Chapter 22 Prequel to Empress Dowager Cixi (9-4)

Sushun still didn't answer, looked at the piece of chestnut wood, and closed his eyes as usual. "Let's go!" The principal strode out of the side gate of the clan's mansion, stepped on a horse, and the ox cart was rolled and guarded by the guards. He crossed the Nanyu River Bridge from Dongchenggen of Zhengyang Gate, exited Chongwen Gate, and walked along Luomashi Street. , Go straight to West Market. Once Sushun leaves, Prince Su Huafeng will take care of Zaiyuan and Duanhua's affairs.He and Miansen have already discussed the steps and split up the work. Miansen drove into the palace to receive the Ming Dynasty's edict, Huafeng prepared a feast and sent someone to invite Zaiyuan and Duanhua.

When they met Huafeng, Zaiyuan called him third uncle, and Duanhua called him third elder brother, their voices were a little choked. "Sit, sit!" Hua Feng ushered them into the guest seats, and said calmly, "I never thought I would be asked to pick up the 'You Zongzheng' errand! I have always wanted to see you two, but there have been many things these days, and finally I can meet you today." Take some time to talk to the two of you. Come on, have a quick drink for two minutes!" Zaiyuan and Duanhua thanked each other repeatedly, brought the wine glass to their lips to touch, Zaiyuan quickly put down the glass and asked, "Third Uncle, the cabinet meeting is over, what do you say?"

"It hasn't been decided yet. It depends on the meaning of the above." "Boss?" Zai Yuan immediately asked again: "What does Sixth Uncle Gong mean?" "Who knows? I haven't heard from him, so it's inconvenient for me to inquire." "Let us talk!" Duanhua was still so reckless, "Could it be that he was convicted just because he was ignorant? How can it be convincing?" Huafeng smiled and didn't answer, but just tried to persuade him to drink, and then brought the topic to the weather, from the late autumn weather to the red leaves in the Western Mountains and the many joys between autumn and winter.Zaiyuan and Duanhua were as anxious as they were roasting, but the aristocrats under their banners valued calmness and elegance, so they had to force their composure at this time and deal with it with great effort.

After finally finding an opportunity, Huafeng mentioned the enthronement ceremony on the ninth day of October, Zaiyuan hurriedly seized the gap in the conversation, and shouted: "Three narrations!" , look, can we make an excerpt to congratulate you?" Hua Feng understood his intentions. This booklet was called Kouhe, but it was actually begging for mercy. Up to now, it was useless at all, but there was no need to stop his interest, so he slowly replied: "During the funeral, there is no congratulatory booklet. But , your situation is different, so there is no need to have any scruples about etiquette."

"Third Uncle, do you agree with this statement?" "It's not impossible." "Since that's the case," Zai Yuan left his seat and greeted him, "I have to ask my third uncle to help me!" "Please get up, please get up!" Hua Feng hurriedly left his seat to help him, "I'm afraid I won't be able to exert myself." "As long as the third uncle nods, it will be enough. Please ask the third uncle to give me a good hand, and write a down-to-earth note. I will use this as an embellishment pen." As he said, he dug out a diamond-encrusted, dazzling flower from his purse. Gold watch, hand it over.

"You keep it for now, wait until I find someone. But..." "What?" Zaiyuan asked extremely uneasy. "Wait a minute, wait a moment." Hua Feng made a calm and calm gesture, "We'll talk later." It didn't take long to wait, a person came in, quietly walked to Hua Feng's side, and softly reminded: "My lord, it's almost time!" "Oh!" Huafeng took out his watch slowly to have a look, and asked at the same time, "Has Mr. Mian come back?" "coming!" "Okay!" Hua Feng stood up and waved to Zai Yuan: "You two follow me!"

Zaiyuan and Duanhua, full of doubts and fears, followed Huafeng to a remote courtyard with heavy steps. When they entered the door, Miansen stood and waited solemnly with a group of officers and pen notes. Just as Zaiyuan was about to speak, Miansen cupped his hands and said: "There is a decree. Kneel down and listen, both of you!" So Zaiyuan and Duanhua knelt facing north, and the two who had been ordered to deliver the decree glanced at each other. OK," read out loud. The first paragraph is the announcement of the charges, and the second paragraph is the meeting to convict. When they read the words "Lingchi execution", Zaiyuan and Duanhua all trembled at the same time, unable to kneel properly.Someone wanted to go up and hold him hostage, but Hua Feng waved his hand and stopped.

Seeing this, Mian Sen didn't need to be too rigid. He read Cao Yuying's meticulously structured article in a correct and precise manner. As soon as his mouth tightened, he read it like water. Yuan and Duanhua could hear clearly. This is the most important part, Miansen raised his voice and said: "I think that Zaiyuan and others belong to the clan. They should abandon the market because they have suffered serious crimes. How can they not shed tears? However, all the domineering and domineering situations before and after Zaiyuan and others are really conspiracy to endanger the country. They are all sinners of the ancestors. It is not a crime to bully me. In Zaiyuan and others, I did not think that I was a minister of life. Even though I did a lot of evil, I invited forgiveness, but I didn’t know that I was praised for government affairs. The emperor’s examination did not have such an order. How important is the entrustment of the emperor? How can we show the law and discipline to the world? That is, according to the plan of the king and ministers, they are all executed by Ling Chi. It has never been reduced, and the aunt is in the midst of nothing to borrow, and she is exempted from the city. Zaiyuan and Duanhua both wrote a gift order to commit suicide. That is to say, Prince Su Huafeng and Minister of the Ministry of Punishment Miansen immediately went to the clan's mansion to pass the decree Let him commit suicide. This is for the sake of the state, and it is not because I have selfishness with Zaiyuan and Duanhua."

