I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 514: The Crown Prince! Our Song Dynasty finally has a crown prince

An hour later, at the back court of Kaifeng Prefecture.

Bao Zheng, Su Liang and Wang Anshi surrounded the "Auspicious Stone", looking at it while waiting for the stonemason from Baijia Academy to arrive.

If we cannot verify the authenticity of the Ruishi today, we can only treat it as real.

Many officials felt that the actions of Bao Zheng and his two companions were very disappointing and ruined a good historical story.

It was a foregone conclusion that the eldest prince Zhao Xun would be named crown prince.

Holding the ceremony now while taking advantage of the auspicious stone signifies the destiny has been chosen, and will be more conducive to the stability of the Song Dynasty.

It is meaningless to be too serious about authenticity.

But the three of them didn't think so.

Su Liang and Wang Anshi never believed in destiny, while Bao Zheng insisted on evidence in everything to prevent someone from taking advantage of the opportunity for personal gain.

Not long after.

Two gray-haired stonemasons walked over quickly, carrying various tools.

One of them is surnamed Liu and the other is surnamed Zhang. Both are over 60 years old and are old stonemasons who have been dealing with stones for most of their lives.

The two of them hurriedly bowed to Su Liang and the other two.

When they arrived, the Kaifeng government servants told them what to do, so they brought a complete set of tools.

Bao Zheng said: "The two of you, please, without damaging the stone in the slightest, can you verify whether the four characters on the stone are naturally formed or artificially carved?"

"Yes."

The two of them bowed again and then began to check carefully.

The two of them first walked around the big rock twice.

Then he looked at the texture of the stone, the moss, and even flipped through the books he had brought.

Finally, I began to observe those four somewhat frivolous words: pass the throne to one son.

Very careful.

……

About half an hour later.

After the two men finished inspecting the stone, they held the brushes and began to write on the side.

Another quarter of an hour passed.

Master Liu bowed to the three and said, "Mr. Bao, Minister Su, and Magistrate Wang, after our observation, we found that these four characters were not formed naturally, but were carved by someone with a sharp tool. The time was probably between six months and one year, and it would never be more than one year. This is the basis for our judgment."

Master Zhang handed a piece of paper to Bao Zheng.

Written on this paper are the texture of the stone, the approximate time when the moss formed, as well as the reasons for the formation of the words and the length of time it took to weather.

Every point has a basis.

After reading it, Bao Zheng nodded and ordered someone to send the two men out.

Then he looked at Su Liang and Wang Anshi.

"Since it is man-made, there must be a purpose. I guess it should be..."

Before Bao Zheng opened his mouth, Su Liang and Wang Anshi said almost in unison: "Pardon the whole world."

"That's right!"

Bao Zheng nodded in approval.

If a crown prince is appointed at this time, the imperial court will certainly grant amnesty to the entire nation.

From Taizu Taizong to Zhenzong, and the current Zhao Zhen, they all liked to grant amnesty.

Except for the three-year suburban sacrifice amnesty.

If the world encounters drought, locust plague, heavy rain, earthquake, etc., amnesty will also be granted.

The amnesty of the current dynasty was very strong.

Except for serious crimes such as treason, forgery of talismans, murder, robbery and killing, all other crimes will be sentenced lightly, and the prisoners may even be directly pardoned and set free.

Some ordinary criminals sentenced to death will most likely be spared the death penalty and sentenced to exile 2,000 miles away.

When the imperial court announces amnesty, a grand ceremony is held.

For example, if there was an amnesty for criminals in Kaifeng Prefecture, they would be brought to the Xuande Tower, where a grand amnesty ceremony would be held. After they shouted "Long live the emperor", they would be released on the spot.

This move is naturally to win the hearts of the people and demonstrate the emperor's grace.

Those who forge auspicious signs most likely do so for this purpose.

To forge an auspicious sign is a crime of high treason.

Today someone may write that the throne will be passed on to one son, tomorrow someone may write that the throne will be passed on to the second son, and the day after tomorrow someone who intends to rebel may forge an auspicious sign to rebel.

The people of the Song Dynasty particularly believed in this astronomical phenomenon.

This trend must not be allowed to continue, this matter must be thoroughly investigated.

……

Immediately.

Bao Zheng, Su Liang and Wang Anshi came to the Chuigong Hall with the results of the stonemason's inspection.

In the main hall.

After reading the test results, Zhao Zhen couldn't help but frown.

"I never thought someone would dare to commit treason. Investigate thoroughly and find the murderer."

Zhao Zhen was very angry.

Throughout history, there are actually quite a few auspicious stones with words on them, and some of them are actually formed naturally, which makes people have to believe it.

Zhao Zhen thought about it and looked at the three people.

"Mr. Bao, Mr. Su, Mr. Wang, you are all going to Xiangzhou together this time to investigate this matter quickly. After that, the court will still have to appoint a crown prince. You must be the first to submit a petition to appoint a crown prince."

Upon hearing this, Su Liang and the other two were stunned.

This case is not difficult to investigate, and there is no need for three people to go together.

