Ming Dynasty: At the beginning, the house was ransacked and the ancestral temple was burned down.

Chapter 223: A big reversal of the case! Wanli smiled secretly, shocking everyone with his sophistry!

The lobby of the Ministry of Justice.

Zhang Chonghui returned to this familiar place, and his uncle Zheng Guotai also came to this place again.

I don’t know whether His Majesty the Emperor has become numbed by these series of strange cases or why.

This time, the stick-attack case caused by the Crown Prince being nearly assassinated was not as grand and exciting as the evil book case many years ago.

During the evil book case, in addition to the Ministry of Justice, the Dali Temple, the Censorate, and the Cabinet all tried the case together.

However, this time, the case of the assassination was so shabby that only officials from the Ministry of Justice were involved.

Moreover, this time, not only were there few people trying the case, there were also few people watching the trial.

It’s not that no one wants to join in the fun, but the main reason is that Yu Shenxing is the main person in charge of the current cabinet.

The current second-in-command of the cabinet directly ordered the door of the Ministry of Justice to be closed.

The reason is to ensure that officials from various ministries in Beijing can stay in their respective positions and do their jobs honestly, and not always think about using office hours to join in the fun.

Yu Shenxing's approach has aroused dissatisfaction among many colleagues. After all, no one likes a leader who doesn't allow them to slack off.

Many people even spread rumors secretly, saying that Yu Shenxing wanted to follow in the footsteps of his teacher Zhang Juzheng and revive the "Kaocheng System".

Only Yu Shenxing himself knows whether he wants to reuse the performance evaluation system.

The lobby of the Ministry of Justice is ready and the trial is about to begin.

The Minister of Justice, Xiao Daheng, sat in the main seat with a worried look on his face, and the other officials of the Ministry of Justice beside him also had grim expressions.

At this point, with Zhang Cha's new confession, the mastermind of the assassination case was once again linked to Concubine Zheng.

There are now rumors everywhere in the capital that Concubine Zheng wants to kill the prince. Even though Emperor Wanli has already covered his mouth, the turmoil over this case cannot be resolved unless the case is settled and the real mastermind behind it is found.

Everyone in the Ministry of Justice was having a headache. They all knew that if the case continued to be tried in this way, the imperial concubine would definitely be implicated.

If something happens to the imperial concubine, His Majesty the Emperor will definitely be unhappy.

No one wanted to offend the emperor, even more so they didn't want to offend their colleagues. However, there was no way to have the best of both worlds, so they could only find a scapegoat and close the case quickly.

And the scapegoat could only be Zhang Chonghui, who was "unreasonably" implicated.

At this time, Xiong Tingbi, who was observing the Ministry of Justice, also sat in the lobby.

Zhang Cha's confession this time was due to his great contribution, but Xiong Tingbi, who had made a contribution, was not happy at all.

He didn't expect that Zhang Chonghui, who had been kind enough to give him advice, would be dragged into this controversy...

Xiong Tingbi did not dare to conceal Zhang Cha's confession from his superiors, which led to him feeling guilty towards Zhang Chonghui, and he was too embarrassed to see him at this moment...

Xiong Tingbi felt so guilty that he didn't dare to look at Zhang Chonghui, but Zhang Chonghui had been staring at Xiong Tingbi since he entered the lobby of the Ministry of Justice.

Zhang Chonghui knew very well that the more he stared at Xiong Tingbi like this, the more guilty he would feel.

And what he wanted was exactly this helpless guilt!
Just when Xiong Tingbi was feeling so guilty that he didn't know how to save the situation, the presiding judge Xiao Daheng spoke.

Xiao Daheng pointed directly at Zhang Chonghui and asked Zhang Cha, who was trembling beside him:
"Zhang Cha, was this the man who instigated you to beat the prince that night?"

Zhang Cha glanced at Zhang Chonghui cautiously, and said with an expression that said, "I don't want to betray you either, but I really have no choice."
"Yes...it's him."

Xiao Daheng asked again: "What did he tell you?"

