The Prosperous Era of Longwan

"This is the confession you, Zhang Yongming and Lin Run made during the trial."

Xu Jie received Huang Guangsheng in the study, carefully read Yan Shifan's confession that he brought, and asked with a frown.

Xu Jie was so sophisticated that he could see at a glance the pit dug by Yan Shifan in his confession, and his words were true and false, false and true.

"What do you mean, Lord Chief Assistant, that this confession is not enough to convict Yan Shifan?"

When Huang Guangsheng saw Xu Jie's expression, he knew that there might be some omissions in this confession.

"Yan Shifan's crime will definitely not be cured, and your black hat will definitely not be saved."

Xu Jie was very rude and said directly.

Seeing Huang Guangsheng's puzzled look, Xu Jie also knew why he couldn't understand. He shook his head slightly and said, "Those people Yan Shifan confessed admitted that he killed everyone, but do you know?

For some of them, it is not the Yan family that really wants to kill them, but today.

If you overturn the verdict for them like this, you are slapping that person in the face, because it is that person who is blind and does not regard the loyal and upright minister. "

Xu Jie's words immediately made Huang Guangsheng break into a cold sweat.

You can imagine what would be waiting for them if this confession was handed over to Emperor Jiajing.

"Please also ask Mr. Ge to make it clear that those people need to be removed."

By this time, if Huang Guangsheng didn't know what to do, his years as an official would have been in vain.

You can't do anything against the emperor. Of course he is not stupid.

Since Xu Jie mentioned that some people actually died because they offended Emperor Jiajing, naturally their names could not appear in the confession.

Xu Jie glanced at Huang Guangsheng and still shook his head, "You don't understand His Majesty."

As he spoke, Xu Jie walked to the desk, spread out a piece of rice paper, picked up a pen and started writing on it.

Huang Guangsheng thought Xu Jie was writing a list for him and asked him to modify his confession according to the list, but he was stunned when he stepped forward and saw the words written by Xu Jie.

“Collaborating with pirates.

Communicate with Japanese pirates and plot evil.

Recruiting outlaws”

Xu Jie wrote seven or eight crimes in one breath, but Huang Guangsheng was very surprised when he saw them.

Most of these crimes cannot be verified, and even if they can be verified, it will take a long time, which is different from what they initially said.

In the eyes of Huang Guangsheng, Zhang Yongming and others, how Yan Song and his son persecuted Zhongliang is the fastest way to establish a solid case. Since Mr. Xu Ge said there was something fishy in it, they would just pick some people out.

How can Yan Shifan be convicted if he writes like this?

At this moment, a servant outside the study called out: "Master, there is Eunuch Li of Prince Yu's palace outside the house asking to see him."

"Which Eunuch Li?"

Xu Jie had already put away his pen and asked.

"Eunuch Li Fang."

replied outside the door.

"Invite him in quickly."

Xu Jie said immediately.

The person outside the door agreed, and then the sound of footsteps coming from near and far was heard.

"Prince Yu's Mansion sent this confession."

Xu Jie turned to look at Huang Guangsheng.

At this moment, Huang Guangsheng's mind was still filled with Yan Song's crimes written by Xu Jie, so he just nodded subconsciously.

Of course Xu Jie knew why Huang Guangsheng was like this.

He is the Minister of Punishment, and the crime he is convicted of must have solid evidence.

But what did Xu Jie write?

Huang Guangsheng didn't know how Emperor Jiajing would evaluate the officials who were handling the case if the Ministry of Punishment sent this confession to Xiyuan.

Not long after, Li Fang was led by the housekeeper of Xu Mansion to the study room and greeted Xu Jie first.

"Mr. Xu Ge, I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"Eunuch Li, please stop doing this."

The two exchanged polite greetings, and then Li Fang raised her hands to Huang Guangsheng and said, "It's a coincidence that Huang Shangshu is also here."

Huang Guangsheng gradually came to his senses and hurriedly bowed his hands to Li Fang.

"Eunuch Li, I don't know the reason for this trip."

After the housekeeper went out, the three of them were left in the room.

In fact, the three of them all knew it well, but they still had to be polite.

"Prince Yu asked your servant to deliver something to Mr. Ge."

While talking, Li Fang handed over the note written by him, which was actually the two charges proposed by Wei Guangde, and said: "What King Yu means is that Yan Shifan's crimes don't need to be too complicated. Old things from many years ago." Just don’t dig it out again.”

When speaking, Li Fang's eyes were looking at Huang Guangsheng, and they all understood the meaning.

Xu Jie stroked his beard and said with a smile: "What His Highness said is absolutely true, and I am also talking about it."

As he spoke, he took the note from Li Fang's hand and glanced at it.

There were not many crimes listed on the note, only about ten words.

"Tongwa, Luo Longwen is the evidence; he stole the dragon's veins to build a mansion, which looks like a royal house."

"Your Highness has true knowledge and insight, and he has a commanding position."

When Xu Jie saw the note, he instantly knew that King Yu was thinking of working with him. He then handed the note to Huang Guangsheng and said, "Huang Shangshu, take a look."