There was no need for Bao Zheng to go there. Kaifeng Prefecture could just send a judge to quickly investigate the matter.

not to mention.

With Bao Zheng, an expert in investigating cases, around, Su Liang and Wang Anshi didn't need to go at all.

Seeing the three of them were a little stunned, Zhao Zhen said, "You three must go together, no one can be left behind. There are some things I cannot say clearly."

Suddenly, Su Liang and the other two understood what Zhao Zhen meant.

Yesterday, the three of them opposed "establishing a crown prince because of Rui Shi" in Daqing Hall. Although they were not against establishing a crown prince, but they doubted the authenticity of Rui Shi, it was because of them that the eldest prince Zhao Yun was unable to become the crown prince.

A hundred years after Zhao Zhen's death, perhaps some of his ministers would use this matter against them.

By then, Bao Zheng might no longer be alive, but his family members were still alive.

Su Liang and Wang Anshi were definitely important officials in the court.

If someone tried to sow discord and brought up this matter in front of Zhao Yun, saying that the three people had opposed the establishment of a crown prince, it might have a negative impact on them.

The achievement of following the dragon is a great achievement.

If the three people blocked the establishment of the crown prince, no matter what the reason, it could become a crime and create a rift between the monarch and his ministers.

In those days, Empress Dowager Liu was very kind to Zhao Zhen, but when Empress Dowager Liu made it impossible for Zhao Zhen to recognize his biological mother, he still hated Empress Dowager Liu and even hated the ministers whom Empress Dowager Liu favored.

Zhao Zhen knew that the emperor was not a saint and his emotions also changed.

Therefore, he wanted the three of them to investigate the case together. After the facts of the case were clarified, the three of them would take the lead in requesting the establishment of a crown prince, and then no one would be able to frame them.

As the king of a country, Zhao Zhen was very thoughtful.

"I obey your command." The three said in unison.

Seeing that the three people understood what he meant, Zhao Zhen immediately smiled and nodded.

On the day.

All the officials in the capital learned that the Rui Stone was a fake.

Some were very surprised, some thought they should take it as true, and some officials thought Bao Zheng and the other two were just showing off their abilities...

……

The next day, just after dawn, a convoy of trains drove out of Xinsuanzaomen.

It was Bao Zheng and his party.

Xiangzhou is only 400 miles away from Bianjing. If they hurry and walk faster, they can arrive there in three days.

Su Liang and Bao Zheng rode in the same carriage, while Wang Anshi and Lu Wenyuan, the governor of Xiangzhou, rode in another carriage.

Inside the carriage.

Wang Anshi and Lu Wenyuan sat opposite each other. Lu Wenyuan looked depressed, he didn't expect that the auspicious omen he sent would be a fake one.

"Official Wang, the fake auspicious stone has absolutely nothing to do with me. I know very well that forging an auspicious stone is a heinous crime. I would never risk doing this, and there is no reason for me to do this!"

Wang Anshi looked at him.

"Lu Zhizhou, no one doubts you!"

"You haven't doubted me yet? If you don't doubt me, is it worth the three of you to come out at the same time? I am not afraid of investigation, but...but you must not wrongly accuse me. I am acting completely according to the rules. If there is an auspicious sign in the place, I will naturally report it to the court as soon as possible..."

Lu Wenyuan felt as aggrieved as a little girl.

He was frightened by the scene of Bao Zheng, Su Liang and Wang Anshi rushing to Xiangzhou at the same time.

Wang Anshi smiled faintly.

"Don't worry, you have been cleared of suspicion."

"The person who did this must have three conditions. First, he has a relative or close friend in prison, who was sentenced six months or a year ago. Second, he has lived in Xiangzhou for a long time and has a connection with the mountains and forests or the surrounding farmland. Third, he has been educated and has property."

"Ah? This...how can you tell this?" Lu Wenyuan was very surprised.

Within Xiangzhou, the scope of people who meet these three conditions has been greatly narrowed down.

Wang Anshi said: "The eldest prince is the eldest son, and it is only a matter of time before he is named the crown prince. He fabricated this auspicious sign for only one purpose, which is to hope that the court will grant amnesty to the whole country..."

"Does it have to be someone from Xiangzhou? Is it possible that it was done by someone from outside the area?" Lu Wenyuan asked again.

Wang Anshi shook his head.

"Impossible. This move was to save people. If the big stone was placed in a place where he could not see it often, the risk would be very high. After a year, the stone might be destroyed or taken away by someone. All these situations would lead to the failure of all previous efforts. He would not take such a risk, so he must have a connection with that forest."

"Secondly, ordinary people cannot come up with such an idea, nor do they have the courage to do so, let alone wait for half a year to a year."

……

Wang Anshi spoke slowly, while Lu Wenyuan was stunned. The former's analysis was so accurate.

With this explanation, the difficulty of solving the case is greatly reduced.

"Once we arrive in Xiangzhou, you can immediately order someone to look for the case files," Wang Anshi said finally.

"That makes sense! It makes a lot of sense!"

Lu Wenyuan was very excited.

If this case cannot be solved, his offering of auspicious signs will become a joke and may even end his future career.

