The Concubine Wushuang of Red Mansion

Chapter 94
This person was Xiong Bichen, a great scholar invited from Gusu by Emperor Taiqi's three decrees.

This great Confucian, who is famous in the north and south, is respected by the world as the master of the world. It is said that Emperor Taiqi invited him for the sake of the fourth prince.

Although the fourth prince was not a eldest son, he was the destined heir to the throne in Emperor Taiqi's heart.

Originally, Jia Cong was looking forward to being able to attend Xiong Bichen's class, but unfortunately today, he was locked up in Jia She's yard, behind the black oil door.

Xiong Bichen walked into the upper study, let go of Song Hong, and suddenly became energetic. He first met with the princes, scanned the whole place with a pair of shrewd eyes, and asked, "Is Jia Cong here?"

Mu Yong was waiting to file a complaint for Jia Cong and finally get him out. He was also waiting to ask about the twelve fans, as well as the superimposed effect of candied fruit and incense. I heard that he was dying.

It is said that Jia Zhen confessed this in the prison of the Ministry of Punishment.

Mu Yongzheng also asked for that incense and used it. The smell made people feel at ease and refreshing. After all, Mu Yongzheng was still young and couldn't use the candied fruit, so he didn't dare to use it.

Mu Yongzheng didn't know how the two effects would be combined. The more he didn't know, the more he wanted to know.

"Reply to sir, Jia Cong didn't come today!"

"Why?"

"I heard that Duke Rongguo's government has grounded him, saying that it's not good for him to show up outside after something like this happened at home!"

"Absurd, what does this kind of thing have to do with him?"

The reason why Xiong Bichen came to the capital was because the emperor had repeatedly ordered officials from the Ministry of Rites to visit the thatched cottage three times, and it was difficult to refuse the hospitality. He also wanted to go to the capital to have a look at Jia Cong.

In a short period of time, several of Jia Cong's poems spread to the south. Although his calligraphy has not yet spread, with the praise of the two palaces, Jia Cong's calligraphy is hard to find outside, and a single word is worth a fortune.

"He takes notes during lectures. Where are his notes?"

Obviously, Xiong Bichen came here for Jia Cong's words.

Mu Yongzuo glanced at Jia Cong's table. Although he was dissatisfied, he knew that Xiong Bichen was once his father's teacher, and he could guess what his father was thinking. In any case, he would not offend Xiong Bichen easily.

Mu Yong was busy holding Jia Cong's notes with both hands and gave them to Xiong Bichen, "Sir, this is a font that even the emperor likes. Please take a look at it!"

Take a look quickly. If you like it, see if you can find a way to get Jia Cong out. Mu Yongzheng is really curious to death. What kind of game is Jia Zhen and the others playing? Although he doesn't dare to play it himself, if he can get it, A little while is also good.

Xiong Bichen finally got the notes he had always dreamed of. Looking at this font, he really couldn't figure out which font these characters were based on.

His dignity, rigor, neatness and elegance were the only ones he had ever seen in his life!

"Okay, okay!" Xiong Bichen was so excited that his eyes filled with tears, and he seemed to regret seeing each other late. Looking at Jia Cong's desk, the pens, inks, paper and inkstones were neatly placed. He must have never expected that he would not be able to come to school today, so, Put a copy of "The University" on top and prepare for today's homework.

The concubine, who did not want to be seen by his father, knelt in front of the door in the winter and begged for a way out. This shows that Jia Cong was not trained in the Rongguo Duke's palace.But his words are well spoken, his poems are beautiful, and he writes such good calligraphy. His talent is so high that he deserves to be a literary star.

Not talking about the names on the gold medal list in the future, just talking about this handwriting. Although it seems that the writing power is slightly insufficient, given time, he may not be able to become a great master in the future and his name will last forever.

But how old is this child!
Xiong Bichen felt depressed. If he hadn't restrained himself and returned to etiquette, he would have said, no wonder the second Duke Ning Rong has no heirs. Such a good child will be wasted by his own family!
But Xiong Bichen couldn't help it. He took a note and mentally traced the pen, structure and strokes before reluctantly putting it down.

Today, Emperor Taiqi did not come. After Xiong Bichen's class was over, he was summoned by Emperor Taiqi and given a banquet.

At the banquet between the two of them, Emperor Tai Qi asked, "Did Mr. Xiong meet Jia Cong today?"

There are only two monarchs and ministers, but the standards are not low. It also fully shows that Emperor Taiqi attaches great importance to Xiong Bichen, and it is enough to allow more time for communication between the monarch and his ministers.

Xiong Bichen said, "Returning to the emperor, Jia Cong did not come today. I have asked him, and the Duke of Rongguo has banned him. Could it be that the case at the Duke of Ning is related to Jia Cong?"

Regardless, Emperor Taiqi had already gotten a general idea from King Zhongshun, but some of the views were speculated by King Zhongshun. To the emperor, the evidence was only secondary, and his subjective judgment was the main thing.