Zhang Cha replied: "He picked up a stick and gave it to me, asking me to beat him up."

After asking this opening question according to procedure, Mr. Xiao directly pointed the finger at Zhang Chonghui:

"Zhang Chonghui, you are so audacious that you ordered Zhang Cha to murder the crown prince of a country. You may plead guilty!"

Zhang Chonghui sneered: "I am innocent, why should I admit it?"

Xiao Daheng said forcefully, "Now the witness has confessed, and according to the investigation of the Jinyiwei, you left for a while during the banquet in the East Palace that night, and that period of time happened to be the time before Zhang Cha entered the East Palace! Now that the evidence is there, do you still dare not plead guilty?"

Faced with such obvious evidence, Zhang Chonghui did not testify, but instead asked:
"I'm innocent, so why should I confess? You said the evidence is there, but I'm curious about where the evidence is.

Is it the foolish words of this idiot that are the evidence? Or was it that everyone witnessed everything I did during the time I was away?

Minister Xiao, let me ask you, do you have any evidence? Our dynasty governs the world with laws. Are you going to convict an innocent person based on the words of a fool and groundless speculation?

Which law of our Ming Dynasty says this? Or are you adults trying to settle this case as quickly as possible and drag me into the water as a scapegoat?"

Xiao Daheng was also confused by the question. Although he had heard about the extent of Zhang Chonghui's "trouble", it was just hearsay after all.

Now that I have seen him, I really can’t let him underestimate me!

"Zhang Chonghui, then tell me, where did you go when you left the table that night? Is there anyone who can testify for you that you didn't instruct Zhang Cha?"

Mr. Xiao’s meaning is very clear. Didn’t you, Zhang Chonghui, say that there is no evidence?

Then you’d better find some evidence to prove your innocence, otherwise this crime will be blamed on you, Zhang Chonghui!

Xiao Daheng also saw that Zhang Chonghui knew that "self-evidence" was the most dangerous, so he kept asking questions in the opposite direction by asking rhetorical questions.

For Mr. Xiao, this clever little trick was easy to crack.

However, things are unpredictable. Just when Xiao Daheng thought that Zhang Chonghui would continue to use the "rhetorical question" method to play rogue, the other party actually replied directly:
"Of course I have evidence, and I have witnesses."

Xiao Daheng was shocked: "Where is it?"

"I left the table that night because someone came to see me. Not only His Royal Highness the Crown Prince knew about this, but Uncle Zheng also knew about it."

Zhang Chonghui said as he looked at Zheng Guotai who was looking uneasy, and asked:
"Uncle Zheng, do you still remember? You were the one who asked him to come find me."

Zheng Guotai suddenly broke out in a sweat. He knew very well that the person Zhang Chonghui was talking about was the dead madman!
Just when Zheng Guotai was so flustered that he didn't know how to respond, Zhang Chonghui continued:

"I really don't know how I have offended the uncle of the emperor. He actually found a madman to beat me up on that beautiful night of the Double Ninth Festival."

Zhang Chonghui raised his chin and pointed to the faint red mark on his neck, and said to everyone present:
"That madman came up and grabbed my neck, saying he was here to avenge Uncle Zheng.

If I hadn't been quick-witted and kicked that lunatic hard in the lower body, I would have been strangled to death by him."

As soon as Zhang Chonghui finished speaking, everyone present began to discuss in low voices with surprised looks.

After all, what Zhang Chonghui said was a new clue, and the so-called madman did exist, but he was dead!
At the same time, Zheng Guotai was also stunned. His brain, which was not very smart to begin with, now couldn't figure out what Zhang Chonghui was doing!

Just when everyone was surprised, Zhang Chonghui spoke again:
"Speaking of which, you should be able to catch that lunatic and have him testify for me, right? After all, you believed what this idiot said, let alone a lunatic?"

The teasing meaning in these words was so strong that the officials in the Ministry of Justice also blushed slightly.

Xiao Daheng coughed twice and said, "Don't you know that the madman is dead?"

