Chapter 67 Chapter 67 The Golden Stage Rage

Mei Changsu felt a little tired after returning to the Su residence, supported Fei Liu, and was thinking of lying down on the couch, when the door rang, and Lin Chen swaggered in, with a mysterious smile on his face, triumphantly saying : "There is good news, do you want to guess?" He didn't ask people if they wanted to listen, but asked if they wanted to guess. It was obvious from a glance that he was a little bored now.Mei Changsu didn't bother to pay attention to him, and as soon as he closed his eyes, he fell down. "Guess, guess." Lin Chen rushed over and dragged him up, "I found that your luck has been very strong recently, and you seem to be trying to get things done. This good news is definitely icing on the cake for you. I will let you guess three times! "

Mei Changsu stared fixedly at his eyes full of smiles, his heart suddenly moved, and he lost his voice, "Have you caught Xia Jiang?" Lin Chen's face was serious, and he was very dissatisfied: "Didn't I ask you to guess three times?" Fei Liu cheered from the side, "Once!" Lin Chen turned back and twisted his face, "Your Brother Su guessed it right once, and it wasn't you, a little idiot, what are you so proud of?" "Stop bullying Fei Liu." Mei Changsu pulled his arm over, "Tell me, how did you catch him? Where is he now?"

Lin Chen stretched out a slap, and rolled over in front of Mei Changsu. "Zhen Ping!" Mei Changsu cast a helpless glance at Lin Chen, and shouted, "Bring a thousand taels of silver and come in!" There was a response from outside the house, and Zhen Ping pushed the door open after a while, the bank note in his hand looked quite new, "Sovereign, here is the bank note, what are you going to do?" "Give it to him," Mei Changsu pointed at Lin Chen with his chin, "Langya Pavilion charges money for answering questions. I asked two questions just now, and he bid five hundred, so two of them are naturally one thousand... "

Lin Chen happily took the bank note from Zhen Ping, unfolded it to verify the authenticity, and said with a smile, "I originally offered fifty taels for one, but you, Sect Master Mei, are so rich that you insisted on giving me one." Qian, I have no choice but to be disrespectful." "Fei Liu, let's go out," Zhen Ping waved at the young man, "This guy is really unbearable, children will turn bad if they are often with him." Fei Liu agreed with the conclusion of "can't stand it", and he really drifted outside with Zhen Ping to play. "Okay, I'll answer you after I've collected the money," Lin Chen put the bank note in his arms contentedly, "The people who will protect Xiajiang are no more than three categories, the Hua clan, the hidden piles of the old department of the Xuanjing Division, and the undercover people." He is the one who holds the handle. With so many directions, it is not difficult to find out. I finally found him in a nunnery. Let me tell you, catching Xiajiang is a trivial matter. The key is that there is a nunnery in that nunnery. The little nun is so beautiful, I plan to let her be on the list next year..."

"Where is it locked?" "Little nun? You're still in that nunnery, why should I lock her up?" "Lin Chen..." Mei Changsu's tone finally showed some danger.Lin Chen smiled and raised his hands in surrender: "Okay, okay, Xia Jiang is locked in one of my shops, don't worry, he can escape from the sky prison, but he will never escape from my shop." "Is the Hua woman hiding him again?" Mei Changsu asked thoughtfully. "Yeah, those old parts of Princess Xuanji were really a headache, they were scattered everywhere like sand, and even I dare not say when they will be picked up cleanly."

