klisemfg Chapter 1439
Chapter 1439
"Such contempt for the Great Ming Code, attempting to deceive His Majesty, if His Majesty had not already given me instructions, I fear I would have been unable to resist arresting them directly!"
He now understood where his master's murderous intent from three days ago came from—it turned out he had foreseen this situation long ago!
Thinking of this, Zhao Feng couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Now that the nobles and military officials of Huaixi are no longer lording it over the court, these glib-tongued, morally-sounding civil officials have become even more unruly! They truly deserve to die!"
Zhu Yunwen snorted coldly, his eyes narrowed, and a sharp killing intent flashed in them, like a mountain looming over him from above: "Hmph! Since they all think I can be deceived... if your Embroidered Uniform Guard wants to arrest people, I have plenty of men to arrest them for you!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng's eyes sharpened, and he clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, requesting permission to say, "Now that the joint trial by the three judicial departments has concluded, I request permission to have them thrown into the imperial prison on Your Majesty's behalf!"
Zhao Feng seemed even more anxious than Zhu Yunwen, the "deceived emperor": "The people from the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate... deserve to die!" As he spoke, he immediately adopted a murderous look.
Zhu Yunwen shook his head and smiled, saying, "See, you're in a hurry again."
Zhao Feng had been waiting for Zhu Yuntong to give the word to arrest the person, but seeing Zhu Yuntong's unhurried demeanor, he was somewhat taken aback: "Still...aren't you going to arrest them?"
Zhu Yunwen raised an eyebrow and said, "Arrest them, but not now. Tomorrow morning at the morning court session, you and your men will wait outside the Fengtian Hall. 'Killing the chicken'—of course, the harsher the better."
His original purpose was to intimidate people, and he also wanted to use Zhan Hui's case to make a fuss.
Of course, it's most appropriate to bring it to the morning court session to do it.
Zhao Feng was slightly taken aback, then his face showed a look of realization. He solemnly clasped his hands and said, "Yes! Your Majesty, I understand! I was rash. Please forgive me!"
Zhu Yunwen could tell that Zhao Feng was actually worried about him, so he naturally wouldn't blame him. He smiled faintly and said, "I know your loyalty."
Hearing Zhu Yunwen's praise, Zhao Feng was greatly encouraged: "Thank you, Your Majesty! This is all my duty!"
Zhu Yunwen casually picked up the intelligence reports and lists that Zhao Feng had presented, and began to read them with interest. At the same time, he instructed, "Go and prepare as well, without alerting anyone else."
Zhao Feng understood Zhu Yunwen's meaning and naturally had no objections. He clasped his hands in farewell and said, "Yes! Your humble servant takes his leave!" After saying that, he retreated and left Qianqing Palace.
After the Longshu case.
Zhu Yunwen held the booklet presented by Zhao Feng in his left hand, while his right fingertips rhythmically tapped the dragon desk. His eyes, as bright as stars and as deep as the abyss, held scrutiny, calculation, and... murderous intent!
The Qianqing Palace, though spacious and quiet, appeared to be a serene and profound abyss, yet the deathly silence was filled with a chilling atmosphere!
……
The city was under lockdown for the night, and all was quiet except for the watchman who struck his clapper and carried his watch, reminding the people to be careful with fire.
The entire Yingtian Prefecture remained as peaceful as ever, filled with the tranquility of a peaceful life.
Early the next morning.
In the dim morning light.
As was customary, officials of all ranks waited outside the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City.
Of course, more than half a month has passed now, and the court officials have long since gotten used to the absence of arrogant dukes and military officers among them.
The morning air was slightly cool.
Chen Zhou, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief and Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, ... the Director of the Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Huguang Offices of the Ministry of Justice, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and the Left Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review... all gathered together in what seemed like a chaotic group of officials.
(Diejia: The Ministry of Justice had thirteen subordinate offices for handling criminal documents with the provincial administration commissioners. The capital, Zhili, was a directly administered area of the central government, and criminal cases were mainly handled by the Zhejiang Office, Jiangxi Office, and Huguang Office.)
Chen Zhou glanced at the many officials present, let out a long sigh, and said to the others in a low voice, "Nothing happened last night. The Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Imperial Prison... there was no unusual activity. Gentlemen, Lord Zhan's matter should be settled."
"Otherwise, given His Majesty's temperament, he should have summoned the officials of the Three Departments to hold them accountable yesterday."
Over the past few days, Chen Zhou had been working tirelessly, almost exclusively working on Zhan Hui's case. Fortunately, just as Zhan Hui had said—everyone's interests were aligned in this matter. And so, the matter was finally resolved!
Although everything was calm last night, Chen Zhou was worried about Zhan Hui, and his heart was not at peace all night.
Only now, waiting here for the court session, have I been able to breathe a sigh of relief.
His goal was clear: "If Lord Zhan is safe, then we are all safe! Gentlemen, please do your part in this morning court session so that His Majesty can finalize Lord Zhan's charges and sentence."
In this way, he could be said to have lived up to Zhan Hui's kindness and trust.
Upon hearing Chen Zhou's words, the officials from the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate, who seemed to have unintentionally aligned themselves, also showed signs of relief: "I have been in charge of criminal matters in the Ministry of Justice for more than ten years, and I have no problem understanding the principles involved."
"This matter should indeed be decided by His Majesty. If His Majesty decides to investigate it extensively in the future, we will have a way out."
"..."
The group chatted in hushed tones, indicating that they were in agreement on this matter.
Before long, the sky became even brighter.
"Dong—dong—dong—" Not long after, the bells and drums on the Meridian Gate tower rang out, creating an exceptionally solemn atmosphere...