novelonline Chapter 1541 Jia Heng: Should I also strip him of his title of Prince? To appease the people inside
Chapter 1541 Jia Heng: Should I also strip him of his title of Prince? To appease the people inside
Chapter 1541 Jia Heng: Should I also strip him of his title of Prince? To appease the people inside and outside the court?
Jinyifu, Imperial Prison
Qiu Liang was taken by several Jinyifu officers to the torture room on one side of the imperial prison. There were tables and chairs inside, and all kinds of torture instruments were placed on the other side.
Qu Lang sat down at a lacquered wooden table and stared at the dishevelled Qiu Liang. His eyes flickered and he said in a cold voice, "Qiu Liang, you can tell me now."
Qiu Liang considered his words carefully and said, "Some time ago, Qiu was assassinated and it was the White Lotus Sect member who saved Qiu."
Qu Lang's eyes flickered, and he sat up straight and asked, "Oh?"
I originally thought it was just a frame-up, but I didn't expect Qiu Liang to actually collude with the White Lotus Demon. This was really beyond my expectation.
Qiu Liang said loudly: "Qiu later met Chen Yuan, the remnant of King Zhao. He tried every means to win over Qiu, but Qiu was an official appointed by the court and was deeply favored by two generations of emperors. How could I collude with him? His Majesty in the palace even conferred Qiu the title of Earl. How great is the emperor's favor?"
Qu Lang looked at him fiercely with his sword-like brows, and said in a cold voice: "But just after you saw the new emperor for the last time, the new emperor was assassinated. Who would believe you if you said that you were not instigated by the White Lotus Sect to assassinate the new emperor?"
Qiu Liang said: "There is someone else who plotted to murder the new emperor, but I don't know the details. Even if it was done by the White Lotus Demon, they would not tell me."
I'm afraid that Jia Heng, seeing that the truth was exposed, killed people to silence them.
However, facing Jia Heng's lackey, it is not appropriate to say such words.
Qu Lang said coldly: "No matter what, as the commander of the Jinyi Palace, you were ordered by the late emperor to arrest the White Lotus Demon. Because you received his favor, you forgot your own duties and tolerated the White Lotus Demon's evil deeds outside. This is an extremely heinous crime."
Qiu Liang argued urgently, "Qiu was confused for the moment, but we can cooperate with the Jinyi Mansion to lure out the White Lotus Demon and capture him in one fell swoop!"
Qu Lang's eyes flickered under his stern brows, and he said, "Can you tell me in detail how to lure out the White Lotus Monster?"
Qiu Liang thought about it, then organized his words and told Qu Lang the whole story.
After listening to what Qiu Liang said, Qu Lang looked thoughtful. He immediately called a Jinyi Guard and went to Ningguo Mansion to report to Jia Heng.
Godly City, Ningguo Mansion
Jia Heng and Chen Xiao sat opposite each other across an apricot-yellow chessboard. Gu Ruoqing, who was wearing a green skirt and had a slim and graceful figure, sat not far away, helping Jia Heng watch the game.
During these days, apart from going to the palace to mourn the new emperor, Jia Heng returned home and played chess with Chen Xiao and Gu Ruoqing as a pastime.
Gu Ruoqing's cold and beautiful face was brighter and prettier than usual, and she said softly, "Your side cannon is going to be eaten by her."
Jia Heng glanced at Gu Ruoqing, his eyes flickered, and he said, "A true gentleman is Ruoqing, who watches chess without speaking."
Gu Ruoqing snorted, and a hint of coldness appeared in her cold eyes. She said, "You are a general commanding thousands of troops, but you can't even defeat my junior sister. I gave you some advice, but you don't even appreciate it."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Your apprentice sister is also a master of military tactics. It's not normal that she can't defeat you."
At this time, a maid lifted the curtain and entered the side room. She said softly to the young man in the python robe, "Your Highness, there is a man outside who claims to be the Grand Secretary of the Wuying Palace. He handed over his business card and said he has something important to discuss with you, Your Highness."
Jia Heng was surprised when he heard this, then he looked at Chen Xiao and said softly, "Someone is coming."