The following is about Sushun's execution from Ling Chi, and Jia En's change to Ju Lijue. Mian Sen stopped reading and just shouted: "Thank you!" Can Zaiyuan and Duanhua still hear his words clearly?The two burst into tears and burst into tears.Huafeng checked that it was all right, paused his feet, and said anxiously: "This is not the time to cry! Make up your mind, leave a few words, and I will make it better for your family members!" This statement finally had an effect. Zaiyuan wiped away his tears, kowtowed to Huafeng and said, "Third Uncle, I don't have a son, so I don't need to leave any words. I just ask Third Uncle to act on his behalf and say that Zaiyuan repents. The title of Prince Yi Please, be kind and keep it safe, and wait for the emperor to choose the worthy ones to inherit. If the title is changed again, how can I have the face to see my ancestors go underground?" He cried bitterly again.

Duanhua didn't have a son either, so he stayed in a daze for a long time, and suddenly shouted: "I won't accept it even if I die!" "Fourth brother!" Hua Feng yelled sharply: "Up to now, you are still confused. Even though you have no descendants, don't you think about your relatives?" This is to warn him not to say "rebellious" words again, so as not to cause harm to his relatives.Duanhua didn't make a sound anymore, gritted his teeth and struggled to get up, then he went up to help him up with a stroke of a pen. At this time, Miansen was half coaxing and half threatening to deal with Zaiyuan, and finally managed to make him stand upright. He was also supported by two pens, and entered the empty room separately from Duanhua.

If you are ordered to commit suicide, as usual, you can choose the method of death, but you can't hang the beam to take the poison, so the two empty rooms have the same layout, a white silk ribbon hanging on the beam, a stool underneath, and a tea table on the other. A bowl of poisoned wine was served, and an empty couch was next to it. Huafeng and Miansen waited for them to turn around and enter the house, then retreated quietly. At this time, only a few pen posts were left watching.Zaiyuan's legs were trembling, and he picked up the bowl of medicinal wine, but his hand shook so badly that he dropped his hand and broke the bowl with a thud. Zaiyuan was crying again, it was sobbing and sobbing, like the sad voice of a child daughter-in-law who has been greatly wronged and hid in a secluded place.At this time Miansen had already sent someone to check twice, to see that it was getting late and it was important to return to life, everyone couldn't help but feel a little anxious. So an impatient pen and post style, impatiently questioned, said loudly outside the window: "My lord, please hurry up! There will be no future, don't wait! The time is fine now, you just stretch your neck Go to heaven!" After saying this, he found that Zaiyuan straightened his chest and held his head up, as if he wanted to cheer up, pretending to be ashamed of death, but he took a step, and suddenly stopped moving, and took a pen waiting outside the window. Tie Shi, so anxious that he sighed and didn't know what to do. Just then, Miansen sent another person to inquire.Seeing Zaiyuan wandering and looking around, greedy for life and hating death, he also felt that the business was tricky and he had to think of a way early.So the two discussed it, and were going to report to the officer to "make an appointment" for Zaiyuan. If the person who is ordered to commit suicide refuses to obey orders readily, or if his life-loving will is so strong that he cannot kill himself, so that the officials in charge of the prison cannot return to his order, he can take decisive measures as usual.Before the Manchu Qing Dynasty entered the customs, in similar situations, bowstrings were often used to strangle people to death, but this became hanging, not "suicide".Later, a long-standing warden invented a method to cover his entire face with tissue paper pasted on windows, also known as leather paper, and then sprayed sorghum wine on the ears, eyes, mouth, nose, etc. After a short while, he would be irritated. Absolutely.This method is called "opening and adding officials". Perhaps Zaiyuan had heard the plan outside the window, and actually took action himself. The people outside the window heard the sound and quickly peeked in, only to see him walking towards the stool tremblingly step by step, but his body was trembling, his legs were weak, and he couldn't help it. able to climb up. It was necessary to support him, the guard pushed the door straight in, walked up to him and said, "My lord, I will help you up!" Zaiyuan closed his eyes, let out a long sigh, stretched out his hand, let him lead him to step on the upper stool, holding the white silk snare with both hands, slowly put his head in. Standing on the ground, he opened his mouth wide and looked at Zai Yuan without a moment's notice. When he had just fallen into the trap, he suddenly realized that he immediately pulled out the square stool under his feet with extraordinary agility, and Zai Yuan's body Immediately, he fell down, his feet were in the air, his hands were drooping, and he was dangling like a pendulum. The glory and wealth of Zaiyuan's life ended in such a desolate and muddled way.The same is true of Duanhua.But no matter what, their end was slightly better than Sushun. As soon as Sushun's prison cart came out of the back door of the clan's mansion, it attracted many passers-by, who spread the word to ten or hundreds of people. From Chongwenmen to Luomashi Street, there was a sudden commotion. In the "Wuyuzi" Guanqianhao case, many merchants outside Qianmen were implicated and went bankrupt. They only thought that there was no hope of redressing their grievances in this life, and they didn't want "retribution" to come so quickly!After receiving the news of Sushun's execution, there was someone who bought wine to congratulate him, of course he would not let it go lightly at this