Lu Wenyuan rolled his eyes and said, "Wang Tuiguan, your reasoning is correct. I suggest that we report this to Bao Xueshi and Su Zhongcheng immediately. You take the lead and I assist. Let me also say a few words to atone for my crime. What do you think?"

Wang Anshi shook his head and smiled.

"Do you think that if I can think of it, then those two can't?"

"They are two of the smartest people in our Song Dynasty. I told you this just because I don't want you to appear too stupid!"

Although Wang Anshi's words were unpleasant to the ear, Lu Wenyuan was still very grateful for his guidance.

"Official Wang, I wonder why you are helping me. I am truly grateful to you."

"Because you have a good reputation as an official in Xiangzhou and are willing to work for the people. In addition, your handling of the commercial taxes in Xiangzhou is very much to my liking. You can be a parent official for the people."

As a member of the Reform Office and a member of the Three Offices, Wang Anshi, with his excellent memory, was very familiar with the situation of every prefect in the Song Dynasty.

"Thank you very much!" Lu Wenyuan bowed deeply to Wang Anshi.

……

Three days later, late at night.

Su Liang and his party rushed to the Xiangzhou provincial government office, had a simple dinner, washed up, and went to bed.

Then early the next morning.

Su Liang led people to the site to investigate, looking for the person who contracted the forest and the farmers nearby.

Wang Anshi and Lu Wenyuan were looking through case files in the provincial government office.

Bao Zheng sat in the government office, waiting for Su Liang to send the witness or the suspicious person to the office, and then Bao Zheng would interrogate him.

The three of them work together very efficiently.

It's almost dusk.

Just when Lu Wenyuan was still a little confused, the murderer cried and confessed his crime when Bao Zheng deduced all his plans.

The person who confessed was a cloth merchant from Xiangzhou named Yu Youliang.

His son's name is Yu Le. Eight months ago, he was sentenced to three years in prison for causing serious injury in a fight.

Yu Youliang also has an old mother who loves her grandson very much, but she is in poor health and cannot wait for her grandson for three years.

Therefore, Yu Youliang planned this forged auspicious sign early on.

Once the imperial court issued a general amnesty, his son would be released after being beaten with dozens of sticks at most.

Bao Zheng pronounced the verdict on the spot——

Yu Youliang forged auspicious signs, which was tantamount to treason, and was sentenced to death.

But considering that he was fulfilling his filial piety, he allowed his son Yu Le to see his grandmother and collect his father's body.

At the same time, the crimes of Yu's father and son were not pardoned even though there was a general amnesty.

The Yu family father and son had no objection to this and signed on the spot.

Lu Wenyuan was stunned.

The efficiency of these three people is really terrifying.

There was no torture, no intimidation or threats, and no false evidence, and the case was closed in less than a day.

Then, Wang Anshi took less than half an hour to write a complete set of closing statements.

Then, when it was getting dark, the three of them left Xiangzhou.

Lu Wenyuan felt like it was a dream.

The past.

He also felt that he was a man of great talent and had every chance of becoming an official in the imperial court or even joining the Secretariat.

Now he feels that no matter how hard he tries in his life, he will never be able to catch up with the level of Bao Zheng and the other two.

……

Three days later.

Bao Zheng and his two companions returned to Bianjing City.

The court posted a notice to inform the people of the causes and consequences of the case.

This case tells the world: Do not create auspicious signs privately.

Even if one fakes an auspicious sign for the sake of filial piety, the penalty is death.

at the same time.

Su Liang, Bao Zheng and Wang Anshi jointly submitted a memorial requesting that the eldest prince be made the crown prince.

Zhao Zhen readily agreed.

The ceremony of establishing a crown prince is quite complicated.

Zhao Zhen first ordered the Academy of Scholars to draft an edict and announce it to the world, and then held a grand ceremony in the Daqing Hall.

Since the prince is not yet old enough to set up his own household, he still lives in the palace.

Fortunately, the Song Dynasty did not have a special "Eastern Palace". Wherever the prince lived was the Eastern Palace.

After the succession ceremony was completed, the officials were most concerned about the selection of officials to serve the prince.

Soon, another imperial decree was issued.

The Prime Minister Wen Yanbo was promoted to the position of Prince's Junior Tutor, and the Second Prime Minister Fu Bi was promoted to the position of Prince's Junior Protector.

These two positions seem very impressive, but they are just honorary titles. They do not constitute the prince's teacher, and they are even just additional titles given to the prime minister when he retires.

The most attractive position is called Prince's Guest.

Usually the deputy prime minister also holds this position, which is equivalent to the prince's teacher.

Similar to what Yan Shu once was to Zhao Zhen.

No one can match this honor.

The prince saw that he wanted to pay his respects and call him teacher.

Sun Fu and Hu Yuan were just teachers who gave lectures, while the Prince's Guests were teachers who taught the Prince how to be an emperor.

Inside the government hall.

Wu Yu, Zhang Fangping, Wang Yaochen, Ouyang Xiu, Zeng Gongliang, Liang Shi and others were all very nervous and hoped that they could serve as the prince's guests.

(End of this chapter)