Mei Changsu's gaze was fixed on the ocher green screen window sash.After being silent for a long time, he suddenly said, "What are you doing standing outside? Come in." Lin Chen got up and stretched, and said wearily: "Last night, I competed with Fei Liu to pick up beans. I didn't get enough sleep, so I have to catch up. That kid lost again. Tomorrow, I have to grind a cage of tofu. You just wait." Let's eat." As he spoke, he walked out staggeringly, and passed by Gong Yu who was slowly coming in with his head lowered at the door.So he smiled encouragingly at her.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" Mei Changsu asked gently after Gong Yu walked around the bed. Gong Yu's two hands tightly twisted the gauze belt of the waistband until his fingers turned white, then he suddenly knelt down and said in a trembling voice, "Please... the suzerain forgive me..." "Forgive me for what?" "Concealment...the crime of concealment..." "What are you hiding?" "I... I am also from the Hua tribe..." Gong Yu took a deep breath, gritted his teeth and raised his head, "But I have absolutely no connection with Princess Xuanji. When I was born, the country of Hua had long since ceased to exist, and my life was saved by the suzerain... ...In this life, Gong Yu will never do anything harmful to the suzerain, including the last time I proposed to go to the prison to change people, I also sincerely wanted to relieve the suzerain's worries, I really didn't expect such an accident...I... …I……"

When Gong Yu said this, because of his impatience, he couldn't continue.Mei Changsu looked at her softly, smiled and said, "Okay, I know what you mean, so don't worry." "metropolitan……" "I already knew that you were from the Hua tribe, so I didn't think there was anything wrong with it. The country of Hua has been incorporated into Daliang for decades, and most of the people of the Hua tribe are no different from the people of Daliang. Princess Xuanji is a minority." Mei Changsu said indifferently, "She also has her persistence and her beliefs, but she just can't see the reason for her subjugation and the general trend of tomorrow. Princess Xuanji's actions will naturally have her retribution, but if she gets angry because of it For all the people of the Hua tribe, it is too narrow. You don’t have to take it too seriously, get up, Lin Chen always said that girls are very precious, what do you look like kneeling like this?”

During this period of time, Gong Yu had been tormented by all sorts of things on his mind, and he often couldn't sleep at night. Today, he mustered up the courage to present himself to Mei Changsu, but he didn't expect it to be so calm. When he stood up according to his words, his eye circles were already red up. Mei Changsu waited quietly for a while, and seeing that she was standing still, he asked again, "Is there anything else?" "The suzerain... seems a little tired. Gong Yu has composed a new song, which can help the suzerain to sleep... I don't know if it's possible..."

"Oh." Mei Changsu nodded with a very indifferent expression, "Then I will trouble you." The fact that he didn't refuse was enough to make Gong Yu happy. Xia gave birth to dimples, hurriedly went to get the piano, first calmed down and adjusted his breath, then sat down slowly, raised his wrists and stretched his fingers, and picked up the ice. string. The newly composed melody is soothing, like clear water without sound, warm and peaceful, and the player who plays the piano is excellent in fingering, sincere and sincere. Listening to it really makes people feel at ease and relieves worries and thoughts.Mei Changsu leaned on the pillow and listened with his eyes closed, the expression on his face didn't change at all, but after a while, he turned over slightly and turned his face inside.

Lin Chen, who was helping Feiliu soak beans in the water in the next yard, listened leisurely, then sighed suddenly, raised his wet hand to flick water droplets on Feiliu's face, "Xiao Feiliu, tell me. Is Brother Su not understanding style, or is he too understanding style?" Fei Liu couldn't understand, and just wiped the water off his face angrily.Turned his head and ignored him.At this time, there was a bit of wind, and the eastern sky quickly piled up dark clouds, which became thicker and darker.Aunt Ji was very busy running around in the yard collecting clothes.Lin Chen looked up at the sky and narrowed his eyes.Under the gloomy darkness, Jiuqing's imperial capital Jinling.It seems to be preparing for its first real torrential autumn rain. The heavy rain after the Mid-Autumn Festival is the best way to wash away the heat. After a few days of pattering, the hot summer gradually fades away, and the air in the morning and evening is already very cool.Mei Changsu added more clothes for daily life, tuned the piano and read books all day long at home, but he really didn't care about the outside world, and focused on recuperating. The entire government and the public were calm under the prince's supervision, and everything was as usual, only the Ministry of Rites was a little busy preparing for