Apart from Li Zan, there seemed to be no one else who could be the Grand Secretary of Wuying Palace.
Chen Xiao raised his eyebrows, his eyes were bright, and he whispered, "Go ahead, I will play a game of chess with my senior sister."
As Jia Heng spoke, he stood up and went to the outer room.
At this moment, in the flower hall, the Prime Minister Li Zan, dressed in casual clothes, sat on a red lacquered nanmu chair with a backrest, sitting upright with a vigorous look on his face. He held a cup of tea in his hand and took a sip with his head down.
When he raised his eyes, his sharp gaze flashed as he observed the surrounding furnishings.
In the mansions of dukes and marquises, the tables, chairs, screens and vases all exude an indescribable air of nobility.
Since you are already rich and powerful, why should you seek further?
Don’t you know that the moon waxes and wanes, and the water overflows when it is full?
Li Zan sighed softly in his heart and a solemn look appeared on his face.
Thinking about how to persuade the Prince of Wei.
After a while, I heard footsteps coming from the eaves of the outer corridor. After a while, I saw the young man in python robes stepping into the hall. A prosperous smile appeared on his calm and resolute face. When he came closer, he bowed to me and said, "Lord Li, why didn't you say hello in advance? I could have opened the middle door to welcome you in advance."
At this moment, Jia Heng looked at the old man in casual clothes, and had some guesses about his purpose.
Li Zan stood up from his seat, straightened his face and bowed to the young man in the python robe, cupped his hands and said, "Prince Wei."
Jia Heng asked, "Lord Li, why are you here this time?"
Li Zan said, "Prince Wei, I am here to discuss the political situation with you."
Jia Heng's expression paused slightly, and his cold eyes were filled with a hint of thought. He said, "This is not a place to talk. Please invite Lord Li to the study to have a chat."
Li Zan stood up and went to the study while the two were talking.
In the study, Jia Heng and Li Zan sat down as host and guest respectively. The servant brought them a cup of fragrant tea and then slowly left.
Jia Heng sat down, his eyes fixed and flickered, he looked at Li Zan quietly, and asked in surprise: "Lord Li, why are you here this time?"
Li Zan said in a deep voice: "Prince Wei, yesterday, the Queen went to Wuying Palace and mentioned to Gao Zhongping and me that she wanted to confer the title of Prince on Prince Wei."
While Li Zan was speaking, he observed the changes in Jia Heng's expression with his eyes, and a hint of consideration appeared in his bright eyes.
When Jia Heng heard this, his eyes flickered and he looked slightly surprised. He said, "I wonder what Lord Li means by this?"
Li Zan was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Prince Wei wants to be crowned a prince?"
Jia Heng frowned, his eyes flickered, and asked, "What do you mean by that, Lord Li? This matter was discussed between the Empress and the Cabinet. Lord Li asked me what I thought, so what can I say?"
Li Zan looked at the young man in the python robe with a sharp gaze and said loudly, "Didn't Prince Wei ask the Queen for it?"
Jia Heng said, "A national treasure should not be given lightly, let alone asked for. This prince has indeed never mentioned this matter to the queen."
When Li Zan heard this, there was still some doubt on his face.
The two fell into silence for a moment.
Jia Heng nodded, his eyes flickered, and he looked at Li Zan and said, "Lord Li, is there anything else?"
Li Zan was silent for a moment, then said in a clear voice: "Prince Wei, the cabinet has agreed to the Queen's request. When the new emperor ascends the throne in a few days, Prince Wei will be conferred the title of Prince."
Jia Heng heard this, his expression unchanged, and asked, "What is the meaning of Lord Li telling me this?"
Li Zan stared at the young man in the python robe opposite him with a burning gaze and said, "I hope the Prince of Wei can write a letter to decline the offer."
Jia Heng: "..."
Li Zan stared at the young man in the python robe opposite him with his thin brows, and said loudly: "Since the founding of our dynasty, there has never been a prince of a different surname. The court and the people are suspicious of this. The Prince of Wei is sincere, and we cabinet ministers all know it, but the civil and military officials in the court and the people have many doubts about this."