time, the crowd clamored, and prepared to humiliate him.Fortunately, Wenxiang had already made arrangements in advance, and the infantry commander Yamen and Shuntian Mansion sent people to monitor the suppression, and Sushun's prison car had to drive past. It's just that adults can control adults, but children can't be controlled. The children who were instigated, with dirt and stones in their pockets, came out from the crowd of onlookers, shouted, threw stones, and rained down on Sushun. body.One after another, within a moment's time, Su's face was blurred, like a ghost. In this way, the more people came to Caishikou, the more crowded people were, and the order could not be maintained until the right-wing commander of the infantry sent the newly formed musketeer battalion soldiers. At that time, the vendors at Caishikou had already been expelled, and a small execution ground was cleared at the crossroads, surrounded by crowds of people, shouting and yelling, coupled with the scolding and whipping of the yamen servants, the place was noisy and noisy. , Almost the inner city was shaken. Usually, people in Caishikou are interested in watching murders, but the people who were killed today have different identities, are too famous, and have many enemies, so the shopkeeper who has a lot of business, even Mr. Jinshen, also came to catch up with this lively.They are unwilling and unable to squeeze into the crowd, and suffer from the burden of having their chests pressed against their backs, and they can't even breathe, so they have to make decisions in familiar shops around Caishikou.Among them is a pharmacy called "Xihe Niantang". It is said that the signboard was written by Yan Song. Naturally, it is impossible to check whether the words are true or false, but Xihe Niantang is a "hundred-year-old shop" even though it was not passed down from the Ming Dynasty to the present. He is well-deserved of the title, so there are a lot of regular customers, and they all come to the door to rest at this time.The shopkeeper of Xihe Niantang, of course, entertained wholeheartedly, offering tea and cigarettes, and was busy. Although most of the guests were ignorant, they made a special trip to see Su Shunming's canon punishment and then quickly, based on the similarities in this point of smell, it was easy to talk speculatively.All of them complained a lot about Sushun's harm, or scolded him for being domineering and domineering, and they deserved what they deserved. Out of resentment, followed by emotion, someone sighed: "Three years ago, Sushun gave Bai Zhongtang his old life abruptly. At that time, how could he have thought that he would end up like this three years later?" "This is retribution!" Another person interjected: "I also came to see Bai Zhongtang on the day he was killed. Bai Zhongtang took a blue wool rear car and wore a big hat. Naturally, the red hat was taken off, and he went to Beijing first. Halfway through the alley, get off at the official hall, and many ministers and servants will accompany you to chat." "That's not right!" Someone interrupted him and asked, "Life is in an instant, so there will still be such an elegant interest in chatting." "There is a reason for this. Everyone thinks that Bai Zhongtang has a high position, and the official voice It’s not bad, the fraud case in the examination room is just a matter of being involved, the emperor will definitely have grace to keep the man under the sword, and spare his life. Even Bai Zhongtang himself thought the same way, so when he reached the northern half of the alley, he told him to hurry up Going back to the mansion to pack my luggage, Bai Zhongtang himself reckoned that it was a charge of exile, and he will be released as soon as the verdict is approved by Zhu Bi. The plan is very good, but who knows that things will go wrong!" "What's the matter? Who did the damage?" "Naturally Sushun." The man said again, "At that time, I saw two beautiful cars, and the one who got off in front was Mr. Zhao, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment. As soon as he entered the official hall, he burst into tears. When Bai Zhongtang saw it, his expression changed. Changed, and jumped on his feet and said: "It's broken, it's broken, Su Liu must not be able to spare me. I'm afraid he will be like me one day." The words really hit the mark." "Where is Sushun? Didn't you say that Sushun supervised the execution? How did he meet Bai Zhongtang?" "That's right! The car in the back is Sushun, with a big white face, he is like Cao Cao. This kid, it's really thanks to him, that he even exchanged greetings with Bai Zhongtang for a while after entering the official hall. Tell me, this To what extent has human treachery reached?" "This person is amazing. To be honest, he is really a talent!" At this time and this place, if someone says this, it is risking the world's shame.Immediately, someone glared at each other. This person's surname is Fang, and he is a secretary in the cabinet. Although he is wearing plain clothes at this time, the owner of Xihe Niantang knows him. Come up in a hurry to interrupt. "Master Fang!" he said with gusto, "Come in, please. I bought an unmarked painting in Liulichang. I said it was one of the 'Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou'. If you don't know that painting, please give me some insight." Take a look." "Okay, wait a moment." The master Fang did not give in to the angry eyes, and said in a loud voice: "'Everyone in the country wants to kill, I only want to pity talents'. Knowing people and judging the world, you can never judge heroes by success or failure. .” "I want to ask for advice!" Someone blushed and raised an argument with him, "Sushun's reputation is ruined, isn't it his own fault?" "That's right, Sushun's ruin is his own fault, but just because he's ruined, you can't think he's worthless." "Ah! Is this person desirable? Where is he desirable?" "Isn't his boldness unacceptable? It's not advisable to think about the overall