Huang Guangsheng took the note from Xu Jie and read the entire text at a glance.

"Luo Longwen?"

He couldn't help but be surprised.

"Luo Longwen, Xu Hai, and Wang Zhi are from the same hometown and are familiar with each other. However, most of the pirates traveling around the world come from the disciples of these two people, so they must be very familiar with them."

Li Fang glanced at Huang Guangsheng and explained.

To be honest, they really didn't notice it until Wei Guangde reminded them that Xu Hai, Wang Zhi and Luo Longwen were all from She County, Huizhou Prefecture. It's no wonder that Luo Longwen spent a lot of money. It can be imagined that in this era, everyone who comes into contact with the benefits of sea trade is rich. The existence of Party A.

One trip to sea can bring you several times or even dozens of times of profits. How can you not be rich?

Because Luo Longwen had connections with the Japanese pirates along the coast of the Ming Dynasty, Luo Longwen's ships were able to travel unimpeded on the sea. As long as they didn't encounter shipwrecks, they would make a sure profit.

Why Yan Shifan has a good relationship with Luo Longwen is because Luo Longwen can not only provide him with "Luo Mo", but also help him make money.

Even if Luo Longwen did not profit from sea trade, he probably stole the treasures of Xu Hai, Wang Zhi and others.

Although "Luo Mo" is expensive, it is difficult to support his huge expenses, especially after getting together with Yan Shifan.

"The second item listed above is also added, and it just forms a closed loop. Although there is no evidence that Yan Shifan rebelled, so much circumstantial evidence is enough to overwhelm him."

Xu Jie said from the side at this time.

"Go back and talk to Yong Ming and the others carefully. There must be no mistakes in this matter."

Xu Jie reminded again.

Seeing that the trip was a success, Li Fang took the opportunity to say goodbye and left the Xu Mansion.

At this time, Yan Shifan, who was in the prison of the Ministry of Punishment, was a little uncertain about the current situation in the capital, but he was still confident in the confession he had written. He believed that as long as Emperor Jiajing saw the confession sent by the Ministry of Punishment, he could learn from it. Escape from prison.

Even in the distance, when Luo Longwen was being interrogated and passed by his prison, he saw Luo Longwen's slightly decadent state and shouted loudly: "No fear, I will be released from prison soon."

This is just to encourage Luo Longwen and make him feel confident and bold. Their life in prison will not be too long.

On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, all parts of the capital were still in a festive atmosphere, and the people were still in a festive atmosphere. Only a few government offices in the imperial court had a solemn atmosphere inside and outside.

This year, because of Yan Shifan's case, the six ministries and five temples did not take vacations as usual. Officials consciously threw themselves into normal work after opening their offices on the first two days.

Wei Guangde had no intention of going to see the Aoshan Lantern Festival this year. Yan Shifan's matter, without any money, was always a big stone weighing on his heart.

In the evening, when night falls, countless chambermaids and palace maids have come out of the Forbidden City, and musicians have gathered together to prepare for tonight's Aoshan Lantern Festival.

A fast horse came from the south, passed You'anmen, passed through Xuanwumen and went straight to the imperial city.

The knight on the horse was tired and worn out. He had obviously changed horses continuously for a long journey. Even when he arrived outside Chengtian Gate, he still did not rein in his horse and slowed down, and ran straight to the gate of the imperial city.

For a moment, the square outside Chengtianmen was filled with people shouting and screaming. The chambermaids and maids fled in all directions to avoid the galloping horses. The scene was chaotic.

The horse arrived outside Chengtian Gate, and the knight on the horse reined in his horse. However, the horse was too fast and still stopped dangerously in front of the captains' swords.

"Who is so courageous that he dares to gallop outside the imperial city?"

A man who was obviously on duty at Hundred Households stood up and shouted loudly.

Behind the captains, the eunuchs of the inner court who were supposed to come up to ask questions were hiding aside fearfully. The battle just now was really too scary. How often had they faced such a scene?

I shudder when I think about that big horse hitting me. It would hurt so much, and I might not even be alive.

"Quickly report to the Supervisor of Ceremonies that on the ninth day of the first lunar month, King Jing passed away."

The knight on the horse had already turned over and dismounted. He ignored the scolding of the hundreds of guards in front of him, unbuttoned his chest, took off the bamboo tube on his back and handed it over, saying.

"What King Jing? Where did King Jing come from?"

The hundred households didn't react for a moment, so they asked casually.

"What? What did you just say? Are you from Prince Jing's Mansion?"

The leader eunuch behind them listened clearly.

On the ninth day, not four days ago, King Jing died.

Who is King Jing?

Isn't that the youngest son of today's Long Live Lord? This is another one who has died.

The eunuch thought this in his mind, but he quickly stepped forward to take the bamboo tube from the man's hand, and ordered to the hundreds of people in brocade clothes next to him: "Take care of him first, we may ask questions later."