Jia Heng said in a gentle voice: "If I don't confer the title of Prince, won't the government and the people be suspicious? Or if the civil and military officials in the government and the people are suspicious of my title of Prince, should I still remove my title of Prince of a County? To reassure the people inside and outside the government?"
Li Zan's expression changed, and he didn't know how to refute what Jia Heng said.
Jia Heng's eyes flickered, and he whispered, "Who is Jia? Others don't know, not even Lord Li knows."
Under the gaze of the young man in the python robe, Li Zan became speechless for a moment.
Jia Heng said: "Lord Li, don't listen to the words of those treacherous people who are trying to alienate the generals and ministers, otherwise they will be a threat to our Han Dynasty."
When Li Zan heard this, he didn't know what to say for a moment.
Jia Heng looked sincere and said in a loud voice: "Lord Li, the new emperor was assassinated after ascending the throne. The Han Dynasty still needs you and me to work together to overcome the difficulties."
Li Zan nodded and said loudly, "What the Prince of Wei said is very true. The Han Dynasty was established for a hundred years. Through Taizu, Taizong, Renzong, and Xianzong, the empire was ruled by the people. How could such a theft of the sacred artifacts happen?"
No matter what, the young man in the python robe has a large army in his hands. If he really wants to usurp the throne, all the people in the world will surely rise up and attack him.
Of course, this was also a warning to the young man in the python costume not to do anything wrong.
Jia Heng nodded, his face showing a righteous expression, and said in a deep voice: "If this really happens, Jia will be the first one to disagree."
Li Zan's sharp eyes flickered under his thin brows, and he said in a gentle voice, "What Prince Wei said is very true."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Lord Li, the mausoleum of Emperor Xianzong should be completed as soon as possible. It is too ominous to place the coffins of two generations of emperors in the same hall."
Li Zan nodded and whispered, "Prince Wei is right. Elder Qi has already recruited a lot of men to speed up the construction of the mausoleum. The mausoleum of Emperor Xianzong will be built during this period."
Jia Heng paused for a moment, then said in a clear voice: "First, bury Emperor Xianzong as soon as possible. As for Emperor Guangzong, the mausoleum should also be built as soon as possible."
It is really inappropriate to have the coffins of two generations of emperors placed in the same hall.
However, Emperor Chongping died of illness due to overwork and worry, so it could not be considered an unexpected death, while the new emperor was rather miserable.
After that, the two chatted for a while, and Jia Heng sent Li Zan away. He stood under the eaves in front of the study, his face changing constantly, and for a moment he was filled with inexplicable emotion.
Li Zan came here this time to test his attitude, or to see what he thought. Although his behavior just now did not strictly conform to the character of a noble and upright person, it was also human nature.
After all, he was a prince, and it was hard to say that he had the ambition to replace the Han Dynasty.
Jia Heng thought about it, said nothing more, and turned to go towards Cong Lutang.
At this moment, Chen Xiao and Gu Ruoqing were still playing a game of chess.
Chen Xiaoxiu raised his eyebrows, looked up at the young man in the python robe, a hint of doubt appeared in his eyes, and said, "What did Li Zan say when he came here?"
Jia Heng said softly, "I didn't say anything, but I just wanted to submit a petition to resign the title of Prince of a County. How is that possible?"
Chen Xiao's eyes flickered, and he said softly, "This is a call of righteousness. I want you to know what's interesting and resign the title of Prince."
Jia Heng thought for a moment, raised his eyebrows, and said with a twinkle in his eyes, "Even if he comes to visit, there is no guarantee that after a while, the censors will come out to impeach him."
Chen Xiao whispered: "This is beyond doubt."
At this moment, Gu Ruoqing paused, nodded, and said loudly: "What are you going to do next?"
Jia Heng said: "Let's wait for the imperial edict drafted by the cabinet in the next few days."
It can be said that the position of prince is already the pinnacle. As for being awarded the Nine Gifts, it is unlikely because it is a ceremony for the emperor and a prerequisite for usurping the throne.