the emperor's birthday ceremony.Except for a few courtiers and clan who were trusted by Xiao Jingyan, no one knew that a storm that had been brewing for a long time was coming. On the morning of August 30th, the princess who lives in the inner courtyard of the East Palace got up early, washed and dressed, and asked people to rush to the Changxin Hall where Xiao Jingyan lived in a daily life with the prince's dress prepared last night. Due to the funeral system, the crown princess can only live with the crown prince a hundred days after the wedding ceremony, so the newlyweds are not very familiar with each other.Ms. Sun from Zhongshu Ling's family always felt a little shy and fearful in front of the prince. Xiao Jingyan used to get up very early, and today it was even earlier, the sky was only bright after morning exercise and bathing.After the concubine personally served on the crown, he calmed down his slightly faster heartbeat, and said: "Thank you." "This is the duty of the concubine," the princess said softly, "Will His Highness have breakfast in the East Palace, or go in to accompany His Majesty and the concubine to have breakfast together?" "Please enter the palace." The concubine immediately ordered a car to be driven, and went to check the birthday gifts for today in person. After confirming that everything was in order, she came back in to report to Xiao Jingyan.The husband and wife were on the same yellow jade, surrounded by the honor guards of the East Palace, entered the Forbidden Garden, got off the sedan chair at the Danxiu, changed into a chariot, and went straight to the emperor's bedroom. At this time, Emperor Liang had just got up and washed up with the service of Concubine Jing, when he heard that the prince and his wife came in to say hello, smile lines appeared on his face, and he hurriedly ordered people to come in. "My sons and wives, please pay respects to my father and emperor, and wish my father and emperor a long life!" Xiao Jingyan and the crown princess first paid three salutes to Emperor Liang, then turned to Concubine Jing and kowtowed, "Kowtow to my mother and concubine Jin'an." "Quickly get down, get down," Emperor Liang raised his hand with a smile, "It's so early, there must be no meal. It's just in time, and the luncheon is going to be with the courtiers, and it's probably noisy. Our family can only eat quietly It's breakfast." "I thank my father for the meal." After Xiao Jingyan thanked him, he sat on the left side of Emperor Liang, and Concubine Jing was on the right. Women's responsibility. This meal was also eaten happily, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.With the passage of time, Xiao Jingyan's original anxiety had already been firmly suppressed by himself, especially after seeing the tranquility and stability of his mother and concubine, he became more determined. After the meal, Emperor Liang asked about a few court affairs, all of which Xiao Jingyan expected he would ask, so the answers were smooth and thoughtful, which made Emperor Liang very satisfied. He praised him a few words, and ordered someone to play chess with him. . Halfway through the chess game, when it was hard to tell the winner, Xiao Jingyan suddenly stopped and said, "Father, the time has passed, and all the officials must have arrived, so it's time for Father to drive to the Hall of Martial Arts." Emperor Liang stared at the chessboard for a while, then shook his sleeves and said: "The situation on the board is stalemate, it seems that it is really difficult to end the game for a while, that's all, let us father and son fight again after the ceremony." Seeing the situation, Gao Zhan hurriedly went out to pass on his driving. With the support of Concubine Jing, Emperor Liang got up and changed his clothes, and left the gate of the palace.Just as he was about to board the emperor's chariot, there was a sudden sharp roar from the side door of the hall corridor. "I want to see Your Majesty...I have something important...Your Majesty, let go of me...Your Majesty! Your Majesty! You can't go...They have a conspiracy to...Woo..." Something seemed to cover the screaming The person's mouth, followed by a sound of struggle. "What's going on? Who is it?" Emperor Liang frowned and asked sharply. "It's Concubine Yue." Concubine Jing said indifferently, her face remained calm, "She has been madly ill for a long time, and it will never be cured. The concubine was not properly settled, and the holy car was shocked. Please forgive me." "Oh, Concubine Yue," Emperor Liang thought for a while, "yes, you told me that her symptoms are not good. She is just too arrogant and can't stand beatings. This madness is It started from this. She has been in the palace for many years, and I can't bear to see her miserable evening, so you should take care of her more." Concubine Jing smiled softly and said: "It is the duty of the concubine to take charge of the harem. What's more, the concubine also has many things that I can't bear with the concubine Yue. I try to be as lenient as possible, but I didn't expect to let her intrude." It seems that I