Aspirations

Chapter 87
Cui Xiang was also calm, hehe smiled: "Xu Xiancheng is the wife and brother of this official, and he often comes to the government office. He is used to doing everything by himself. Xia Xian respects not to blame."

"No, no." Xia Xiang opened his mouth slightly, pretending to be surprised, "It turns out that Xu Xiancheng is Cui Fuzun's wife and brother. So, Xiaguan and Cui Fuzun are considered a family?"

"One family, one family." Cui Xiang saw that Xia Xiang did not see outsiders, and his words were very accurate, and he couldn't help but be delighted, "Heguang is an official under Xia Xianzun, and he has shortcomings, Xia Xianzun needs more whipping and correction. ."

"Xu Xiancheng is generous and decent, and won the heart of this official." Xia Xiang glanced at Zheng Hao, who was sitting opposite him. Seeing Zheng Hao's eyes, nose, mouth, mouth and heart, he was indifferent to the matter, and could not help but secretly With a smile, he said, "This official should have come to the government office to visit Cui Fuzun long ago, but as soon as it was decided, there was a murder case, and I really couldn't get out of it, so it was delayed until today. Please forgive Cui Fuzun."

"Whatever you say, you can call on this official at any time. The sooner the murder case is tried, the better. Xia County respects the people, and this official has to say a few good words for you in front of the emperor." Cui Xiang looked kindly. The smile, if it weren't for his sallow complexion and sluggish expression, he would have a kind-hearted face, but his face was extremely bad, and he coughed a few times from time to time, "Cough, cough, this official has always been in bad health, I wanted to retire and return home, the emperor has been No, I have to drag the sick body and be willing to cherish the old age..."

Zheng Hao was silent on the side, and suddenly interjected: "The murder case that Xia Xianzun tried, but the case of Dong Xian committing suicide?"

"Exactly." Xia Xiang didn't know why Zheng Hao suddenly asked this question, and after thinking about it again, he understood something, "This case, the lower official is about to report one or two to Cui Fuzun."

At this time, Xu Heguang came in with a teapot and acted as a servant with the honor of the county magistrate.It is also because everyone here is more powerful than him, and it is nothing for him to serve everyone in person.

Xu Heguang poured tea for Cui Xiang, Xia Xiang, and Zheng Hao in turn, and said, "This is the best Linjiang Yujin, although it is not as good as Xia County Zun's Dragon Tuan Shengxue, it is one of the best in Zhending County. Good tea waiting."

Hearing "Long Tuan wins the snow", Cui Xiang and Zheng Hao gave Xia Xiang a slightly surprised look, but Xia Xiang did not explain, took a sip of tea, and praised: "Good tea, the water is sweet and moisturizing, The tea is fragrant and pleasant, and the heat is well controlled, Xu County Chancellor, I didn't expect you to be a master at making tea, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"Don't dare, dare not." Xu Heguang hurriedly said a few words politely.

"Xia Xianzun, I have heard a little bit about Dong Xian's case, what's the secret behind it?" Cui Xiang put down his teacup, touched his lips lightly, but did not enter.

Xia Xiang knew in his heart that Cui Xiang was taking medicine, and the tea had an antidote effect, so he could not drink tea.

Xia Xiang told Cui Xiang the whole story of Dong Xian's case, but Cui Xiang's expression remained the same from beginning to end, but Zheng Haowei on the side was slightly angry.

"Fu Ke was only instructed to commit murder. There is still a real murderer behind the scenes that has not been identified yet. The lower officials are trying their best to investigate and bring the real murderer to justice." Xia Xiang saluted Cui Xiang and Zheng Hao.

Zheng Hao didn't say anything, but revealed his thoughts, Cui Xiang groaned, and suddenly said, "Since Dong Xian, Ma Xiaosan and his wife were killed by Fu Ke poisoning, Fu Ke is the murderer and sentenced him to be executed. Just wait until the case is closed.”

"The lower official also has this intention." Xu Heguang said solemnly, "During the trial last night, the lower official, out of a moment of righteous indignation, agreed with Xia Xianzun's approach to track down the real culprit behind the scenes. After thinking about it carefully, That’s why I felt it was very wrong.”

Xia Xiang's eyes swept across Xu Heguang's face, thinking whether Xu Heguang heard what Cui Xiang said and saw the wind, or changed his mind after discovering something behind him?

"What's wrong?" Zheng Hao asked Xia Xiang a question, "It's the job of an official to track down the real culprit. If Fu Ke is killed, the real culprit is still at large. Wouldn't it be against the teachings of the sages and worthy of the emperor's honor?" Trust?"

