The imperial censor of the Ming Dynasty stayed in Qicheng for a day. After handing over everything, he took a group of confidants and guards on his way back to Beijing.
The officials in Qicheng sent people out of the city.
Watching the pedestrians and carriages driving away, the Qicheng magistrate was still a little puzzled: "What on earth did the imperial censor do in Linyuan? The negotiation was not concluded..."
The key point is that even though the negotiation was not completed, the person came back safely.
The official beside him said: "It would be strange if the negotiations are actually completed."
The prefect of Qicheng nodded: "That's true."
He added: "So the Imperial Censor has finally given up and is finally willing to return to Beijing to resume his duties."
However, once the person who advocated peace left, Qicheng became even more precarious...
Next, I think I will either hit others or be hit by others.
The possibility of the latter is obviously greater...
He was going to be beaten no matter what, but if he had a choice, he would rather be beaten by the Duke of Zhenguo, at least it wouldn't hurt so much.
The officials sighed and dispersed, and went to their respective places.
…
With the city gates in various parts of the capital being closed, almost every time they were opened, a new urgent news would be passed into the palace.
"Urgent report! King Yan's army captured Cangzhou eight days ago!"
"Mingzhou rebel Zhang Yunsui suddenly led his army out of Mingzhou territory. I don't know what his intention is!"
"There is a foreign invasion on the border of Duogan. Duogan Guards Commander Si Chuan hastily sent a message to the capital, asking the capital to dispatch troops and horses for reinforcements!"
"Prince Jing's old troops were dissatisfied with the new system and had conflicts and frictions with General Feng Yu. They broke out in riots in the camp, resulting in over a thousand casualties——"
"..."
These urgent reports reached the ears of Emperor Qingming of Yangxin Hall one after another.
"How dare King Jing's old men make trouble..." The emperor was lying on the dragon couch, his face livid with anger: "These rebels simply don't know how to live or die! Where is King Jing? They haven't been escorted to the capital yet!"
Jie Shoufu lowered his eyes and replied: "I was about to report to Your Majesty that King Jing was escorted to the capital this morning and is currently being held in the clan's residence."
Emperor Qingming gritted his teeth and said: "Publish my decree, and tomorrow morning he will be taken to Caishikou and beheaded in public!"
"Your Majesty!" Jie Shoufu's expression changed drastically: "Absolutely not!"
Emperor Qingming turned his head and looked at him, his eyes like daggers: "Absolutely not! Shouldn't the rebels be killed?"
"The so-called King Jing's conspiracy to rebel is just your Majesty's speculation. Until now, no evidence has been found!" Jie Shoufu said solemnly: "If Your Majesty wants to kill King Jing without any evidence, I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the public.
It will make people question the majesty of the law. If they cannot and do not abide by the law, it will be more difficult to stabilize the current situation!"
It is a fact that King Jing and King Yan were close in the past. Temporarily withdrawing the troops from King Jing can be regarded as eliminating a hidden danger at this juncture——
But now that the person has been taken to the capital, he only needs to be under strict supervision. How can he be beheaded?
Apart from anything else, this is the emperor's biological brother——
Is it really honorable to have a reputation of killing brothers and sisters if it remains in the history books?
The other ministers also had different expressions.
King Jing is now a prisoner and is no longer a threat to His Majesty. As a brother, why do you still want to kill him like this?
"Rebels should be cut to pieces! Not only do I want to kill him, but I also want to send his head to various prefectures and states for people to pay homage to. I want everyone to open their eyes and take a good look at the fate of rebels!
Emperor Qingming's eyes were full of hatred: "Li Ji, write the decree immediately! I must see his head fall to the ground with my own eyes tomorrow!"
Li Ji quietly glanced at Jie Shoufu and others.
Emperor Qingming urged angrily: "What, are you deaf?"
Li Ji hurriedly responded: "Yes...yes, I'll go right away."
Jie Shoufu's expression was extremely serious, and just when he was about to speak, he suddenly heard the intercom's voice from behind him: "Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince wishes to see you."
Emperor Qingming's voice dropped: "No! Let him go back to his East Palace! Don't even think about interfering in my political affairs again!"
"My son has met my father."
Turning to look at the prince who had entered the inner palace, Emperor Qingming was furious: "Who allowed you to come in! Since when have you been allowed to enter and exit my Heart Cultivation Hall without permission? This is my Heart Cultivation Hall! You
Cough cough cough…”
He bowed and coughed violently.
Li Ji hurriedly patted him on the back.
The coughing sound became louder and louder, almost hoarse.
Seeing that he was coughing so much that he almost lost his breath, the prince frowned unbearably, but his eyes quickly became firm.
"My father's illness is getting worse. Doctor Zheng has repeatedly told me not to be angry or troublesome anymore. The current situation is unpredictable, and it is inevitable that urgent reports will be sent to the palace every day. In order to avoid affecting my father's emotions, starting from today
, I also ask that you sirs no longer need to go to the Yangxin Hall to report matters. All matters need only be discussed between me and you sirs——"
The boy said firmly: "Pass this order, no one is allowed to disturb my father's rest."
Jie Shoufu looked stern and turned to look at the boy.
After a moment, he said in a slow voice: "I also think so. Your Majesty is no longer fit to continue to govern, both physically and mentally."
He had wanted to say this for a long time.
But if there is no prince to start and he mentions this, it is the crime of being pretentious.
The fact that the prince said this today was beyond his expectation.
But since the prince is willing to stand up and take charge of the overall situation, it is naturally the best.
Several other ministers also echoed.
It was extremely difficult for Emperor Qingming to stop coughing. Hearing these words, he almost threw himself off the bed: "What do you want to do? Help the prince usurp power and rebel! I am the emperor!"
He struggled to get out of bed dragging his legs that could not move, and his eyes were so red that they seemed to be bleeding.
Li Ji quickly stopped the person: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."
"You all want to rebel, don't you?"
"Come here, summon Han Yan into the palace immediately!"
"Commander Han is no longer here." Looking at the man who was almost crazy, the prince said, "It seems that my father is really ill and confused."
"I am very awake! ...Wang Tong! Summon Wang Tong to come!"
"My father only needs to see Dr. Zheng now." The prince told the young eunuch standing by: "Send Dr. Zheng to come and diagnose my father's illness."
The young eunuch agreed and retreated.
The prince saluted: "I won't disturb my father's rest. I will take my leave."
"I'll take my leave."
"You...you..." Emperor Qingming fell on the couch again, his eyes widened, his chest breathing unevenly, his lips trembling, and he could hardly make a sound.
The prince, the chief minister and others have withdrawn from the inner hall.
"His Majesty has just ordered that King Jing be beheaded." Jie Shoufu said in a low voice as he walked down the white marble steps.
"I have heard it." The prince said: "What the emperor said when he was ill must not be true. At the moment, we only need to place Uncle Wang in the clan's mansion, and order him to take good care of him, and not to treat him harshly."
The first assistant should come down.
The prince looked back at the bedroom behind him.
My father will spend his last days in this heart-nurturing hall.
Really don’t make any more mistakes...
"Your Highness, gentlemen." A eunuch from the cabinet came over and said, "The Censor of the Ming Dynasty is back."