"Ah!" Zhang Chonghui looked surprised and sighed, "How could he be dead? Who can testify for me if he is dead?" Xiao Daheng always felt that something was wrong, so he asked directly, "Didn't you kill that madman?"

Zhang Chonghui smiled and said, "Minister Xiao, are you kidding me? That madman is stronger than an ox. How can a gigolo like me kill him?"

For a moment, everyone present was silent.

After all, the madman was indeed tall and strong, and if you think about it carefully, you can guess one more thing.

If this madman was really sent by Uncle Zheng to find Zhang Chonghui, his purpose must not be as simple as just beating Zhang Chonghui up!

I specially found such a strong and tall man, but he is also a madman and he is poisoned!
If nothing unexpected happens, Uncle Zheng must still have the intention of killing people to silence them!

"Uncle Zheng, did you send that madman?" Xiao Daheng looked at Zheng Guotai.

At this moment, Zheng Guotai's brain was almost spinning like an electric fan. He didn't know what Zhang Chonghui was up to, but based on the current situation, it seemed that admitting it was much better than not admitting it.

"I sent him." Zheng Guotai gritted his teeth and said, "I just wanted that lunatic to beat up Zhang Chonghui to vent his anger, but I don't know how he died."

Zheng Guotai's stupidity made the old hands present speechless. If you say you admit it, just admit it. Why do you suddenly say "I don't know how he died"?
Isn't this just a case of trying to cover up one's own guilt and arousing suspicion out of thin air?

For a while, everyone just recorded the deeds of this madman.

After all, this is a private matter between Zheng Guojiu and Zhang Chonghui, and also the emperor's private matter. They only need to record it and let the emperor make the decision himself.

"So Zhang Chonghui, what you mean is that you didn't instruct Zhang Cha to murder the prince, right?"

Xiong Tingbi, who had been feeling ashamed, took advantage of this great opportunity when everyone else was "avoiding" the question and hurriedly asked this question.

Zhang Chonghui knew that Xiong Tingbi was helping him, but he still looked at him expressionlessly, as if he was still angry, and replied word by word:
"First of all, I don't know any Zhang Cha! Secondly, I still say the same thing, either you come up with actual strong evidence to frame me!
Otherwise, you have no right to frame me based on the words of a fool, unless there is a law in the Ming Dynasty that states that the words of a fool can be used as testimony!"

Zhang Chonghui kept talking about framing others and it was obvious that he was unwilling to take any responsibility at all.

The scene fell into silence again. After all, everyone knew that what Zhang Chonghui said made sense. Zhang Cha was just a fool. How could one believe the words of a fool?

Moreover, what Zhang Cha said about Pang Gong and Liu Gong did not match the names. The only ones that matched were Hong Feng Jiao and Zheng Guojiu.

For a moment, the clues seemed to be cut off from Zhang Chonghui.

The officials who were trying the case only felt their headaches getting worse, when Zhang Chonghui showed up again:
"The Crown Prince has just gotten married and the country is now stable. I really don't understand why you want to drag this matter onto me!
Everyone knows that the reason why I have the honor to go to the East Palace and study beside the prince is the emperor's reward!
You are eager to drag me into this, do you want to avenge my grandfather, or do you want to use me to manipulate the father-son relationship between the emperor and the prince?"

"Zhang Chonghui, how dare you!" Xiao Daheng was so angry that he slammed the gavel repeatedly, trying to stop Zhang Chonghui from making random comments!
However, Zhang Chonghui was not moved at all, as if he did not hear the noisy sound of the gavel, and continued to speak in a sonorous and powerful voice:
"During this attack, I sacrificed my life to save His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and protect the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty. I am a man of merit!
And you, who are in high positions, fail to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and intend to frame me, a man who has made great contributions!
I think you are not only trying to disrupt the father-son relationship between the Emperor and the Crown Prince, you may also be thinking of shaking up the throne!
What do you mean Zhang Cha was ordered by me? I think he was ordered by you, a bunch of people who have no king or father. I think you are the ones who want to harm the prince!"