still haven't grasped the measure when I came here to disturb you." Emperor Liang patted the back of her hand to express his relief, and the corridor became quiet at this moment.Amidst Gao Zhan's elongated voice of "Get up—drive—", the four people with the highest status in Daliang rode in two chariots, and Cuihua shook, and went to the Hall of Martial Arts at a leisurely pace. In order to successfully hold the emperor's birthday ceremony, the furnishings in the Wuying Hall have been newly decorated.People who are eligible to enter the palace set up their seats according to their ranks. The clan males are headed by King Ji, who occupy the first step on the right side of the hall, while the female family members are surrounded by a low golden screen in an independent area on the left front of the throne. The ranks are separated from the left and right, and the lower the rank, the farther away from the throne. Officials of the fifth rank and below can only withdraw after prostrating outside the hall, and are not eligible to participate in the next banquet. Since singing and dancing are not allowed, there is no need to leave too much space in the hall. The Ministry of Rituals deliberately arranged for everyone to sit relatively tightly, and only spread a ten-foot-square brocade carpet at a place three feet away from the steps in front of the throne, for the presentation in the middle of the ceremony. Psalmists stand there and chant.For the Ministry of Rituals, these are things that have been done well. There are systems and routines for procedures, rules, and hall layouts, and there are no difficulties except for trivialities.But a few days before the birthday ceremony, this set of errands, which can be completed step by step with eyes closed, suddenly changed, because a person was temporarily added to the list of participants.As a guest of the Great Liang, Mei Changsu couldn't get along with any other people in the palace.He is not a clan, nor does he have a clear rank and official position, so he is not easy to be placed among the courtiers of the royal family, but this guest was invited by His Majesty the Emperor himself. , so it is absolutely impossible to get to sit in the corner of the hall. For this reason, the members of the Ministry of Rituals can be said to have troubled their brains and cannot think of a solution, and they are very anxious.Who would have thought that on the day of the birthday ceremony, this knot would unravel by itself. Before Mei Changsu, who had just stepped up the steps, had time to say a word to the ceremonial officer who came to guide him, Mu Qing jumped up and greeted him with a smile on his face. It looked like a flower had bloomed, and he looked very familiar, insisting on pulling him to sit with him.The book of the Ministry of Rites was originally serious.Seeing it right now, he vaguely dismissed Mei Changsu as someone from the Mu Palace, since he and Mu Qing sat at the same table anyway.They don't crowd others, it's close to the throne, and they don't show grievances, but everyone is happy. The golden bell rang nine times, and Xiao Jingyan helped Emperor Liang go up the golden steps to his seat, and his footing was firm.His gaze quickly scanned every corner of the hall.Seeing that Mei Changsu was sitting next to Mu Qing with a smile, and Princess Liyang's expression was considered stable, he was a little relieved. The emperor took his seat, the mountain call was over, and the ceremony officially began.Except for the reduction of singing and dancing and musical performances, the procedure of the ceremony is not much different from previous years, that is, the relatives and dignitaries kowtow and salute in batches, offer congratulatory speeches, the emperor rewards them one by one, and then the singing officer announces the opening of the banquet, etc. The emperor ordered the chopsticks, and the three cups of wine were filled, and then the crown prince led the clan favorites who were qualified to present gifts one by one to present their carefully selected birthday gifts in public.Generally speaking, the whole hall is still relatively solemn during the worship, but when it comes to the birthday ceremony, the atmosphere in the hall has basically turned to briskness, and all the gifts are displayed in public one by one.Confident courtiers would ask for an order, stand on the brocade carpet in the hall, recite their own hymns, win praise and the attention of the superiors with wonderful diction or funny jokes.According to previous experience, there will be one or two people who stand out on this brocade carpet every year, so everyone is eating and drinking while waiting for who will make a big splash here this year. "Haha, hahaha, that's poetry...haha..." Mu Qing slapped the table and laughed after a minister of the Ministry of Industry finished reciting, "Mr. Su, if I want to write such a poem, I will definitely be criticized The master took the rattan cane..." "This poem can make you laugh like this, and it has its own humor. The old masters who taught you really can't write such lively words." Mei Changsu corrected