Tang Dynasty: The seventh rank of official residence, and you will be given the Ten Thousand People

Shangyang Palace was eerily quiet, and all the ministers had serious expressions.

Hundreds of Jinwu guards were killed and dozens of rebels were rescued.

Everyone wanted to know whether Fan Xin's generals were responsible for this shocking crime.

If it was really them who did it, then even if Fan Xin was in power, he would probably have to pay a heavy price.

Although Wu Zetian looked calm on the surface, her heart was filled with anxiety.

The reason why she appointed the independent Ma Rulong as the presiding minister was to exclude Fan Xin.

Now it’s finally time for the truth to be revealed…

Princess Taiping also bit her lips tightly and said nothing, relying on her years of political acumen.

She felt that this shocking case was probably aimed at her and his wife.

Once the position is confirmed to be related to the Prime Minister and the General, Fan Xin will at least be deprived of his military power due to the seriousness of the laws of the Zhou Dynasty.

Thinking of this, she raised her head and looked at the Minister of Justice in the palace.

The latter felt her gaze, his eyes averted for a moment, and he quietly moved his head.

He is no longer the upright person he was yesterday.

Seeing this, Princess Taiping had a bad feeling in her heart.

As expected, Ma Rulong saluted the emperor and said.

"Your Majesty, since I became the presiding minister, I visited the patrol camp and Lijingmen Prison overnight."

"After interrogation of relevant witnesses and on-site deductions, it was finally believed that the murderer who killed Jin Wuwei and rescued the rebels... was none other than a general under the command of Duke Yan!"

As soon as these words came out, there was a roar in Shangyang Palace, and everyone was in a state of uproar.

Although I had expected it, it was still shocking to hear it from Ma Rulong's mouth.

Wu Zetian frowned slightly and said calmly.

"Why do you make this inference?"

"Return to Your Majesty."

Ma Rulong straightened his back, looked at Wu Zetian and said.

"Weichen made this inference because the Qianniu Guards who patrolled the night and the Jinwu Guards who guarded the Lijing Gate are both elites from the Beijing camp."

"The only ones who could kill them in such a short period of time and were present at the scene were Fan Xin's generals."

"As we all know, the generals under the command of Duke Yan are all powerful generals who have fought against the Tubo people on the battlefield."

"It would be easy for them to kill Jinwuwei within an hour."

Wu Zetian frowned slightly and said in confusion.

"I can't figure out why Fan Xin's general would do this. You must know that Fan Aiqing captured the traitor."

After hearing these words, Princess Taiping stood up with a smile on her face.

"The Queen Mother is right. Why would the Prince Consort go to such trouble to rescue the traitor?"

Facing everyone's doubts, Ma Rulong had already prepared an answer and said calmly.

"Back to Your Majesty, Mr. Di Ge once said that the murderer is often the most unlikely one."

"Cao Bingbing attacked and killed Jinwu Guards to rescue the rebels. There seemed to be no reason, but it was their best cover-up."

"You must know that the rebels have deep roots. If they get their support, they may not be able to wear yellow robes in the future."

Ma Rulong's heart-wrenching words were not without poison, although Fan Xin's name was not mentioned.

But every sentence compares him to Wang Mang, who relied on his troops to seize power and usurp the throne.

And those rebels who were rescued were obviously an important force in ascending to the throne and proclaiming themselves emperor.

Wu Zetian was silent, and Princess Taiping walked up to Ma Rulong and said coldly.

"Ma Rulong, it is untrue that you are the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, and you actually confuse right and wrong in broad daylight and frame the prince-in-law. Aren't you afraid of retribution?"

"Your Highness, I understand how you feel, but this is the court and everything must be done in accordance with the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Please be careful with your words!"

Ma Rulong said expressionlessly.

"Speak according to the laws of the Zhou Dynasty?" Princess Taiping laughed angrily: I believe what others say, but you are not qualified! "

"Your mother took advantage of the fact that she had a son who was a minister of the Ministry of Punishment. She openly charged huge sums of money to build a Buddha statue at home and released tens of thousands of venomous snakes into the mountain village."

"In just a few days, dozens of villagers were bitten to death. Why don't you follow the law in doing such an outrageous thing?"

Princess Taiping was so angry that she no longer cared about official rules, and continued to scold.

"Yesterday you said that the case was suspicious and that someone was framing me and my consort behind the scenes. Why did you change your story as soon as you arrived at the court today?"

As scandals about Princess Taiping came out, Ma Rulong's face became increasingly ugly.

One last shout.

"That's enough! When did the official tell you these things!"

"Don't I owe you twenty taels of medicine? I will pay you back in court!"

"As for the Lijingmen massacre, you can rest assured that your subordinates will handle it impartially and without mercy!"

At the end of the sentence, Ma Rulong became so angry that he knelt down directly in front of the emperor.

