to a prince, you will inevitably have to follow Liu E's old example.
Now that she has given birth to a prince, there is naturally less killing.
But she must do it to help her son seize the throne.
Therefore, Concubine He De didn't take action when she wanted to seize the legitimate son, which Kou Ji felt was abnormal.
As for Concubine Zhang, Kou Ji has no need to doubt her.
Sisters Zhang Guifei and Zhang Xianfei are one body.
Concubine Zhang Xian intervened in the fight for the legitimate heir, which was tantamount to helping Concubine Zhang Gui.
Now one line has been traced to Concubine Zhang Xian, and the other line has been traced to Concubine Zhou Shu.
Kou Ji felt that he needed to go to the palace and ask.
Kou Ji left Chenji Restaurant and returned to his house first, after sleeping all night.
Early the next morning, he entered the palace in a carriage.
Kou Ji did not go to court, but waited for Zhao Zhen in the meeting hall.
Kou Ji is now trying his best to erase his traces in the court and try his best to make the three-three system and the separation of powers form a relatively complete check and balance.
We are also working hard to integrate the three-three system and the separation of powers into the Song Dynasty.
Zhao Zhen's throne and his position as Prime Minister are the biggest obstacles to the mutual checks and balances of the three-three system and the separation of powers.
Because both Zhao Zhen and him have destroyed the three-three system and the separation of three powers to check and balance each other.
Zhao Zhen's throne cannot be removed.
Today, in the Song Dynasty, and indeed in the entire world, there are no buds of democracy, and there is no soil for the birth of democracy.
People all over the world have no sense of being the masters of their own country.
Therefore, it is simply impossible to promote democracy.
But Zhao Zhen was an emperor who listened to advice and was also willing to impose some constraints on imperial power.
Therefore, he will do the least harm to the mutual checks and balances of the three-three system and the separation of powers.
On the contrary, he is used to doing things unscrupulously and has extremely high authority. He has great destructive power on the checks and balances of the three-three system and the separation of powers.
If he didn't speak, the three most powerful yamen in the court would not be able to urinate into the same pot, and they would be able to check and balance each other.
If he opens his mouth, the three most powerful yamen in the court will wait quietly to obey his orders.
Although they are divided into three points, Kou Ji has the final say with one voice, and there is no way to form a situation of mutual checks and balances.
Therefore, Kou Ji was unwilling to attend the court meeting, nor was he willing to continue to deepen his influence on the Song Dynasty.
Kou Ji waited for Zhao Zhen in the meeting hall for a long time. He waited until the next court, but Zhao Zhen was nowhere to be seen.
Until noon, Chen Lin hurried to the meeting hall.
Kou Ji saw Chen Lin, stood up and asked, "Where are the officials?"
Chen Lin sighed and said: "The officials are waiting in the Queen Mother's Palace. The Queen Mother has been in poor health recently, and the officials will go to the Queen Mother's Palace to guard her every day after going to court."
Hearing this, Kou Ji said in a deep voice: "The Queen Mother is not in good health? What did the imperial doctor say?"
Chen Lin sighed and said: "I have been in the cold palace for a long time, and I have been worried and frightened for many years. After I came out of the cold palace, I have been worried about the official family.
Nowadays, we can see that the officials managed the country of the Song Dynasty peacefully and peacefully, the country was stable, and they had many children.
My heart gradually relaxed.
Diseases born from worry and fear will also appear."
Kou Ji waved his hand to Chen Lin and said, "Don't tell me these useless things. Just ask, can it be cured?"
Chen Lin said bluntly: "The imperial doctor said...it's difficult..."
Kou Ji sighed secretly and said, "Then what are you doing here if you don't accompany the official family?"
Chen Lin said: "The official knows that you have entered the palace. Although he has no time to see you, he is concerned about your food and drink. He specially asked our family to come over and ask what you want to eat, and then ordered the imperial kitchen to do it."
Kou Ji waved his hand and said, "Just ask the imperial chef to make some. You don't need to pay attention to me. Go and accompany the official family."