Chen Xiao nodded, his eyes paused, and he said in a gentle voice: "News just came from Jinyi Mansion. Qiu Liang confessed and is willing to lure Chen Yuan and others out."
Jia Heng raised his eyebrows, his eyes flickered, and whispered, "No need, let Qu Lang kill him."
As long as Qiu Liang is alive, if his affair with two generations of queens is revealed, the harm caused will be even greater.
As for Chen Yuan, if he wanted to arrest him, it was not without a way.
Chen Xiao said in a gentle voice: "Then I'll tell someone to do it."
Soon, he came closer and said softly, "In the past few days, Xie Zaiyi has completely controlled the Beijing Camp, and the soldiers and horses have controlled the defense of Shenjing City."
Jia Heng raised his eyebrows, pondered for a moment, and said in a low voice: "At this point, the overall situation has been decided."
It can be said that the current court situation has become one in which he is the only one in power. Of course, the civil cabinet still restrains him in terms of righteousness.
On the other side, the Jinyifu Prison——
The torture chamber was filled with deep darkness, and the surrounding torture instruments emitted a cold light under the light.
After listening to Qiu Liang's story, Qu Lang's eyes were deep under his sword-like eyebrows, and he said in a clear voice: "Come here, have someone sign his name for him."
At this moment, the experience officer at the side had already recorded everything Qiu Liang had just said in detail in the book.
Qiu Liang was bending over the desk at this moment, pressing his finger into the red cotton yarn, and then onto a page of rice paper, leaving a red finger print.
Qiu Liang said softly, "Commander Qu, I can cooperate with Jinyifu to trick Chen Yuan's men out."
Qu Lang frowned, his expression paused, and he whispered, "I need to report this matter to Prince Wei."
Qiu Liang's heart suddenly skipped a beat. Should he report this to Jia Heng?
Will Jia Heng let him go? Most likely he won't!
After all, he knew about Jia Heng's biggest scandal, and he had a deep grudge against him before.
Just as Qiu Liang was feeling uneasy, he heard footsteps coming from outside the torture room, coming closer and closer, and it seemed that every footstep was stepping on Qiu Liang's heart.
Soon, a young officer in a flying fish uniform with an embroidered spring sword on his waist came quickly and said, "Command."
As he spoke, he came to Qu Lang's side and whispered a few words in his ear.
Qu Lang's eyes flickered at this moment, and he looked at Qiu Liang, with a hint of ferocity in his eyes, and said, "Come here, send Qiu Liang on his way."
Qiu Liang: “…”
Sure enough, the kid didn't want to let him go at all!
Qiu Liang's face was as gloomy as iron, and he said anxiously: "Qu Lang, you promised me."
Qu Lang's face was as gloomy as iron. He paused for a moment and said in a cold voice, "When did this commander ever promise you? Now that you have confessed your guilt, you should be punished."
At this moment, Liu Jixian and two strong men in brocade clothes came forward, took a coarse hemp rope and put it around Qiu Liang's neck, then pulled it tight with great force.
Qiu Liang's face was ashen, his heart sank to the bottom of the valley, and he said anxiously: "I want to see Prince Wei, I want to see Prince Wei, I can also be loyal to him!"
As he spoke, his voice became more urgent.
However, Qu Lang sneered and said in a gentle voice: "The prince does not accept everyone under his command."
At this moment, several strong men used all their strength to tighten the ropes in their hands, and suddenly entangled Qiu Liang's neck. Not long after, Qiu Liang's face turned blue, his eyes widened, and his body trembled violently.
After a while, his tongue stuck out of his mouth and he died instantly.
Liu Jixian nodded, his eyes paused, and he said in a gentle voice: "Commander, the person has been strangled to death."
Qu Lang's face was as cold as iron, and he said in a loud voice: "Send someone to report to the prince, and make other arrangements, waiting for the White Lotus Demon to hijack the prison."
Liu Jixian responded lightly and didn't say anything else.
Qu Lang took a deep breath, ordered the Jinyiwei captains serving around him to dispose of Qiu Liang's body, and then left the Jinyiwei prison.
……
……