At this time, it was a critical moment in the game between Emperor Taiqi and the Supreme Emperor. According to Emperor Taiqi's wishes, even if all the Eight Dukes could not be brought down, at least the Ningrong Palace would be dismissed.

The Supreme Emperor is not very old, and has just passed his sixtieth birthday. Since he is cultivating immortality, he is very afraid of death. He does not know how to take any elixirs. It is Jia Jing and other substitutes who try them first. After taking any elixir, all the performances are The symptoms will be recorded in detail, and he will only take them if they are indeed effective.

Therefore, Emperor Taiqi felt that if a landslide occurred in the future, the Supreme Emperor might not die.

He couldn't wait any longer. Although he didn't dare to have the intention of killing his father, this was no less difficult than the Iron Web Mountain incident, but at the very least, he couldn't be a puppet emperor year after year.

Emperor Taiqi was determined to have an arm-wrestle with the Supreme Emperor, and decided to do so at all costs.

Anyway, the Supreme Emperor now only has one son. He not only killed all the other sons of Emperor Taiqi, but also killed all his grandsons. If the Supreme Emperor deposes him as emperor, then he can only choose from other branches. heir.

As ruthless as I am, I am not bad as a son.

"No!" Emperor Taiqi said, having made up his mind, "He was a child, only eight years old. He was also extremely dangerous at the time. He was chased by the refugees, and he ran into the backyard of Duke Ning's mansion."

These are all well-known things, but Xiong Bichen just came from other places and didn't know much. Moreover, Emperor Taiqi had a plan in mind, so he did not hesitate to tell Xiong Bichen about the situation at that time and provide appropriate guidance.

"It is said that those refugees were arranged by Jia Zhen and had no intention of giving Jia Cong a way to survive." Emperor Taiqi sighed, "Who would have thought that what a heroic figure Ning Rong Ergong was back then, and that his descendants were just incompetent. So bad!"

What kind of person is Xiong Bichen? When it comes to emperors and masters in the world, if this person dares to stand up, no one dares to say that he can do it.

If he does not have control over the current situation in the court and does not understand the struggle between the two palaces, he will die if he comes to Beijing.

What he didn't expect was that Emperor Taiqi planned to involve a child in order to fight with the Supreme Emperor.

Xiong Bichen couldn't help but began to sympathize with the young genius he had never met, and he felt sorry for him in his heart. Not to mention an eight-year-old child, even an 80-year-old powerful minister, such as a cabinet minister, would not dare to do such a thing. attempt.

When the emperor is angry, no matter who he is, his own son can kill him without blinking an eye.

Xiong Bichen was heartbroken. Since Emperor Tai Qi said it in front of him, he thought he could do something about it?
He was already old and it was not a pity to die. If he died because of this, whether he was the Supreme Emperor or the Emperor, his death would definitely be recorded in the history of history.

If that's the case, why doesn't he pave the way for this young talent?
"Your Majesty, I wrote before that I would like to come to the capital to teach the princes, and I also want to take this opportunity to accept Jia Cong as my disciple. Now that I have obeyed the order, now that I have entered the study room, I must finish teaching "The Great Learning" to the princes. I hope the emperor can make it happen for me to accept Jia Cong as my disciple." Emperor Taiqi was overjoyed. When he saw Xiong Bichen leave his seat and kneel down, he asked Song Hong to help him up. "In the past, Mr. Xiong was my teacher. Today, even the princes who have never been taught by the old gentleman have this request, and I am happy to see it come true, and I am willing to fulfill it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"It's just that the old gentleman was my teacher in the past. Today, I have doubts. I wonder if you would be willing to answer my questions?"

Xiong Bichen had already guessed what the emperor wanted to ask. Now that he has come to Kyoto, this is something he cannot avoid. He said, "I don't dare, but the emperor has a mission, and I must go through fire and water!"

"I believe that the old gentleman should already know about the Jia family. The four princes and eight grandfathers have made great contributions to me, Dashun, and have the merit of following the dragon. I, Dashun, will not do that thing where cunning rabbits die and lackeys cook. But The descendants of these princes, the old gentleman has now seen how miserable they are."

Xiong Bichen remained silent and listened carefully.

"If I blame you too much, how will the world look at me and think that I did such a cold thing? If I let it go, where is the face of the court and where is the law?"

After speaking, Emperor Tai Qi looked at Xiong Bichen.

It's time to take a stand.

Xiong Bichen said, "Your Majesty, Emperor Taizu promulgated the "Da Shun Law" to warn the world, guide words and deeds, punish evil deeds, and educate the world."

"Although the three divisions can convict people, there is still reason in the world. From ancient times to the present, it is difficult to balance emotion and law. I wonder if the old gentleman can teach me about this?"

Xiong Bichen closed his eyes, "I think the emperor already has something in mind. If I accept a disciple, I must try my best to protect the disciple from innocence. If the emperor puts the people of the world first in every word and deed, the emperor can think about it and don't have to wonder. , let alone ask Yu Chen for advice."