Mu Qing's opinion with a smile, but his eyes were light and light Sweeping to the front side, the line of the corner of the lips is slightly retracted. At the end of his line of sight, the downcast Princess Liyang straightened the cuffs of her plain thin gown, and brushed the black cloud veil half-hanging from the side of her face behind her head. Her face was pale, but her eyes were serious. Not long after secretly meeting Xiao Jingyan's eyes, she slowly stood up. "Little aunt, where are you going?" Princess Jingning who was sitting next to her called in a low voice with some surprise, but Princess Liyang didn't seem to hear it at all, and the long skirt meandered out of the golden screen Outside, he walked slowly to the brocade carpet in the hall and stood there. There is no shortage of talented women in the Daliang royal family, and there are not a few people who write poems to celebrate the emperor's birthday, but they are all made by the palace ladies and dedicated privately. No one has ever stood on the brocade carpet in public during the ceremony, let alone the eldest princess of Liyang. She is also a woman who has experienced ups and downs and is full of stories.So as soon as her figure appeared, the hall was filled with silence. Everyone couldn't help pushing their cups and holding their chopsticks, and looked at her with wide eyes. Even Emperor Liang, who was on the throne, couldn't help but put down the golden cup in his hand, a little surprised He asked, "Liyang, do you want to write poetry?" "Your Majesty lacks literary talents, how can I make any poems..." Princess Liyang showed determination in her eyes, took a deep breath, and raised her chin, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, I just want to take this opportunity to In front of all the relatives and nobles, Xie Yu, the guilty minister, confessed the crime of deceiving the emperor and killing Zhongliang. Disturbing His Majesty's Yaxing, the minister's sister deserves to die, but Xie Yu's crime is really heinous, and the ministers and gods are all angry. I really dare not hide it, if I don't confess it to the imperial court and make it known to the world, I'm afraid it will attract the condemnation of the heavens, please Your Majesty's sage, Rong Chenmei will play it in detail." "What are you talking about..." Emperor Liang said with some displeasure in confusion, "I heard that Xie Yu is already dead? I have dealt with his crimes... Li Yang, although I did not pardon him, it seems Your face is more or less lenient, and you and the children have not been implicated, what shortcomings do you have, and you want to make such a fuss on my birthday?" "Why did my sister make a confession on behalf of her husband in this birthday hall? Your Majesty will naturally understand after listening quietly." Faced with the gloomy gaze of the emperor's brother, Princess Liyang gritted her teeth, and the timidity in her chest became less timid. The voice became even clearer, "Thirteen years ago, Xie Yu conspired with Xia Jiang to make a scholar imitate the handwriting of Chi Yan's forward general Nie Feng, forge a letter of informant, frame Lin Shuai for rebellion, deceive the monarch, and finally lead to a big case , this is one of the crimes..." With just such a sentence, the entire Wuying Hall exploded instantly as if a spoonful of cold water had been poured into boiling oil.Emperor Liang's face also changed dramatically, he raised a trembling finger to the eldest princess, and said angrily, "You...you...are you crazy?" "In order to make a false accusation. Xie Yu secretly sealed Juehun Valley with fire, forced Nie Feng's troops into a desperate situation, wiped out the entire army, and blamed Lin Shuai. This is the second crime." Princess Liyang ignored the surroundings completely. Despite the interference, Xie Yu said in a loud voice, "By virtue of being in the army, Xie Yu knew the frontline battle situation and Chi Yan's dynamics. He lied that Commander Lin wanted to send troops to the capital, and deceived His Majesty's military amulet. He and Xia Jiang ambush Meiling. When the Yan army and the invading Chongqing army were exhausted in the bloody battle, they did not announce the decree, did not surrender, did not intend to massacre, and caused 70,000 loyal souls to die in Meiling. Afterwards, they falsely claimed that the victim had rebelled against the decree and had to settle The land is wiped out. There are three crimes..." "Shut up! Shut up!" Emperor Liang finally couldn't listen anymore, his whole body was shaking like chaff, and hissed loudly. "Come here! Drag her down to me! Drag her down!" Several imperial guards in the hall looked at each other for a while, then walked over hesitantly.As soon as she stretched out her hand to touch Princess Liyang's clothes, she immediately showed an expression that she did not dare to force her hand.stay aside. "After the Meiling massacre, Xia Jiang and Xie Yu used the gold seal and private seal of Marshal Lin they had handed over to them to forge the correspondence, falsely accusing that King Qi was behind Chi Yan's treason, with