situation in everything?" "How did you see that?" "Of course there is evidence! Oh, sorry, I have to ask first, are there any friends under the banner here?" The host looked around and replied strangely: "No!" "If you don't have me, you have to tell the truth!" Master Fang seemed a little excited, "Sushun always said that the banner people are confused and only ask for money. They don't protect their own shortcomings, isn't that selfless?" This is an undeniable fact, and no one can refute it, so we have to keep silent. "Sushun wants to reduce the food and salaries of the Eight Banners, but the support in front, as long as the household department can arrange it, it will definitely pay. Isn't this for the sake of the overall situation?" There was a reaction at this moment, "Not bad!" Someone said, "The gun in front has no gun, and the 'gun' of the uncle in the capital can swallow clouds and smoke. It doesn't cut their wages, it's a bit unreasonable gone." "That's it." Before he could finish a sentence, he could only hear the commotion of people outside, the rumble of cars, and the faint voice of "coming, coming". Everyone rushed out without listening to Master Fang's discussion.The little apprentices of Xihe Niantang immediately moved out a lot of stools, squeezed down behind the crowd of people at the door, and made them stable, so that the guests could stand on them and watch. There was a car coming, two rear cars with black cloth curtains, guarded by the palace guards, drove from north to south, crossed the intersection, and drove into the northern half of the alley. "This is not a prison cart. The prison cart has no roof. Probably the prison officer has arrived." Master Fang said. His words were right, it was Prince Rui Renshou who supervised the beheading and Zai Ling, the servant of the Ministry of Punishment, who had arrived.Entering the northern half of the alley, the temporary official hall is served by the chief of the Ministry of Punishment.Zai Ling frowned and said, "I didn't expect that there would be so many people! Later, you should work hard on the errands. If there is a mistake in this errand, then you won't be able to eat, and you will walk away." "I'm not afraid of anything else, but this layer. As usual, the prisoner has to look to the north to thank him. It seems that Sushun may not be willing to kneel down, so what should I do? I have to ask the prince and Lord Zai for instructions!" This question stopped Zai Ling.This person's talent is ordinary, but it will come from time to time. Just when King Gong was winning people's hearts in the Eight Banners and preparing to fight against Sushun, he was a "yellow belt" and was born in the Imperial Academy. Give him a hand.Transferring him to be the servant of the Ministry of Punishment is the same as using Prince Su Huafeng as You Zongzheng.After Zai Ling took over, the most important task was to supervise the beheading. To be able to take Sushun's head off smoothly was a great achievement. Listening to the reports of the subordinates at this moment, it will not go well, if something goes wrong, the order will be disrupted, so many people will run wild, and dozens of people will be trampled to death, which will cause a big disaster.Thinking of this, not only the gains and losses are entangled, but also the misfortunes and fortunes are unpredictable, so he immediately appears anxious. I had no choice but to ask Renshou for advice, "My lord!" He leaned closer and said, "What should I do? Listen to your boss!" Prince Rui Renshou is an old fox, hearing his tone, he was very displeased, thinking in his heart: If you humbly ask for advice, I will take care of you for a while, if you think you can shirk your responsibility, you are wrong!So he replied calmly: "I have never been in charge of the Ministry of Punishment, and I am a complete layman in this matter." In these two sentences, not only are they completely dismissed, but they also have the meaning of ridiculing him as a layman who is not worthy of being a servant of the Ministry of punishment.Zai Ling also knew that this prince was not easy to serve, so he had to hold back his anger and laugh with him: "I'm not going to lie to you, my lord, but I'm a layman. You are very experienced and knowledgeable, please give me your advice!" "It's not difficult." Renshou replied casually, "I don't believe that so many people can't serve a Sushun." "I'm not afraid that Sushun won't give in, what I'm afraid of is that the people will make a fuss." "Joke!" Renshou looked disapproving, "It's not about killing loyal ministers, why are the common people making fun of it?" "Ah!" One sentence reminded Zai Ling, and he understood the key to deal with it.So he turned his face, put on the airs of a court official, and ordered loudly: "Sushun is a criminal ordered by the imperial court. If he dares to act rebellious, it's his own fault, you should clean it up for me! If he refuses to kneel, his dog legs will be broken, and if he wants to talk nonsense, you slap his mouth! " This is something that the officials in charge of punishment and prisons do best, so the hall agreed loudly: "Zha!" He invited Ann again, turned around and left, and went to make arrangements. The two people in the hall, waiting quietly, were bored, each asked his own servant to fill the water pipe, "Pulu, puff", one after another, spraying smoke all over the room. Suddenly, there was a lot of noise outside, and officials from the Ministry of Punishment came to report: "Sushun is coming to the execution ground soon!" Sushun came from Luomashi Street, and was almost at Caishikou. The head of the prison hall led the way on horseback, and the fan servants and guards lined up to guard along the road.Sushun on the prison cart in the middle was already in a state of distress, but there were still people throwing stones and fruit peels along the way, and he didn't avoid it, just closed his eyes and accepted it, but his mouth couldn't stop murmuring, whether it was twitching