"I can't say that, Zheng Tong's sentence, Fu Ke's murder case is too complicated. If it involves a family member of the royal family, if it is found out, it will not harm Tianwei? Since the real murderer has been arrested, where is the real murderer behind the scenes? ?" Xu Heguang smiled complacently, "Kill Fu Ke and pay for Dong Xian and Ma Xiaosan and his wife's life, Dong Duan is also a serious injustice, everyone is happy, why bother to investigate further?"

Xia Xiang did not speak, and looked at Cui Xiang with his inquiring eyes.

Cui Xiang was silent for a moment, then suddenly coughed violently, Xu Heguang hurriedly stepped forward to beat Cui Xiang's back, Cui Xiang waved his hands: "It's okay, it's okay, I'm sick, and I can't die if it doesn't get better. County Lord Xia, according to the official's instructions See, the case of Fu Ke is now closed, which is good for everyone."

"Xiaguan doesn't agree." Zheng Hao stood up, blushing slightly, "Since Xia Xianzun has found out that there is another real culprit behind the Fu Ke case, why did he suppress this matter? Xiaguan dared to ask Cui's house. Zun, but do you know who is the real murderer of Fu Ke?"

Zheng Hao was so young and vigorous, which was unexpected to Xia Xiang.It is said that as a general judge, most of them are experienced and serious people. After all, the post of general sentence is used to check and balance and supervise the prefect. Usually, a Beijing official who has been an official for many years will be appointed. Zheng Hao is a new jinshi. It's very unreasonable, and he is so indignant. It seems that someone deliberately did it when he took up the post of Zhending Palace.

As soon as these words came out, Xu Heguang suddenly changed color and said sharply: "Zheng Tongjudgment not to talk nonsense."

"It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter." Instead of being annoyed, Cui Xiang waved his hand lightly and smiled, "Zheng Tongpan is just at a young age, so it's understandable to be angry for a while. I don't know the behind-the-scenes of Fu Ke's case." Who is the real culprit? It can also be said that as long as the investigation is not carried out, there is no real culprit behind the Fu Ke case. I ask you, Zheng Tongjuan, is Fu Ke the murderer who poisoned Dong Xian and Ma Xiaosan?"

"Yes." Zheng Hao was still angry.

"Killing for life, killing Fu Ke, can you let the dead rest in peace and the living comfort?"

"Yes." Zheng Hao's momentum remained undiminished.

"If there is still a real culprit behind Fu Ke, and if the real culprit is found out and the real culprit is brought to justice, is it still possible to let the dead rest in peace and the living comfort?" .

"Yes."

"If that's the case, why do you have to find out the real murderer behind the scenes? Not only does it cost the people and money, but it also makes the living suffer more hatred. It's good to find the real murderer and catch the real murderer. If the real culprit is found, but the real culprit cannot be brought to justice, how can the living be reassured?" Cui Xiang picked up the teacup, gently pulled the tea foam with the tea lid, and smiled, "Two evils It is better to do less things than to do more things than to do more things.”

Xia Xiang was speechless, and he had to admire Cui Xiang's remarks. Although it was unreasonable, it made people feel that there was merit.It is worthy of being an old man who has experienced the ups and downs of the officialdom. He sees through not the scorching world, but various interests. Step by step, he seeks advantages and avoids disadvantages. He does not judge right and wrong based on justice, but only asks whether interests count as gains or losses.

"It's good to choose the lesser of the two evils and the heavier of the two benefits!" Zheng Hao couldn't help sneering, his face flushed with anger, "The real murderer is at large, where is the Daxia law? The justice of the world Where is it? Where are people's backs? Cui Fuzun, the ancients had the spirit of 'heard the Tao in the morning, and you can die in the evening', and also had the mind of 'people with lofty ideals and benevolent people who do not seek life to harm benevolence, but kill themselves to achieve benevolence'. Since I am an official , to be worthy of the heaven and earth and the emperor, and to live up to the common people..."

"Hehe, hehe..." Cui Xiang interrupted Zheng Hao's generous speech with a disapproving laugh, he pointed to the painting on the screen and said, "Zheng Tong can tell who and when this painting was painted. ?"

As soon as Xia Xiang entered the door, he noticed the picture on the screen, and was slightly surprised at the time, it was the picture of Yuanming returning to hermit.However, it is not from the same person as the Cao family's Yuanming Retreat.

Zheng Hao stared at the engraving of Yuanming's return to seclusion, shook his head and said, "I don't know."

"This painting was painted by the third prince three years ago." Cui Xiang twisted his beard with his right hand, and smiled, "At that time, the Prime Minister was promoting the new law, and the emperor was in the prime of his life, but the third prince drew a picture of returning to hermitage and gave it to him. When he was an official, he sighed and said, instead of being in the court in a muddle-headed manner, it is better to return to the countryside for nothing. With the respect of the third prince, he also has the heart of retreat. It can be seen that the court is dangerous and the world is difficult. With only a scholarly spirit, sooner or later It's going to be bloody."