Chen Lin nodded and left the meeting hall.
Not long after, the eunuch and the palace maid prepared a sumptuous table of wine and food for Kou Ji.
Kou Ji simply ate some and then ordered people to clear up the wreckage.
Kou Ji kept waiting in the meeting hall. When it was almost sunset, Zhao Zhen appeared in the meeting hall with his eyebrows furrowed and a tired look on his face.
It can be seen that Queen Mother Li is seriously ill, which makes him worried.
"Official..."
"Fourth brother..."
Zhao Zhen entered the meeting hall and pulled Kou Ji to sit down without waiting for Kou Ji to salute.
After sitting down, Zhao Zhen let out a long sigh and said: "My mother is seriously ill and has three surprises a day. She only asks me to serve her when eating and drinking. She cannot trust anyone else.
She said she had a dream that someone was trying to kill her.
She said that the people around her were spies, and not only refused to let them serve, but also beat them to death.
I know clearly that it is not the people around her who want to harm her.
But when she stayed in the cold palace, she worried day and night that the eldest lady would murder her.
That’s why I had such an idea.”
When Zhao Zhen said this, he looked sad, "My mother is living a hard life. Now she is suddenly seriously ill and a little confused. I really can't bear to leave her, so I stayed with her for a while." 67
Kou Ji nodded and said: "I can understand this, and the officials don't need to explain. If the officials can't spare time, they can temporarily let the prince supervise the country. Then they can take care of the Queen Mother wholeheartedly.
Nowadays, the Political Affairs Yuan, the Capital Affairs Yuan, and the Privy Council cooperate in a tacit understanding.
With them assisting the prince in managing the government and the ministers assisting him, there should be no problem."
Zhao Zhen thought for a moment and gave Kou Ji an ugly smile, "We will talk about this later. Why did the fourth brother enter the palace this time?"
Kou Ji said bluntly: "In Fang Meiren's case, I found out that Concubine Zhang Xian and Concubine Zhou Shu were involved, so I sincerely ask the officials for permission to ask Concubine Zhang Xian and Concubine Zhou Shu."
Zhao Zhen frowned, "Wasn't there only Concubine Zhang Xian before? Why was Concubine Zhou Shu involved again?"
Kou Ji said frankly: "I asked my people to investigate secretly, and found out that in addition to Concubine Zhang Xian, Concubine Zhou Shu was also involved in this matter."
Zhao Zhen pondered and said: "So, it was one of them who instigated Fang Meiren to frame the prince?"
Kou Ji shook his head, "I can't make any conclusions until the case is thoroughly investigated."
Zhao Zhen nodded and said: "Then I won't ask. I have given you full authority over this matter. Just act expediently on who you want to investigate and who you want to interrogate."
Hearing this, Kou Ji nodded and said, "It's getting late today. I'll go back to my house first. Tomorrow I'll go to the harem to see Concubine Zhang Xian and Concubine Zhou Shu."
Zhao Zhen waved his hand and said: "No need, just stay in the palace tonight."
Kou Ji said in a deep voice: "The prince's troubles in the harem have just passed. I cannot stay in the harem and cause criticism."
Zhao Zhen said solemnly: "You accompany me and go to the Queen Mother's Palace to fulfill your filial piety. Who dares to criticize you?"
Any taboo violation can always be forgiven if it is linked to filial piety.
Zhao Zhen insisted on his request, so Kou Ji had no choice but to stay in the palace and go to the Queen Mother's palace with Zhao Zhen.
The two of them didn't stay in the council hall for long. After dealing with today's memorial, they went straight to the Queen Mother's palace.
The Queen Mother's Palace is not far from Yanfu Palace.
Kou Ji and Zhao Zhen left the meeting hall and walked a short distance before arriving.
There were not many people in the Queen Mother's Palace.
Probably because the Queen Mother is seriously ill and should not make any noise.
Therefore, there were only a dozen maids and eunuchs serving in the Queen Mother's Palace.