Emperor Taiqi breathed a sigh of relief and said, "In today's world, it is difficult for me to turn the tide by myself. I have repeatedly asked the old gentleman to come out. I also want to lend a helping hand to the old gentleman, and I hope that the old gentleman will not hesitate to help!"

"I will do my best!"

Now that he is here, Xiong Bichen has no intention of going back alive. He will be satisfied if he can return to his hometown in the future.

After coming out of Linjing Palace, not far away, Xiong Bichen was caught up by Dai Quan from the Daming Palace, saying that the Supreme Emperor had invited him.

In the empty hall, because of Xiong Bichen's arrival, a brazier was lit. It was warm. It was completely different from the scene in the past where the cold wind was biting the bones and the fresh breeze was watering. They represented two completely different worlds.

Today's Supreme Emperor descended from the Nine Heavens to the mortal world.

Dai Quan and other people waiting on the side also got wet and were no longer as cold as icicles.

"I heard that you entered the capital. We haven't seen each other for many years. I still remember what happened when I appointed you as the prince's young master. I also remember that you rushed to the palace gate and led all the civil and military officials to contradict me. I have not punished you. You entered the palace today, why didn’t you come to see me?”

Dai Quan gave Xiong Bichen a futon cushion. Xiong Bichen was almost 80 years old. His lower limbs were weak and he was kneeling on the ground, his body swaying. Dai Quan was standing aside for fear that he would fall down and die in a fall. The emperor would not be peeled off. His skin is incorrigible.

"The Supreme Emperor is no longer a mortal in the world, but I still work hard in the world. I am 78 years old this year. After this moment, I don't know if I can reach the next moment. I always feel like I am walking on the road to hell. Therefore, no Dare to come and see the Supreme Emperor."

I'm afraid that my death energy will attack the Supreme Emperor!
The Supreme Emperor smiled and was very satisfied with Xiong Bichen's answer. He had been practicing Taoism for half his life and thought he was still somewhat good at it.

"I heard that the emperor asked you what to do about Jia Zhen's case. I also want to ask what to do?"

"I didn't dare to hide what I said to the Supreme Emperor. I thought that the "Da Shun Code" was already very detailed. The three divisions would definitely not be wrong when sentencing and convicting according to the "Da Shun Code".

"As the saying goes, the law does not punish everyone. Although the actions of Ning Guo Gongfu are a bit absurd, I can't bear it as long as I think about the time when I practiced martial arts with Ning Rong, the second Duke. I think this is why I still don't have the Immortal Class. reason."

Xiong Bichen was shocked when he said such words. He stood up and knelt on the floor tiles, but Emperor Shun didn't want to say even a single word of what he said.

As Emperor Taiqi said, if there is no punishment, where will the dignity of the nobles be?Where are the imperial laws and regulations?

"Needless to say, Jia Zhen and his son, I think it is not an exaggeration to be exiled for three thousand miles with a hundred sticks. I should keep the title of Duke Ningguo. I don't care about anything else. I just say that Jia Jing is still my substitute now. How can Xuan Zhen Guan and Taoism be left without a successor?"

If he were ten years younger, Xiong Bichen would want to say, just for the sake of practicing Taoism for the Supreme Emperor, he would ignore the laws of his ancestors?

But at this time, he was already old and no longer had the heroic spirit of the past, so he just kept silent.

"I heard that you want to accept Jia Cong as your disciple. How about I give your disciple a favor and let Jia Cong inherit the title of Duke Ning without being demoted?"

"Your Majesty, Jia Cong is not my disciple yet. I dare not accept this grace!"

If he really took it, he would be harming his disciple who he had never met.

If he hadn't said that he would accept Jia Cong as his disciple, the Supreme Emperor would not have targeted Jia Cong.

"The emperor is quarreling with me. He wants to deal with all the princes involved in the case. He doesn't understand the way of being a king at all. In this way, will these princes be convinced? I really can't bear the emperor to take such a wrong path. , you were his teacher back then, go back now, tell him what I said, explain it in detail, and let him not blame me."

In the prison of the Ministry of Punishment, the other princes and nobles involved in the case were fine, but were locked up and treated poorly. However, Jia Zhen and Jia Rong, father and son, were the chief culprits. The palace had no intention of granting pardon, so they were hung in prison. On the wall, the torture was performed three times a day, which was extremely painful.

The executioners of the Ministry of Punishment were very measured. They would always hang on to the lives of the father and son, but would never let them die in prison.

For Jia Zhen and his son, life is worse than death!

"Tell me, is there anything else you haven't explained?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Jia Rong started crying, glanced at Jia Zhen, and said, "I shouldn't ignore moral ethics and live with my aunts at home, doing things that are worse than animals!"

The jailers laughed as if they were listening to the book, whipped them again, and asked, "Why are you worse than a beast? Let's have fun!"

Jia Zhen listened on the sidelines. She had no energy left in scolding the beast. Her prison clothes were dirty and messy, and there was no good skin on her body.

When he had a little strength, he scolded Jia Cong. How could he not know that all this happened today was probably due to Jia Cong.

(End of this chapter)