"So what?" Zheng Hao was still unmoved, "Xiaguan, as the Zhending government, is in charge of sentencing, and cannot tolerate such an unjust case in Zhending. This official will do his best to find out the real culprit behind the scenes."

Cui Xiang laughed dryly and didn't answer, but turned to ask Xia Xiang, "Does Xia Xian Zun also want to investigate to the end?"

Zheng Hao looked at Xia Xiang with anticipation and hope, Xia Xiang pondered for a moment, then shook his head and smiled: "It doesn't matter if this official said it, and Zheng Tong judges it doesn't matter..."

"Who has the final say?" Zheng Hao couldn't hold back, and immediately asked.

"Dong Duan has the final say." Xia Xiang nimbly kicked the ball to Dong Duan's feet, and Dong Duan was not there anyway, "If Fu Ke is killed, Dong Duan feels that the big revenge will be avenged, and I will also Don't pursue it any further. If Dong Juan insists on letting the real culprit behind the scenes come to justice, I can't just close the case regardless of public opinion."

Cui Xiang's heart skipped a beat. He was a good Xia Xiang. He wanted to pursue the investigation, but he took Dong Duan to talk about things, which left people speechless. Although this son was young, he was well versed in officialdom, and he was very good at taking retirement as an excuse. Jin is a rare genius.No wonder he overthrew Wen Changju in a white robe on the scientific field, causing the Third Prince to damage a general.

Xu Heguang was anxious. He learned some news early this morning, knowing that the Fu Ke case could no longer be pursued, so he secretly informed Cui Xiang in advance, so that Cui Xiang suppressed Xia Xiang's desire to continue the investigation.Not wanting to meet Zheng Hao by accident, Zheng Hao fully supported the continued investigation, but Xia Xiang also had a vague attitude and clearly wanted to investigate to the end.

If he really wants to find out the real murderer behind the scenes, Xia Xiang is playing with fire and setting himself on fire. He may also affect Chi Yu due to the fire at the city gate, and maybe Cui Xiang will be implicated. With such serious consequences, he must stop Xia Xiang's so-called asking for life for the people.

"Xia Xianzun, this matter must not be swayed..." Xu Heguang quietly winked at Cui Xiang, and continued, "Dong Duan is just a commoner, how can he know the seriousness of the matter, how can he obey when the court orders officials to handle the case. Yu Dong, an ignorant commoner?"

However, Cui Xiang ignored Xu Heguang's eyes and said slowly: "Xiaxian Zun, serve as an official for the benefit of one party. Compared with the governance of a county, a murder case is more important than the management of a county. It must be clearly distinguished."

"The lower officials can distinguish clearly." Xia Xiang responded respectfully. Seeing that Zheng Hao still had an indignant expression on his face, he suddenly smiled, "Zheng Tong should not be too angry about this matter, Fu Ke just casually talked about his behind-the-scenes There are other people who instigated it, but it is hard to say whether there is such a person."

Zheng Hao's face changed: "Xia Xianzun wants to use this excuse to perfunctory the past, and this matter will be over?"

Xia Xiang secretly sighed in his heart, why did Zheng Hao care so much about the superficial gains and losses?He couldn't explain clearly, and when he was thinking about how to answer, someone suddenly reported Xu Wangshan and Ma Qingyuan's visit.

Xia Xiang got up: "Cui Fuzun has a guest, and I will take my leave."

"Xia Xianzun is staying, and we will have a light meal in the mansion at noon." Cui Xiang nodded slightly to the butler, the butler understood and turned to go out to greet him.

After a while, Xu Wangshan and Ma Qingyuan came in. When they saw Xia Xiang was there, they were stunned for a moment, then looked at each other and smiled.After seeing each other separately, the two sat next to each other.

"Cui Fu Zun and Xia Xian Zun, I came to visit today, in order to really appoint thousands of businessmen and more than [-] people, and urge the county to abolish the new law!" Xu Wangshan stood up and bowed deeply, his words earnestly, his eyes Exudes infinite anticipation.

Ma Qingyuan also stood up and saluted: "I beg the prefectures and counties to repeal the new law!"

Cui Xiang smiled calmly: "The two of you are so opposed to the new law because of the granary and planting grain. How about this, the granary and planting of the two of you, this official let someone else take over?"

Xia Xiang couldn't help laughing secretly, Cui Xiang is indeed an old man who has been an official for many years, and he knows that avoiding the important is the light.

"Xia Xianzun..." Xu Wangshan looked at Xia Xiang eagerly, wanting Xia Xiang to express his position in front of Cui Xiangzhi.