Queen Cao and Prince Zhao Run were waiting beside the Queen Mother's bed.
When Kou Ji saw Prince Zhao Run, he knew that Prince Zhao Run had listened to his words.
Zhao Zhen took Kou Ji to the Queen Mother's bed.
Queen Cao and Prince Zhao Run stood up to salute, but were stopped by Zhao Zhen.
Zhao Zhen took a closer look and found that the Queen Mother had fallen asleep, so he waved to Queen Cao and Prince Zhao Run.
The four of them arrived at the side hall of the palace.
As soon as you enter the palace gate.
Kou Ji then saluted Empress Cao and Prince Zhao Run.
"Chen Kouji meets the Queen and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince..."
Empress Cao returned the courtesy slightly and said: "Kou Qing's family does not need to be polite."
Prince Zhao Run bowed to Kou Ji in a polite manner, "Student Zhao Run, I have met you sir."
It stands to reason.
It is considered a violation of the rules for their monarchs and ministers to greet each other.
But Zhao Zhen treated Kou Ji differently.
Queen Cao and Prince Zhao Run naturally had to treat Kou Ji with different attitudes.
After the three of them bowed to each other, Zhao Zhen said to Queen Cao and Prince Zhao Run: "Queen, you and Run'er have worked hard all day. Go back and rest.
My fourth brother and I will stay here tonight."
Empress Cao didn't say much. After bowing to Zhao Zhen, she pulled Zhao Run out of the Queen Mother's palace.
After Empress Cao and Prince Zhao Run left, Zhao Zhen and Kou Ji sat at the door of the side hall, looking at the bright moon and stars in the sky, and chatted quietly about things all over the world.
Everything seems to be back to the time when Kou Ji first met Zhao Zhen.
The two often had long conversations in the bedroom of the East Palace.
But the difference from before was that now Zhao Zhen would not listen quietly, but would interrupt and discuss issues with Kou Ji.
The monarch and his ministers talked about the night shift and then fell asleep.
Just like before.
Zhao Zhen slept on the bed in the middle of the side hall.
Kou Ji slept on the small bed by the door.
The only difference is that Chen Lin's dead face is missing.
Kou Ji fell into a deep sleep. Around midnight, Kou Ji woke up in a daze, feeling very uneasy and feeling that someone was beside him.
Kou Ji slowly opened his eyes, moved his head from side to side, and suddenly sat up from the bed. His eyes widened in shock, and he was completely sleepless.
In front of a pillar not far from Koji, stood a figure.
Aged.
Under the moonlight, his face turned a little blue and white.
When staring at people, they stare straight at them and don't move.
With disheveled hair and dressed in white, he looks like a ghost.
If it weren't for a group of kneeling figures with their heads touching the ground at the feet of the figure, Kou Ji would have screamed in fear.
Kou Ji stared for a long time and finally saw clearly that the figure was Queen Mother Li.
Isn’t Queen Mother Li seriously ill and bedridden?
Can you still get up?
The most important thing is that you can still run here.
Those kneeling at the feet of Queen Mother Li were eunuchs and palace maids.
They did not dare to speak, probably because they had received orders from Empress Dowager Li, or they were afraid of frightening Empress Dowager Li who seemed to be "sleepwalking".
Empress Dowager Li is now seriously ill, caused by worries and panic.
If someone were to startle him, he would most likely die.
Therefore, it is reasonable for the eunuchs and maids to serve carefully.
Kou Ji didn't understand what Empress Dowager Li was staring at him. He hesitated again and again, swallowed his saliva, and was about to speak.
Unexpectedly, Queen Mother Li walked to her side silently and made a 'shh' gesture.
Kou Ji slowly closed his mouth.
Queen Mother Li took Kou Ji's hand and asked quietly: "Are you my prince?"
Kou Ji opened his mouth, not knowing how to answer.
Queen Mother Li had obviously seen his appearance clearly, and she could still ask him if he was Zhao Zhen, which proved that she was confused or sleepwalking.