or cursing someone in a low voice . At this time, the crowd was surging, and it became more and more difficult to maintain order. The soldiers of the Musketeer Battalion held up their rifle butts and knocked and chiseled the people's heads randomly. At this very crowded time, another car came on Xuanwumen Street.The military officer in charge of the infantry commanded the yamen, leading eight cavalrymen, cleared the way ahead, passed through Caishikou with great difficulty, and dismounted at the official hall in the northern half of the alley. history.According to the procedure of "autumn judgment", the criminals who are to be "beheaded" by the Ministry of Punishment will all be bound to the execution ground on the day of execution after autumn, and wait for the emperor's imperial palace to be executed temporarily, and then the censor of Gyeonggi Province will be sent to the execution ground. This is the scene, who stays, who decides?Declare one by one before life and death can be judged.Although Sushun's "judgment" was a special purpose, but for the sake of solemnity, using this example, the mission of this "Master Du" is to issue a decree. At that time, an incense case had already been set up in the mat shed outside the official hall. Prince Rui Renshou and the Minister of Criminal Affairs Zai Ling took over the order, and then they were promoted to the temporary public case. Ginseng, wait for the hair to fall. Renshou asked, "Has Sushun ever been brought to the execution ground?" "It has been brought." "how is he?" "Returning to the prince, Sushun is quite restless." "Oh?" Renshou turned to Zai Ling for advice: "The decree has come, there is no need to wait any longer. I think we should do it early?" "My lord sees it." "Okay!" Renshou ordered to the doctor of Zhili Division: "Send the word, and operate immediately!" "Yes!" Zhili Si Langzhong rushed to the entrance of the mat shed, and said loudly to the waiting deacons and servants, "I will be executed by the order of the imperial court to commit Sushun, and I was ordered by the prison officer, Prince Rui, to perform the operation immediately." !'" "Cha!" The officials and servants under the hall agreed in unison.Fly to the execution ground to deliver orders.At the same time, Zailing also left the public seat, walked out of the auditorium, and was accompanied by Zhili Si Langzhong, and walked to the execution ground. In the execution ground—the center of Caishikou Cross Road, Sushun had been taken out of the prison cart and stood facing north. A guard shouted sharply, "Kneel down!" At this time, at Caishikou, apart from maintaining a very narrow passage on the north and south sides, the east-west intersection was already blocked, but amidst the crowds of people, there was no sound, so the shout of Fan Yan seemed particularly loud and majestic.Everyone stood on tiptoe, opened their eyes wide, and looked at Sushun to see what he said? Sushun, who had kept his eyes closed all the time, opened them at this time. At first, he seemed to be afraid, but then a poisonous snake-like fierce flame appeared in his eyes, his teeth rattled, and his lips twisted!Seeing this stern look, the timid man couldn't help but shudder. "Kneel down!" The servant standing in front of him shouted once, "Thank you!" The lingering sound of the word "en" was still there, and Sushun, whose hands were tied behind his back, suddenly stretched his head forward, and spit a big mouthful of phlegm on the face of the servant. "Gong Liu, Lan'er!" Sushun jumped up and cursed: "Your uncles and sisters-in-law have done a good job in collusion! You will be punished by God! Lan'er, you bitch..." How to tolerate him yelling again?The servant who was spit on, didn't care to wipe his face, stretched out his thick and big palm, spread five fingers, aimed at Sushun's mouth, and sealed it with a palm. As soon as he moved his hands, there was no need to hold back any more. The guard behind him raised his iron ruler and slapped Sushun hard on his knee.I'm afraid that Su Shun had never experienced such a pain since he was born in the womb. Suddenly, the pain was so great that beads of sweat the size of soybeans appeared on his forehead. The fan servant couldn't tolerate him like this, grabbed his braid, pulled it up vigorously, and finally knelt down, but his head was still twisting. In fact, the executioner, who is wearing red and hanging colors, holding a thin-bladed and thick-backed ghost-head knife, has been thinking about it for a long time in the left rear of Sushun.There are a total of eight executioners in the Prison Hall of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, and the one who was sent to be the "red messenger" this time is naturally a sharp-minded man. This man is a short and fat man, his surname is Wei, and his nickname is "Wei Yike", which means he is fast with a sword Soon, with a cough, he finished his errand. "Wei Yike" was quick-handed and cruel, but in fact it wasn't just him.The Great Prison of the Ministry of Punishment, also known as the "Zhao Prison", the darkness in the prison, even Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty and Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty, would be difficult to reform.At the end of the Ming Dynasty, the dictatorship of the eunuch party became darker and darker.When Qing soldiers entered the customs, it was still the same. Executioners and jailers blackmailed the families of prisoners.Every autumn, there is no need to make a fortune. If you get the money, you can do whatever you want, and you can torture the prisoner to death. On the day of the Autumn Judgment, starting from being tied up in prison, there are tricks. Those who accept bribes are not a problem, otherwise they will bend their arms and legs. Shi Weizhi was there, but luckily escaped alive, but also became disabled.If it was the crime of Ling Chi, and the prisoner's family was rich, then there would be no limit to the extortion.The executioner himself threatened that with