"Your Majesty, there is irrefutable evidence in this case. According to the Criminal Law of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Cao Bingbing and Cao Bingbing can be sentenced to death! I hope your Majesty will make a clear decision!"

"I second the proposal!"

The ministers who had enmity with Fan Xin fell to their knees and agreed with Ma Rulong.

Looking at the kneeling third of the ministers, Wu Zetian looked at Princess Taiping indifferently.

"Taiping, what else can you say?"

"After returning to my mother, I brought you an old thing belonging to the consort today!"

With that said, Princess Taiping slowly opened an umbrella with her name written on it in front of everyone!

Judging from the shape, it is clearly the Wanshui Umbrella given by the people of Wushui County when Fan Xin was the county magistrate.

"Wanmin Umbrella?"

Seeing this dilapidated Wanmin umbrella, Wu Zetian was startled for a moment. The past came to mind, and her eyes became much softer.

Yes, how could a man who spilled the blood of the people in order to rule the court be Wang Mang who sought power and usurped the throne?

Thinking of this, Wu Zetian said lightly.

"Put away the Wanmin Umbrella. I have never doubted Fan Aiqing's loyalty."

"This shocking case will be sent to Dali Temple first and will be tried tomorrow."

After saying that, he stood up and left, leaving behind Ma Rulong who looked unwilling.

After returning to the Guanfeng Hall, Wu Zetian came to the window with her hands behind her back and looked at the palaces in the distance.

"Geng Le, where are Cao Bingbing and Jiang Yunding detained?"

Manager Geng bowed.

"Your Majesty, the prisoners are currently in the prison of the Ministry of Punishment. Do you want them to plead guilty?"

Having lived in the palace for a long time, Manager Geng quickly guessed the emperor's thoughts.

Wu Zetian nodded.

"Yes, the impact of this case is too great. Killing Jin Wuwei and rescuing the rebels is tantamount to rebellion. The whole court is watching, and I have to give them an explanation.

"In order to save Fan Qing, I can only let Cao Bingbing and Jiang Yunding bear this heinous crime.

"Go and see these two guys with a secret order and tell them that they will take all the blame during the trial tomorrow."

"I will spare the lives of his family for the sake of their overall interests.

Manager Geng knelt on the ground, bowed his head, and said respectfully.

"This slave will go to the Ministry of Punishment Prison to meet Cao Bingbing and Jiang Yunding."

After saying that, he got up and left the Guanfeng Hall, sitting in a sedan chair and heading towards the Ministry of Punishments...

The Penal Department Prison.

Chief Xia sat on the chair and looked at Cao Bingbing on the torture rack with a smile on his face.

"I said to Cao Bingbing, you are so stubborn even when you are about to die, is it worth it?" Hearing this, Cao Bingbing raised his head and glanced at Master Xia, and spat out a mouthful of blood with disdain.

"If you want me to kill or behead you, please do as you please. If you want me to frame Duke Yan, you are just dreaming!"

"Hmph, you don't have to drink wine as a penalty, and you thought Fan Xin would save you at the critical moment like before? I told you to stop dreaming!"

"Now that Your Majesty is old and the Crown Prince is about to ascend to the throne, it is unclear whether Fan Xin can retain his military power. How can he have the ability to save you?"

"You should honestly explain how Fan Xin ordered you to rescue the rebels."

"This way you can suffer less, and your family can live well, how about that?"

Cao Bingbing burst out laughing, his laughter full of contempt for Master Xia.

"You corrupt officials, are you worthy of mentioning Duke Yan? Give me a break as soon as possible, otherwise I will kill you guys when I am released from prison!"

"you!"

Manager Xia suddenly stood up from his seat, his face turning blue and white.

He immediately laughed angrily.

"Okay, okay, if you have the guts, someone will give me a torture device!"

"Yes!"

Several guards from the Ministry of Punishments brought a red-hot iron brand and pressed it on Cao Bingbing's chest.

Suddenly there was a scream.

Not only that, in order to force Cao Bingbing to confess, the head of Xia Xia ordered someone to bring a basin of hot oil, opened his mouth and forced him to drink it.

As screams continued in the prison, a jailer trotted up to Chief Xia.

"Mr. Xia, General Manager Geng from the palace is here and is waiting outside the prison."

"Why is he here?"

Manager Xia frowned, wondering why the emperor would send his personal manager here if he was just a prisoner.

But since it was the emperor's will, he couldn't stop it, so he could only glare at Cao Bingbing bitterly.

"You guys retreat first and come out after Manager Geng leaves!"

Not long after the jailers left, Chief Geng walked into the cell with two guards.

"Your Majesty, please see Mr. Geng. Why are you here in person? If you have anything to do, just let me know."

Manager Xia said with a smile.