Xia Xiang was not angry either, he really had something to say: "The abolition of the new law is of great importance and cannot be played. This official also agrees with Cui Fuzun's statement that the granary and planting of the two of you should be taken over by others. ."

Xu Wangshan and Ma Qingyuan looked at each other, and the two wanted to laugh, but they didn't. After a while, Ma Qingyuan stepped forward and said, "It's not just about the granary and grain cultivation, it's really the new law that harms the people, and the two of us can't bear to see the people again. Displaced, so I asked Cui Fuzun and Xia Xianzun to abolish the new law. If this goes on, there will be mourning outside the city."

"The horsemen are alarmist." Cui Xiang was unmoved at all, and smiled lightly, "I went out to play in the city the day before yesterday. The scenery outside the city is beautiful, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Where are the people displaced? It is the emperor's Wenzhiwugong and Hou Xianggong's new law that have such a peaceful atmosphere."

"Cui Fuzun..." Xu Wangshan wanted to say something, but Xia Xiang laughed and interrupted Xu Wangshan's words.

"Mister Xu, since Cui Fuzun said it, you can do it." Xia Xiang cast a meaningful glance at Xu Wangshan, and then said to Cui Xiang, "I don't know who will take over the granary and grain cultivation matters? Cui Fuzun has already Got an option?"

The matter of granary and grain cultivation is within the jurisdiction of Zhending County, and Cui Xiang would not intervene rashly, otherwise he would be suspected of being offside, he shook his head and smiled: "Xiaxian County, don't be lazy, this official does not care about your duty. You share, hehe." But he changed his tone again, "This official just thinks that Liu Changting and Xie Huagai are not bad, they are reliable people, and they have the heart to share the worries of the government..."

When Xu Wangshan and Ma Qingyuan heard Liu Xie's name, their expressions changed.Zheng Hao was at a loss, wondering why Cui Xiang transferred the grain and grain growing business to the two.

Sure enough, it was Liu Changting and Xie Huagai. When Cui Xiang proposed to let others take over the granary and grain growing business of Xu Wangshan and Ma Qingyuan, Xia Xiang immediately thought of Liu Xie and the two.Now that I heard Cui Xiang mention the two, I know that the layout of Liu Xie and the two who have been invisible for many years in Zhending is almost complete, and now it is about to surface.

"Xu Xiancheng, this official has only arrived in the real time, and I still don't know who Liu Changting and Xie Huagai are. Do you think it is suitable for the two to take over the granary and grain growing business of Xu Yuanwai and Ma Yuanwai?" Xia Xiang intends to The problem was thrown to Xu Heguang.

Xu Heguang immediately said: "It's more suitable, Liu Changting and Xie Huagai are the first in Zhending County in terms of financial resources and people. No, even the entire Zhending Palace is unparalleled. I agree with Cui Fuzun's nomination."

Although Zheng Hao didn't understand the real intentions of Cui Xiang and Xu Heguang singing and nominating Liu Xie, but he couldn't stand their attack on Xia Xiang, and immediately sneered: "There is a prefecture under the prefect, and Xia County is under it. It's really hard to be sandwiched in the middle, this official can't help but sweat for you."

The sarcasm in these words was too obvious, Cui Xiang couldn't help coughing, and his face turned cold: "What is Zheng Tongpan saying? I just think that Xia Xianzun has only come here not long ago, and he is not familiar with the world. I just mentioned Liu Changting and Xie Huagai on purpose, just want to help him, help him for a while, how come in your opinion, the good intentions of this official and Xu Xiancheng turned into holding Xia Xianzun hostage?"

Zheng Hao also turned cold: "Master Cui, isn't it?"

"Cui Fuzun and Zheng Tong judge, calm down, calm down." Xia Xiang had to come forward to smooth things over, "Such trivial matters are not worth arguing about. As long as Xu Yuanwai and Ma Yuanwai are willing to let go of the granary and grain business, as long as Liu Changting and Xie Huagai is willing to share the concerns of the government, so why not let them take over?"

"Xiaomin is willing!"

Xu Wangshan and Ma Qingyuan expressed their opinions in unison.

Zheng Hao couldn't bear it anymore and stood up: "Xiaxian Zun, this official thought you were a good official who was dedicated to the people because Teng Zhengyuan and brother Teng knew you, but you didn't want to be a stupid official who swayed left and right without principles. The official will cut off your robe and righteousness with you."

As soon as he finished speaking, he snorted coldly and walked away.

Xia Xiang looked at Zheng Hao's back, and laughed dumbly: "How can you cut your robes and break your righteousness if you haven't studied at the same table? Zheng Tongju is really funny."

(End of this chapter)