such a "skill", the prisoner would not die until he reached the head of the owl.If you have spent enough money, stab the heart first, and get a great relief, and you will be unconscious, painless, and itchy. As for the execution of the crime of one knife, it seems that there is no trick, but it is not.If they failed to ask for bribes in advance, they had a very rogue plan to hide the head that fell to the ground. The prisoner's family wanted the head so that they could teach the cobbler to sew it up and put it in a coffin, so they had to spend money to redeem it.If money is spent and the decapitation is not required, then it really depends on the skills of the executioner. If the skills are not enough, the family members of the prisoner will naturally not pay any more money. It is not right to say "cut" or "cut", and it should be said "cut".Hold the knife in the backhand, with the back of the knife leaning against the elbow, with the blade pointing outward, and push the blade to cut in from the back of the prisoner's neck.Prisoners who are roughly sentenced to death, when tied to the execution ground, ninety-nine out of a hundred are so frightened that they can't even kneel up straight. Therefore, the executioner has a mentality that has been passed down for thousands of years, standing behind the prisoner, slightly Leaning to the left, first slapped his shoulder with his left hand. At this time, the prisoner was like a soldier. He was startled when he slapped, and his body grew naturally. Moving to the left, the blade dragged past, followed by a fierce kick, causing the corpse to fall forward.If the kick is fast, if the kick is slow, the blood in the corpse cavity will go straight up and splash on the executioner, which is considered a bad luck. The executioner knows all these "cuts", and his skills are high. On that drag, the drag is just right, the throat is cut off, and a layer of skin is still connected. Finally, the head remains the same. Consolation chat is better than "broken". Wei Yike has this kind of method of cutting heads and skins, and with this knife, he has earned a considerable amount of food and clothing.In his life, he was ordered to kill countless people. Every year on the day of the autumn judging, a dozen or twenty people surrendered to the law. In a short while, their heads were rolling, and they didn't take it seriously. But since the case in the examination room two years ago, Wei Yike began to feel, His line of work is no longer fun. In the case of the Wuwu examination room, a total of seven people were beheaded, and a total of four executioners were sent to the prison hall. Wei Yike took the lead, but he was the easiest, because although he was scheduled to "serve" Bai Zhongtang, his colleagues joked that he was also "a Accompanied by beheading", because it was expected that Ding Baizhen would be graciously pardoned, and Wei Yike didn't need to use the knife. Who knows that the knife is really going to be used. "Driving post", the look turned pale, Wei Yike was especially nervous.An old Zhongtang, who was also a scholar, had never committed any treason case, but he died at the entrance of this vegetable market like a gangster who committed all kinds of crimes, a villain who committed adultery and murdered his husband. . In any case, Bai Zhongtang, who is not guilty of death, has no complaints even though he has been wronged.Wei Yike saw him tremblingly looking at the tower to thank him, seeing him close his eyes, unable to hold back his tears, and even the family members of Bai Zhongtang kneeling beside him, crying hoarsely, this scene was heart-rending. , Wei Yike was shocked.After killing Bai Zhongtang, he felt so helpless that he hadn't smiled for three months. Now it was his turn to kill Sushun, which made Wei Yike shake again!People in their line of work believe in the theory of karma the most. Sushun killed Bai Ling, and ended up in the same end. Isn't this an unsatisfactory "reward for the world" in the dark?He got the news from yesterday that Sushun was going to be executed by Ling Chi. He knew that this "red messenger" must fall on him, so he ran to find the old Taoist of Baiyun Temple, chatted all night, and came back to tell his wife and children that when the cooking was finished Sushun, he decided to resign. Therefore, this was his last errand before sealing the knife.I have killed two "Masters" in my life, and this time I went to the "big wine vat" and drank three cups of burning knives, which is a very revealing thing to talk about!So he concentrated on it, determined to kill the knife beautifully.When he killed Bai Zhongtang, he wanted to connect his head, but because his hands were trembling and he lost his sense of propriety when pushing the blade, he still cut off the head. Wei Yike felt it was a humiliation. But it was not easy to deal with Su Shun's restless appearance.But Zai Shilang's "execution" command had already been given, and Fan Yan, who was holding Sushun's braid, let go of his handle. This moment could not be postponed any longer. After matching the position, he softly shouted: "Look ahead, who's here?" When Sushun raised his head and stretched his neck, Wei Yike bumped his right elbow outwards, knowing from his feeling that it was just right, so he slightly increased his strength, dragged the blade, lifted his foot and kicked - the wish of the Empress Dowager Cixi, Finally reached. Prince Rui Renshou and Minister of Criminal Affairs Zai Ling entered the palace to the Military Aircraft Department, and it happened that Prince Su and Minister of the Criminal Department Miansen were also there. . Killing two "iron hat kings" in one day, and one co-organizer of a university scholar, this is an unprecedented punishment since the founding of the country. The atmosphere of this happy event was diluted. But on the other hand, the punishment of the so-called "three murderers" has endless aftermath.From the palace to the people, this matter is being discussed everywhere, and the