Daughter of aristocratic family

Chapter 432 Conspiracy
Yun Hao returned to the capital and escorted back the extremely guilty Yang Zheng and several of his accomplices who were deeply involved in the case. The dispute in the court instantly reached a boiling point.

Civil and military officials were talking about the matter. Some were filled with righteous indignation, accusing Yang Zheng of numerous crimes and saying he should be executed immediately to serve as a warning to others; others impeached Yun Hao, saying he was abusing his power and being arbitrary.

There are also some officials who have close ties with Yang Zheng. At this time, they are as anxious as ants on a hot pan and try to exonerate Yang Zheng.

"Yun Hao, Yang Zheng is an important official of our dynasty, a second-rank official. How can you put the court laws where you are when you act on your own?" An elderly civil servant stood up and accused him dissatisfiedly.

"Yang Zheng's crime is well-established and the evidence is solid. As an official appointed by the imperial court, I must enforce the law impartially and bring the criminal to justice. What's wrong with that?" Yun Hao asked in return.

The two men confronted each other, and the atmosphere in the hall became increasingly tense.

Although Yun Hao's voice was not loud, it was full of unquestionable firmness.

"Your Majesty, although Yang Zheng has made mistakes, considering his great contributions to our dynasty over the years, can you show some leniency and give him a lighter sentence?" A minister tried to plead for Yang Zheng.

"Merits and demerits cannot be offset. The crime committed by Yang Zheng not only cannot offset his merits, but instead makes all his previous efforts come to naught. If we show leniency to him, how can we convince the people? How can we maintain the laws of the court?" These were the ministers who demanded severe punishment for Yang Zheng.

"Your Majesty, Yang Zheng is an important official in the court, but he is extremely greedy. He bullies the people and colludes with pirates. His crimes are too numerous to list. If he is not severely punished, how can we reassure the people and establish national laws?" Another minister stepped forward and said.

The ministers were arguing fiercely. The emperor waited until their voices quieted down before saying, "I gave Yun Hao the power to execute first and report later, and ordered him to act according to the circumstances."

As soon as these words were spoken, the court fell silent. Those officials who had originally blamed Yun Hao lowered their heads, while those officials who supported Yun Hao showed satisfied smiles.

The emperor's eyes swept over all the ministers. Those officials who had ulterior motives lowered their heads involuntarily under his gaze. "Yang Zheng's crimes are proven, and he deserves no punishment. His three clans will be exterminated to show the majesty of heaven."

"Jiang Luo, Wu Qiao, Zhou Xue, Wang Tu, and their entire families will be exiled to the frontier and will never be allowed to return to Beijing." "All officials in Tianxing Prefecture involved in the case will be dismissed from office and will never be employed again."

"Your Majesty is wise." All the ministers said in unison.

Those who wanted to plead for Yang Zheng no longer dared to say a word, for fear of getting themselves implicated.

Yun Hao took advantage of the victory and pursued, "Your Majesty, Yang Zheng has colluded with many officials in the court. I request Your Majesty to order a thorough investigation to prevent any fish from slipping through the net."

The emperor nodded slightly, a hint of sternness flashed in his eyes, "Yun Qing's words make sense. I cannot tolerate any scoundrels in the court. From now on, Yun Hao, you will be in charge of a thorough investigation of this matter. You must find out all the officials who have colluded with Yang Zheng. I will allow you to act on your own accord. All those involved in the case, regardless of their official rank, will be severely punished."

Don't think he doesn't know that when Prince Zuo was regent, these people thought he was about to die, and each of them was secretly planning his own little tricks.

Today he will let them know his thunderous methods.

As soon as these words were spoken, there was another commotion in the court.

Those officials who had had dealings with Yang Zheng were now on pins and needles. Those who were less thoughtful looked at Yun Hao with hatred in their eyes.

"I will live up to your Majesty's trust and get to the bottom of this matter so as to restore order in the court." Yun Hao saluted.

After the court session ended, Prince Zuo returned to the palace and roared in rage, "Father trusts Yun Hao far more than me, his son. This time he asked him to investigate the officials in the court and even asked him to act on his own accord. This is simply giving him a sword of authority to let him walk sideways in the court."

"Your Majesty, calm down. Although this matter is not favorable to the prince, there is still a chance of turning around." An aide said. "Mr. Zeng, what do you think?" asked the prince.

"Your Majesty, it will not be easy for Yun Hao to investigate this case. We can use the fear and anxiety in these people's hearts to win them over and make them our helpers."

After hearing this, Prince Zuo's eyes flashed with a gleam of light, and he said, "Go on."

"When Yun Hao is frustrated in his investigation, the prince can use the excuse of helping him deal with some officials who are unwilling to surrender, and use this to win him over."

"Yun Hao is stubborn and won't easily accept our help." It's not like Prince Zuo hadn't tried to win over Yun Hao before.

"Your Majesty, when Yun Hao finds that his investigation is in trouble and Your Majesty can provide the help he needs, he will naturally consider cooperating with us." Mr. Zeng smiled confidently, "What's more, we are not directly asking him to accept our conditions, but taking the opportunity to show Your Majesty's kindness and fairness, and let him know that Your Majesty is not his enemy, but his friend."

After hearing this, Prince Zuo's brows relaxed, and he nodded with a smile, saying, "Mr. Zeng is indeed very wise. Let's do as you say."

"Yun Hao values ​​his wife very much. Your Majesty, you can let Miss Wu make friends with Madam Yun. Miss Wu is gentle and kind. She will definitely win the trust of Madam Yun and influence Yun Hao's decision." Mr. Zeng further suggested.

Prince Zuo frowned, "Madam Zhao in my house is Madam Yun's cousin. Yun Hao doesn't seem to value Madam Yun that much. I'm afraid she can't influence Yun Hao."

"Your Highness, please forgive me for being frank, but Madam Zhao and Madam Yun probably don't have a very good relationship. What she said is most likely a lie." Mr. Zeng said.

Several other staff members held the same opinion, and one even said, "Yun Hao has been married for more than two years, but he has not taken a concubine. This shows that Madam Yun is jealous, and Madam Zhao is a concubine, so I'm afraid she won't be in Madam Yun's eyes."

"Miss Wu is about to become a princess. Her status is more equal to Madam Yun. It is the best choice to let her make friends with Madam Yun."

Prince Zuo nodded and said, "In that case, let her try. But what if Yun Hao still refuses to cooperate with us?"

Mr. Zeng said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, if Yun Hao is still stubborn, we can take some tough measures. After all, your great ambitions cannot be hindered by him alone."

"According to the plan." Prince Zuo accepted the advice of his staff.

Two days later, Zhao Wangshu, who was busy arranging Xiao Yunyu's first birthday party two days later, received a visiting card from Wu Lin'er.

She and Wu Lin'er had no contact before, so why did Wu Lin'er send her a visiting card?
After hesitating for a moment, Zhao Wangshu asked Lan Fen to write a reply.

No matter what Wu Lin'er asked for, she refused it in person.

The next day, Wu Lin'er arrived as promised and bowed, "Lin'er greets Madam Yun. I hope Madam Yun will not be offended by my intrusive visit."

Zhao Wangshu smiled slightly and said, "Miss Wu, you are too polite. Please take a seat."

After Wu Lin'er sat down, the maid served her tea and snacks. She took a sip and said, "Longjing tea before the rain has a pleasant fragrance. Madam has really good taste."

Zhao Wangshu smiled faintly and said, "Miss Wu, you are too kind. It is basic etiquette to serve good tea to guests."