After taking the bamboo tube, the eunuch did not dare to open it. Instead, he turned around and entered the Chengtian Gate to report to the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

Such a big matter must be reported to Xiyuan as soon as possible. It is no wonder that the man did not go to the General Affairs Department. He should have been sent by the palace to report the matter.

As for the official documents from the local government, they will also be sent to the General Affairs Office today and tomorrow.

However, the conversation between a few people just now did not prevent others. After a brief period of confusion, the hundred households also realized who the King Jing was in that person's mouth.

"Come here."

He called the captain behind him and ordered: "Hel him to the side to rest."

Then he saw the expression on the messenger's face and said: "Prepare some food for him. He has traveled thousands of miles in four days. He will be exhausted."

Many of the palace guards were actually selected by the guards, either from the Beijing camp or the Jinyi guards. In fact, almost all the soldiers in the Ming Dynasty were children of the guards.

Everyone is actually the same type of person.

The news of King Jing's death soon spread in the square outside Chengtianmen.

Soon, almost all the chamberlains, maids and musicians here knew about it, and the officials of the Ministry of Etiquette naturally also heard the news.

Surprised, he rushed to Chengtianmen to inquire about the news.

King Jing is dead, which means that the imperial court will soon send people from the Ministry of Rites and officials from the Pingren Department to Anlu, Huguang to deal with the matter, but they don't know who will be the unlucky ones.

This kind of business trip is not just a trip, it is a life-and-death run. The arrival time set by the ministry cannot be delayed for a day.

I couldn't help but feel that the head of the Etiquette Department was still complacent. Fortunately, he had accepted the errand of the Aoshan Lantern Festival this year, so it shouldn't be his turn.

Gao Zhong is still on duty at the Clerk of Ceremonies at the moment, but he has been feeling unwell recently and has been sitting on the kang.

When the eunuch guarding the gate brought in what happened outside Chengtian Gate, Gao Zhong did not dare to neglect and asked someone to bring a bamboo tube and hurried to Xiyuan.

Although I knew that reporting this letter would anger the emperor, I had no choice but to report it immediately.

Naturally, there is no martial law in the capital during the Chinese New Year, otherwise how would the people enjoy the spectacular Aoshan Lantern Festival.

No matter how tight the finances of the imperial court or the inner court are, this lantern festival must be held after all, and it cannot be shabby, otherwise it will damage the atmosphere of Tianjia.

As people watching the lanterns came and went, news spread almost overnight that King Jing was dead in Huguang.

"Where did the news come from?"

Wei Guangde heard it in his mansion, and the servants who were fine ran to see the Aoshan Lantern Festival and brought back the news.

Wei Guangde didn't plan to go, but he didn't stop his servants from going, as long as it didn't affect their lives.

"Li San and the others went to see the Aoshan Lantern Festival. They said that before nightfall, there was news that the palace guards from the Huguangjing Palace had arrived to see the party."

Reported by Zhang Ji.

In his heart, Wei Guangde was not too surprised at this moment. After all, he had expected it, but he still had to pretend to be surprised on his face.

"Prince Jing is one month younger than His Royal Highness Prince Yu. I didn't expect that he would go like this. Your Highness will definitely be very sad if he finds out."

Wei Guangde pretended to sigh and said.

After hearing this, Zhang Ji lowered his head and didn't answer. He didn't know what he was thinking.

Who in the Wei family doesn't know that their master relies on King Yu, and does King Jing's life and death have anything to do with them?

"Master, you should go to the palace."

At this time, Mrs. Xu Jianglan on the side said.

"It's time to go."

Mother Wei also said at this time.

It's not easy to go far away these days. Wei's mother has no intention of going back soon after arriving in the capital. She will at least wait until her grandson is two or three years old and sensible before leaving.

"Zhang Ji, please tell us to prepare a car outside. Let's go to Prince Yu's Mansion."

Wei Guangde follows the good deeds and does everything he can.

It's just that he had a hand in this matter, so he would definitely not dare to claim credit in front of King Yu, and the same would be true for Gao Gong.

The next day, a decree came out from Xiyuan, and Liu Shiyan, the uncle of Chengyi, was sent to Anlu, Huguang, to offer sacrifices. There were officials in charge of the funeral, including rituals and two altars for sacrifices. Wang Zhen, the middle official, was sent there to manage the affairs of the house, and to welcome the coffin and bury it in Xishan.

On the same day, Li Chunfang, the Minister of Rites, and Gao Gong, the minister, also submitted a report after deliberation, "King Jing has passed away, and the Princess Wang family has no heirs. Please ask his family members to live in the capital."

On the same day, Emperor Jiajing nodded and ordered Wang Zhen, the official official, to handle it together.

But everyone knows that the funeral affairs of Prince Jing's Mansion have just begun.

King Jing died of illness at the age of twenty-nine, childless. After his concubine returned to the capital, King Jing eliminated the kingdom and returned the tens of thousands of hectares of Pitian owned by King Jing's palace.

Wei Guangde knew it, but he was beyond his reach.

Huguang is still too far away from Jiangxi. Needless to say, it was a gluttonous feast for Huguang officials.