the intention of forcing the palace to usurp the throne, causing King Qi to suffer injustice. , the whole family was destroyed, this is four crimes," Princess Liyang knew that she couldn't stop at this time, and she didn't even look at the imperial warriors beside her. Relying on the power of the military and the government, Xia Jiang blocked all channels for grievances. Anyone who knew the inside story and had a conscience and did not lose his intention to report it was cut off one by one. All the confessions were written by Xie Yu himself, and there is absolutely no falsehood. After reading his handwriting, my sister was inexplicably shocked and restless day and night, so I made the first report to the imperial court, and I hope that your majesty will clarify the grievances, follow the laws of heaven, and decree to retry the case of Chi Yan. To be loyal to the soul and the hearts of the people. If you are allowed to, even if the younger sister dies... you can rest in peace." Tears rolled down the eyes of Princess Liyang, she spread her sleeves and bowed down, touching her forehead to the ground.This slowly kowtowed head was like a heavy hammer, hitting the chests of everyone in the hall.Although the words were concise and without exaggeration, the truth she confessed today is really shocking. Anyone who has a little sense of right and wrong and conscience in their hearts will more or less be aroused with some grief and indignation.Amidst the uproar in the hall, Shi Yuanqing, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, stood up first, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, what the eldest princess said is horrifying, and Xie Yu's handwriting proves it. , It is not enough to secure the hearts of the court and the people. Please allow your Majesty to approve his performance, and appoint fair ministers to re-examine the Chi Yan case from now on, find out the truth, and show your majesty's wisdom and virtue!" As soon as he finished speaking, Zhongshu Ling Liu Cheng, Cheng Gelao, Shen Zhui, Cai Quan and others all came out one after another, and they all said loudly: "The words of Shi Shangshu are very true, and I agree with you!" I was a little excited, and these were all important courtiers.As soon as they stood up, a large group of them immediately followed, and even King Ji, who had always been idle, slowly got up, his eyes were slightly red and he said: "My brother thinks the request of the ministers is very reasonable, please allow your majesty." "You... even you..." The loose cheeks on Emperor Liang's face trembled, he coughed several times, his whole body couldn't sit still, he leaned over the imperial case, and knocked a cup of fragrant tea onto the ground. He said, "What are you guys? Are you forcing me? Xie Yuren is already dead, and he is still talking about whether he is guilty or not. It's just a handwritten letter. It's hard to distinguish the authenticity. Isn't it a big deal to mobilize people like this? Give it all." I back down... back down..." "Your Majesty," Cai Quan took a step forward, raised his head and said, "The truth of this matter is not only about what crimes Xie Yu deserves, but more importantly, it is to convince the world of the imperial court's handling. Whether you are wronged or not, you will know after investigation. If this is overwritten, it will cause controversy everywhere, the common people will be alienated from morality, and the officers and men will be worried and chilled. Those who will be hurt are His Majesty's name and the stability of Liangjiang and Jiangshan. Please accept the advice of your ministers and others, and allow the case of Chi Yan to be re-examined!" "Secretary! Second!" Mu Qing almost waved his hands, "Such a strange injustice through the ages, who in the palace dares to feel the conscience and say that you can just listen to it and pretend you didn't hear it, and don't investigate or ask? Of course, the case will be retried if it is wrong. , this is the simplest truth!" "Presumptuous!" Emperor Liang was so angry that his beard and hair spouted, his teeth chattering, "Roaring to the Golden Palace, Mu Qing, are you going to rebel?!" "My minister also agrees," Yan Hou interjected coldly, "The Eldest Princess made the first report in public, the past is clear, the facts are clear, and there is nothing absurd. According to the situation and the law, everything should be allowed. File the case for retrial. I really don't know why your majesty is hesitant?" His words pierced Emperor Liang's heart like a knife, and he was so angry that he was speechless.At this moment, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who had been watching coldly and silently, finally stood up in front of everyone's eyes, and his body wrapped in the dragon embroidered robe slightly tilted towards the old emperor, showing his weakness and old age. Show a dazzling majesty and strength. "My sons and ministers seconded." Just four simple words like this, but with the energy of thunderbolt and lightning, it landed with a sound, instantly crushing Emperor Liang's last defense and persistence.