"Stop talking nonsense, who asked you to torture the prisoner? Can you afford to delay tomorrow's court trial?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Geng. I will use the most measured punishment. I guarantee that it will not delay His Majesty's trial."

As he spoke, Chief Xia winked at his subordinates, who scooped up a few ladles of cold water and poured it on Cao Bingbing's face.

Excited, he trembled all over and slowly opened his eyes.

Seeing that the person was awake, Manager Geng said to Chief Xia with a straight face.

"You guys go out first, the Zajia family has something to say to the prisoner!"

"this…"

The jailers looked at each other and looked at Chief Xia together.

"Okay, Chief Geng is the popular person in front of His Majesty, let's all leave."

Smiling at Chief Geng, Chief Xia left the prison with the jailer.

When there were only two people left in the cell, he hesitated and spoke.

"Cao Bingbing, I believe you are very clear about the relationship between His Majesty and Duke Yan."

"In order to clear the suspicion of Duke Yan, you'd better take the initiative to take the blame."

"Only in this way will Your Majesty not feel embarrassed, what do you think?"

Cao Bingbing raised his head and glanced at Manager Geng. His voice was extremely hoarse due to the hot oil filling his stomach.

"You go back and tell His Majesty that the Duke of Yan is kind to our Cao family. Even if the general is torn into pieces, he will not be involved."

After hearing these words, Manager Geng nodded with satisfaction and smiled.

"Since you said that, the Za family can rest assured. I will definitely tell your Majesty what you said when I return to the palace."

"I hope you two can take all the blame during the court trial tomorrow as you do now, otherwise Cao Wei and Jiang Ji..."

After ordering people to take good care of Cao Bingbing, Manager Geng returned to the palace in a sedan chair.

He believed that Cao Bingbing's wisdom should know what to say and what not to say.

Back in the palace, Manager Geng truthfully told Wu Zetian everything that happened in the prison.

At this point, Wu Zetian was completely relieved and just wanted to end the case quickly starting tomorrow morning.

The next day, Shangyang Palace.

The ministers came to the main hall early and waited for the emperor's personal review.

According to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, any major treason case involved and the Three Law Divisions are unable to make a verdict must be interrogated by the emperor in person, also known as palace trial.

After this interrogation, the case can basically be finalized.

Therefore, both Ma Rulong and others, and Princess Taiping were a little nervous.

"Your Majesty, the criminal Cao Bingbing has been brought here, should he be brought into the palace?"

"Xuan!"

The chamberlain bowed and spoke loudly to the outside of the palace.

"Your Majesty has decreed that Cao Bingbing is guilty of the crime and Jiang Yunding must enter the palace!"

After saying this, several red-armored Yulin guards escorted Cao Bingbing and his two men into the main hall.

"Cao Bingbing, I ask you, what else do you have to say today?" Wu Zetian slammed the armrest and asked loudly.

Cao Bingbing raised his head, his eyes swept across the hall and finally landed on Wu Zetian.

"Your Majesty, the two of us were obsessed with coveting the money hidden in a secret place against the party. This is why we made a big mistake. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I hope your Majesty will judge you!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole palace was in an uproar, and Ma Rulong and several ministers immediately stood up and said, cupping their hands.

"Your Majesty, you must not believe this person's words. If there is no one behind such a shocking case, how is it possible?"

However, no matter what they said, Wu Zetian always ignored them.

Looking at Cao Bingbing, he said calmly.

"The Lijingmen massacre is heinous and I am deeply shocked."

"For the sake of your conscience, I will help you two."

"Come here to draw up a decree. As the head of the family, Fan Xin has neglected to discipline his subordinates, so that he committed such a heinous crime. He will be fined two copper coins in salary and grounded for ten days."

"The criminal Cao Bingbing, Jiang Yunding will be vindicated in front of Yingtian Gate three days later!"

"As for the other participating players..."

After glancing at the faces of the ministers, Wu Zetian changed his words.

"Execute them all together!"

quiet!

The main hall of Shangyang Palace was quiet, and the opposing ministers, including Ma Rulong, looked in disbelief.

"Your Majesty, what are you talking about? After attacking and killing the Jinwu Guards to rescue the rebels, Fan Xin was only banned for ten days and fined two coppers?"

The ministers thought that they had heard wrongly and had committed such a serious and shocking crime.

The emperor actually only killed more than 80 generals. This was too light!

How will the innocent people who were implicated and killed deal with this?

The emperor is not acting as a court judge. He clearly wants to exonerate Fan Xin.

Faced with the doubts of the ministers, Wu Zetian stood up and walked to the steps and spoke condescendingly.

"Fan Xin has made an astonishing feat and is on his way back to the capital of the gods. He cannot be related to this matter. The fine of two copper coins is already very heavy. You can't keep pestering him!"

"Retreat!" After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and left the Shangyang Palace, leaving behind all the ministers looking at each other.

(End of this chapter)