tone tends to change. There are more regrets than reprimands, and some people think that the handling is too much.One of the deepest insights is: Zaiyuan, Duanhua, and especially Sushun, since they are trusted by Emperor Daxing, naturally have their strengths and contributions. Could it be that the first emperor Bintian, before a hundred days, these three people will Become useless, heinous?Isn't it incredible!If it is said that these three people are villains in the first place and should not be reused at all, wouldn't that be the same as accusing the late emperor of being ignorant? These arguments had been heard a day or two ago, and when Sushun's head fell, more and more people would say fair words.Of course, it was just a private discussion, but it was enough to make Prince Gong uneasy. Huang Huang’s edict repeatedly emphasized the family law of the ancestors. If the Qing Dynasty’s discussion is circulated, it is against the original emperor’s original intention to act on the basis of “the present”, and it will have a great impact on morale and people’s hearts. , so, who should be responsible?Self-knowledge. This is the source of Prince Gong's uneasiness. For this reason, he convened a secret meeting with his confidants in Jianyuan that night to study the countermeasures that should be taken against this situation. "Of course it is based on peace of mind." Wen Xiang has always been outspoken on such occasions, "Among us banner people, there is such a saying: Veteran ministers of the three dynasties cut off their heads as soon as they said they would, leaving no room for the late emperor... .” Prince Gong became impatient, and interrupted him loudly, as if arguing with him: "That's because Sushun and the others didn't leave room for others, how can we say that we didn't leave room for the late emperor?" "That's right!" Wen Xiang replied calmly, "But Sushun has already obeyed the law, and no one will mention his mistakes any more." "People always compare themselves to others." Bao Jun also said, "We must quickly appease the clan, and don't let Su Shun and their remnant party have the opportunity to sow discord." "How to sow dissension?" Prince Gong asked with great attention: "Who are they?" "You don't need to ask." Gui Liang, who was mature and prudent, said, half persuading, half commanding, "Anyway, the words relayed by Bo Chuan just now made everyone feel insecure and turbulent." Prince Gong nodded deeply, settled his mind, accepted everyone's suggestions, and said forcefully: "Yes! It should be appeased." So Bao Jun said a way: "First of all, make a clear announcement, and the clan government will announce to the clan, stating that since the founding of the country, my clan has assisted the royal family and has been loyal to the royal family. Encourage me to prepare materials and implements. If you don’t self-check, Zaiyuan, Duanhua and other princes and ministers will not be able to bend the law, let alone the idle clan?” This meaning, both grace and power, is high-sounding, and everyone thinks it is very good.However, empty words of consolation are obviously not enough, so Wen Xiang brought up the record that Xu Pengshou, the Shaozhan incident, asked "to investigate and deal with party aid", and advocated the method of disposal, and should try to ease it. "What kind of relaxation? A person like Chen Fuen, who can be included in the "traitor and sycophant legend", is not punished again. How can we rectify the political style? And Huang Zonghan, how can we not ask about the crime of wronging the country?" Prince Gong's words sounded righteous and strict, and they had to be punished for the time being, so Gui Liang suggested that they be dismissed from office. King Gong thought the punishment was too light, so he decided to "never use it again".In addition, the servants Liu Kun and Cheng Qi, the Shaoqing De Jingjintai of Taipu Temple, and the alternate Jingtang Fuji were also dismissed, but there is no word "never use", and there is still hope of recovery in the future. After the decision was made, the next day the court made a statement, and Prince Gong first stated the meaning of stabilizing the political situation and inspiring people's hearts.The empress dowagers of the two palaces were naturally ready to play, and immediately drafted an order and submitted it.In addition, there were many routine government affairs, which were all dealt with quickly according to the agreement.The Empress Dowager Ci'an, who had never spoken, now had something to ask: "Zaiyuan, Duanhua, Sushun, what did they say yesterday?" Prince Gong already knew Sushun's rebellious voice, so naturally he would not play it, but it was inconvenient for him to conceal what Zaiyuan said to Prince Su, so he immediately replied: "Only Zaiyuan has something to say, and he still thinks about the title of Prince Yi. " "How about his title?" Empress Dowager Cixi immediately asked, "Should he be removed?" "Playing back with the Queen Mother, I'm afraid it won't work!" "how?" "Yi and Zheng are both 'hereditary replacements', and they can be dealt with in any way they commit crimes. Their titles are another matter." "Then what should we do? It should be inherited by their sons?" Cixi said again, "Zaiyuan has no sons, and Duanhua's son is Sushun, let alone a good breed!" "Even if they have a son, they may not be able to inherit it. According to the rules, the best and most capable successors will be selected from the close branches of the house." "Who will choose?" "Naturally, it is the emperor's choice." After saying this, Prince Gong felt that it was inappropriate, and immediately answered: "First, the clan's mansion and the military plane will jointly draft it, and please handle it." The Empress Dowager Cixi has already heard the inconsistency of the words. It is a great grace to be named a prince. She refused to give up easily, so she looked at the Empress Dowager Ci'an and said, "Take a look at it slowly! Of course you have to choose carefully." Pick it, and