……

The interrogation had to end due to Zhang Chonghui's "random accusations".

When the news reached Qiankun Palace, Zhu Yijun smiled with satisfaction.

Although Zhang Chonghui still linked up with a lot of people this time, those he linked up with were ministers of the previous dynasty, not the emperor Zhu Yijun.

Just by looking at the recorded contents, Zhu Yijun could imagine how ugly the expressions of his ministers would be when they were scolded by Zhang Chonghui.

He didn't know why, but just thinking about that scene made him feel relieved!

There is an inexplicable sense of satisfaction as if he has been bullied for a long time and finally someone has vented his anger on his behalf!

However, happiness is always short-lived, while countless troubles are long-lasting.

The aftermath of the assassination case has just begun!
……

East Palace.

Guo Zhengyu and Ye Xianggao, the prince's two teachers, after examining the prince's injuries and expressing their concern, left side by side, a rare occasion.

Recently, the relationship between the two seems to have improved a lot, and Ye Xianggao seems to have completely stood on the side of the Donglin Party.

Guo Zhengyu spoke first: "I heard that Zhang Chonghui made a scene in the lobby of the Ministry of Justice today and even made Mr. Xiao sick?"

Ye Xianggao nodded: "I heard about it too."

Guo Zhengyu sighed and said, "Alas... Now that the case is in such a mess, the emperor has already let out a sigh of relief. I'm afraid he will soon cover his mouth and casually close the case..."

"It's actually quite good that the case is closed like this." Ye Xianggao seemed to be unconcerned.

Guo Zhengyu said directly: "No! How can we let His Royal Highness the Crown Prince take this beating for nothing! Besides... we finally have this golden opportunity, maybe we can use this to drive Yu Shenxing out!"

Looking at the strong ambition in Guo Zhengyu's eyes, Ye Xianggao knew that Guo Zhengyu was unwilling to be under the powerful Yu Shenxing, and wanted to get promoted to become the prime minister!
He seemed to agree with it and said seriously, "Well, let's take this opportunity to drive them all out."

Ye Xianggao actually has another sentence hidden in his heart, which is

——"And you, Guo Meiming, get out too!"

……

Zhu Yijun just let things take their course, letting the case of stabbing with a stick to stir up trouble in the Ministry of Justice for a while, and then he was ready to end the matter by covering his mouth.

However, his ministers were not happy!
Soon, a Hanlin Academy scholar named Gu Bingqian took the lead in submitting a memorial, boldly "teaching a lesson" to His Majesty the Emperor!
"Your Majesty is wise and wise, your servant Gu Bingqian has something to report!

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has suffered misfortune recently and has been feeling unwell, but Your Majesty has not come in person to express condolences, which is puzzling.

Moreover, the handling of this case seems to have been too hasty, without a thorough investigation of the facts, which is disturbing.

Your Majesty, as the ruler of the world, is so cold towards your own children. How can you be wholehearted and dedicated to the people of the world?

I implore Your Majesty to give this matter careful consideration and re-examine it to demonstrate your care and love for your children and the people.

Yours sincerely!"

Looking at this memorial that had the meaning of "rising from the individual to the collective", Zhu Yijun was so angry that his teeth were chattering, but he was not too surprised.

He knew very well that his ministers wanted to exaggerate the matter in order to eliminate dissidents.

Zhu Yijun was too lazy to pay attention to such people. He couldn't believe what fools said anyway, so he just treated them as the barking of dogs.

Anyway, the case had already been handed over to the Ministry of Justice for trial. Zhu Yijun felt that by doing so he was already giving face to the prince.

However, his ministers were obviously very capable.

This time, I don’t know which fearless person has come up with the evil book again!

This time, there are still only two protagonists in this demon book.

However, the identities of these two protagonists are shocking!

Because one of the protagonists was actually the Wanli Emperor Zhu Yijun!

The other protagonist is Zhang Chonghui, the descendant of a traitor!
(End of this chapter)