Kou Ji hesitated for a long time, then nodded stiffly, "So..."
Zhao Zhen called him brother. Zhao Zhen was Empress Dowager Li's biological son, so he could barely be regarded as Empress Dowager Li's godson.
So there is no taboo in admitting it.
When Queen Mother Li saw Kou Ji agreeing, she said with a face of surprise: "I knew you were my prince. But don't say anything, or you might disturb your brother.
If I ask you anything, just nod or shake your head."
Kou Ji nodded very cooperatively.
Queen Mother Li pulled Kou Ji to sit down, looked around furtively, and whispered to Kou Ji: "I missed you so much that I secretly ran out of the cold palace.
I thought that the lady had snatched you away from me and that I would never see you again in this life.
I didn’t expect that the young lady gave birth to a younger brother for you.
Now that your brother is born, that position is no longer available to you.
But there is hope for our mother and son to be reunited.
It is impossible for the young lady to let a son of mine, born of a slave, sit on the throne instead of her son.
But don't blame the lady, and don't have any thoughts of revenge.
The lady is not a kind person.
You should take good care of your brother and keep your brother safe. When your brother takes the throne, our mother and son may be able to recognize each other and be reunited.
Don't even think about looking for me.
The cold palace is not a good place.
Apart from me, there were only three old slaves left inside.
It has only been three years since they followed me into the cold palace, and two of them have gone crazy.
The other one is not normal either and will probably go crazy after a while..."
Concubine Li pulled Kou Ji and talked many, many words.
She talked a lot about her thoughts about her son.
He gave many advice on how to save his life.
It also tells many stories about her experiences in the cold palace.
Zhao Zhen woke up when Mrs. Li spoke. He stood not far away, listening to Mrs. Li's ramble, with tears streaming down his face.
Both Zhao Zhen and Kou Ji could clearly judge from Mrs. Li's words.
Zhao Zhen is the fate of Concubine Li. It is the reason why Concubine Li did not go crazy despite being in the cold palace for many years. It is also the courage of Concubine Li to live hard.
When she first came out of the cold palace, Liu E was still alive.
She was well aware of Liu E's methods, so she did not dare to say anything bad about Liu E in front of Zhao Zhen.
For fear that Zhao Zhen and Liu E would have a grudge, Liu E punished him.
Later, Liu E died, but she had no chance to tell her.
Because the Song Dynasty was fighting in all directions at that time, and there were a lot of government affairs to deal with every day, Zhao Zhen did not have the time to listen to her talk about these bad things.
Wait until all the problems in Song Dynasty are solved.
She didn't want to talk anymore.
Although Liu E snatched away her son and imprisoned her in the cold palace.
But Liu E raised her son very well.
Not only did the Song Dynasty stabilize, but it also managed the Song Dynasty to an unprecedented level.
Concubine Li believed that if her son had been taught by her, he would never be so outstanding.
So she felt that although Liu E was sorry for her, she still blamed her son for everything.
She felt that as long as her son was good, no matter how much she suffered, it was worth it.
So these were the words she prepared to carry in the coffin.
I just didn't expect that after I became seriously ill and my brain became confused, I would say these words again.
Kou Ji listened to Concubine Li's narration, and even burst into tears at the end.
After Queen Mother Li finished speaking, she quietly said to Kou Ji: "Don't cry. If you wake up your brother, you will definitely be punished. I feel bad for you if you are punished... Never tell others that I have been here... You will also be punished..."
After empress dowager Li gave some kind words, she got up and quietly left the palace.
Kou Ji and Zhao Zhen remained silent and followed with tears in their eyes. They followed Queen Mother Li to the Cold Palace. They watched Queen Mother Li enter the Cold Palace, which had been abandoned for many years, and lay down on the same couch where they used to sleep.
, with a hint of a smile on the corner of his mouth.
"Some expectations have been engraved in the deepest part of her heart... so even if she is confused, she will not forget..."