convince everyone." "Well! That's a good statement." "Prince Yi's 'hereditary replacement', I heard from Emperor Daxing said that it was given too much, it was a special kindness from Yongzheng Lord." At this point, Empress Dowager Cixi suddenly turned around and shouted: "Sister! " "Well! What?" "I said, isn't Liu Ye's contribution much greater than that of Prince Yi back then?" "Much bigger, of course." "In that case, I have something to say, I have to say it today!" Empress Dowager Cixi's expression suddenly became unusually solemn.This time, not only Prince Gong and the whole class of military ministers had to hold their breath to listen, even the Empress Dowager Ci'an looked at her with wide eyes. "I think the Emperor Daxing must have said this to my sister." The Empress Dowager Cixi looked at Ci'an, using this sentence as an introduction, and then facing the officials, announced the past in a solemn and deep voice: " It’s Chinese New Year this year, I can’t remember if it’s the first day or the second day of the new year, I waited for Emperor Daxing to read the booklets, and then we talked about Beijing. During the holidays, and he was fleeing, the Emperor Daxing naturally felt emotional! What Emperor Xing misses most is Master Liu. He sighed and told me that the war is in chaos. I left Lao Liu in Beijing to set up a government bureau. Things are going to be difficult. I’m afraid I won’t be able to survive this year!'” Prince Gong didn't know if her words were true or not?But naturally she would rather believe it, so taking advantage of the pause in her speech, he expressed his due attitude of thanking the late emperor, and said in an extremely mournful voice: "The late emperor's favor is as high as the sky and the earth is thick. Now that the bow and sword have returned, his voice and appearance have faded. This is the saddest thing for me!" "Who said it wasn't?" Cixi wiped her nose with a handkerchief, and then said: "The late emperor also told me the story in the study, that the two brothers figured out new tricks in sword and spear skills. The old man gave the gun the name 'Di Hua Xi Li' and the knife the name 'Bao E Xuan Wei'." This passage is true, and at the same time, Empress Dowager Ci'an also heard about it from Emperor Daxing, so she nodded and said, "That's right, there is such a saying." This seemed to testify for Cixi, so she spoke more and more seriously: "The late emperor also said that more than a dozen mothers were lost, and they were all raised by the Empress Dowager Kangci, so the relationship between him and Liu Ye The points are unmatched by other brothers. Last autumn, they fled to Rehe and threw a heavy burden to Liu Ye. Foreigners are unreasonable. Liu Ye presided over the Fuju Bureau. I don’t know how many grievances he suffered? It's really not easy, logically speaking, it should be given a 'hereditary replacement' just like how Lord Yongzheng treated Prince Yi back then." Hearing this passage, even the Empress Dowager Ci'an was surprised, but although it was a suspicious thing, because one was the Empress Dowager's dignity, and the other was death without proof, no one dared to express disbelief, just opened their eyes wide and waited for her Go on. "When I heard this, I naturally wanted to ask. I said, 'Then why didn't the emperor issue an order?' Do you know what the late emperor said?" Liu disapproves!' Then he said to me: "Keep my words in mind, and don't say anything in front of anyone. When I get back to Beijing, I'll make another decree. It's useless for Su Liu to object at that time." It turns out that the first emperor still had this painstaking effort!Including Prince Gong, no one could fully believe her words, only the loyal Empress Dowager Ci'an believed that the late Emperor was a person who valued emotions, and Cixi had no need to fabricate it, so she followed her words and said: "In this case, we You have to do as the late emperor said!" "By the way, that's exactly what I mean." The Empress Dowager Cixi looked at Gui Liang and said, "Gui Liang, ask someone to write a decree to see that Prince Gong's hereditary succession will not be replaced. In particular, it must be declared that this is the late emperor's last words." Before Guiliang could answer, Prince Gong already had tears in his eyes, prostrated himself on the ground, and said goodbye: "I am unworthy, and I have failed the late emperor's expectations. I really dare not take this kindness. Please, the two empress dowagers, take it back." "This is the meaning of the first emperor, and you should be given this kind of grace when you are rewarded for meritorious deeds." The Empress Dowager Cixi said again: "If you are guilty, you will not be punished, and if you have meritorious service, you will not be rewarded. Who else is willing to do things for the imperial court?" "The empress dowager is sage, the minister has no merit. The minister is really uneasy about talking about the undivided honor. This is not a minister's hypocrisy, it is..." Because the Qing discussion is terrible, saying that this "hereditary and irreplaceable" grace is nothing more than killing Su Shun's reward is mediocre, but it's inconvenient to say it clearly, so I can only kowtow again and again. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager Cixi had to put it aside temporarily.After he retreated, Prince Gong quickly gave another note of modesty, the wording was extremely practical.The empress dowagers of the two palaces discussed for a long time, and decided to "please follow the aunt's request" and wait until the emperor became an adult to take charge of the government before handling it. At present, the prince's double salary will be rewarded first. On the next day, the eighth day of October, the encyclical was finally lowered.Prince Gong knew it well, this was not some "decree of kindness" from the late emperor, it was just an expression of the Empress Dowager Cixi's hope that he would discuss the curtain regulations as soon as possible.