A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 296 There is only one truth

Gao Jixun was a son of a military family and fought in foreign wars for many years.

Whether it was easily defeating the rebels in Yizhou, winning several major victories against the Liao Kingdom, or guarding the frontier for many years, his military achievements were truly remarkable.

When Emperor Renzong of Song ascended the throne, he was specially recruited to serve as a palace guard.

At this moment, Gao Jixun stood protectively in front of Zhao Zhen.

He ordered the Imperial Guards to take control of everyone on board.

After confirming that no one could threaten the emperor's safety, Gao Jixun strode over to Song Xuan, the top scholar who was examining the corpse.

Gao Jixun also attended the wedding banquet that Cao Liyong invited him to, and he also drank with Song Xuan.

At that time, Gao Jixun thought that Song Xuan had a handsome face and was so strong that he would surely make a name for himself in the army.

But how could they possibly share a pot with these soldiers who were just fighting among themselves?

But at this moment, Gao Jixun realized that Song Xuan was incredibly bold.

The craftsman fell from a height and died a gruesome death.

But Song Xuan just started touching the corpse without any hesitation.

If we were to include the scholars that Gao Jixun knew.

They wouldn't say they were scared to death, but they would be so scared that they would wail in terror.

They didn't even dare to step forward easily.

For example, when the official suddenly saw the dead body, he trembled.

The man before him, however, remained calm and composed. Gao Jixun even suspected that Song Zhuangyuan, who was examining the corpse, had someone's life on his hands.

Otherwise, a normal person would never react so calmly upon seeing a fresh corpse!
However, Gao Jixun didn't care whether Song Xuan had killed anyone or not, and simply cooperated by saying:
"Scholar Song, are you calling the coroner here?"

Gao Jixun knew that Song Xuan was now serving as the magistrate of Kaifeng County.

With a murder occurring in his jurisdiction, and in front of the emperor, how could he not "show off" a little?
Besides, autopsies are a job that most people can't do.

Song Xuan grabbed the craftsman's hand and examined it carefully:

"No need, the people outside don't know what happened."

"You just need to have someone keep watch and prevent others from getting close or leaving."

"If it's a murder, then the murderer is on the ship."

"So as not to dampen everyone's enthusiasm."

In Song Xuan's view, if it wasn't an accidental fall, then it was a typical locked-room murder case.

The entire dragon boat was on the river, and after the incident, no one jumped into the water.

Unless a highly skilled person emerges who can hold their breath underwater for about fifteen minutes and thus deceive everyone, it's impossible to succeed.

But a mere shipwright doesn't need such an assassin, does he?

Gao Jixun nodded in agreement, indicating that Song Xuan's words made sense.

In particular, the Empress Dowager and the families of many civil and military officials were present.

If a murder occurs at the scene, how should the others conduct themselves?
"Someone, count everyone on the ship, make sure no one is missed."

After Gao Jixun finished giving his instructions,

Immediately, many imperial guards began running on the ships.

Searching for people everywhere.

Even the oarsmen were called up.

When everyone saw the dead body, they were terrified, fearing they would be implicated.

They all obediently squatted to the side as the Imperial Guards had instructed.

Zhao Zhen then summoned Zhao De for questioning.

Song Xuan looked at Zhao De, the Assistant Minister of Works:
"do you know him?"

"I recognize it."

Zhao De spoke directly:

"Let Magistrate Song know that this man's name is Chen Dalang."

"He was originally a boat builder from Suzhou. He was conscripted to Tokyo to build dragon boats. He was very skilled. Today, when he went to hang the flag, he accidentally slipped and fell."

Song Xuan nodded and said, "Then do you know his character?"

"I don't know."

Zhao Zhen walked over, his face somewhat grim, and asked in a low voice:

"Twelfth Brother, what have you discovered?"

"Nothing was found; it looks like it fell by accident."

Song Xuan answered Zhao Zhen's question.

Yu Guang glanced at Zhao De, the clerk of the Ministry of Works, observing his expression.

"Pity."

Zhao Zhen breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as it's not a murder case, it's fine.

Moreover, murdering a craftsman is simply unacceptable.

"After all, they built the dragon boat for me, so the imperial court should provide compensation."

Zhao De listened to the conversation between the emperor and his minister and subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

He then spoke:

“Scholar Song is right. It was the shipwright who accidentally slipped and disturbed Your Majesty. I cannot shirk my responsibility.”

Song Xuan nodded, ignoring him.

Zhao Zhen, however, inquired in detail with Zhao De about Chen Dalang's affairs.

Song Xuan went to ask the other craftsmen if they had seen where Chen Dalang had hung the flag and fallen down.

Then Song Xuan was taken up by the other craftsmen.

The sudden death of Chen Dalang left many craftsmen with lingering fear and sorrow on their faces.

Zhao Zhen and the others naturally followed.

Song Xuan stood on high ground, first surveyed the scene, and then ordered the Imperial Guards to find some fine soil.

Zhao Zhen did not understand:
"What does Twelfth Brother mean by this?"

“I need to confirm whether he really fell by accident before I can close the case. After all, it's just a shipwright who died. Zhao Yuhou, don't you think so?”

Zhao De, the commander of the guards, just chuckled awkwardly and didn't respond.

Song Xuan took a sieve and started to spread soil on top, gradually revealing the footprints.

He squatted down and observed it carefully for a while:
"Something's not right. These aren't just one person's footprints."

"It's perfectly normal for many people to come and walk on the dragon boat even though it's not finished yet."

Gao Jixun watched as Song Xuan stepped forward and kindly reminded him:
“Scholar Song, don’t get so close, it’s dangerous.”

Song Xuan turned around and said, "Deputy Commander Gao, lend me your sword."

Gao Jixun didn't understand, but he ordered the Imperial Guards to step forward and hand it to Song Xuan.

Even if the top scholar of the Song Dynasty couldn't actually do something as crazy as assassinating the emperor, Gao Jixun couldn't hand over his sword because of his duty.

Song Xuan took the knife, placed it horizontally in the air, and then let go.

The entire knife wobbled and crashed down.

It landed about one meter inside Chen Dalang's body.

"Your Majesty, this doesn't seem like an accident. It looks like Chen Dalang was pushed hard when he fell."

"Ok?"

Song Xuan came back again:
"Your Majesty, perhaps Chen Dalang did not fall by accident, but committed suicide!"

"Huh?" Zhao Zhen asked, puzzled.

Even the craftsmen didn't understand.

After all, Song Xuan had introduced himself when he spoke with them, and these craftsmen from out of town had heard of Song Xuan's reputation.

But unexpectedly, the renowned top scholar of the Song Dynasty came to such a conclusion.

He seems like an incompetent official no matter how you look at it!
"Your Majesty, I suspect that Chen Dalang deliberately did a high-flying backflip, landing headfirst on the deck and dying instantly."

Song Xuan demonstrated for Zhao Zhen on the spot, much like a diver.

Startled, Zhao Zhen quickly ordered the imperial guards to support Song Xuan, hoping to prevent this from happening.

"Moreover, Chen Dalang broke through the human subconscious and did not take any defensive stance at all."

Song Xuan's playful words made Zhao Zhen suspect something was amiss.

"So he was pushed down?"

Zhao Zhen's expression changed:

"Whom would a shipwright from out of town make an enemy of when he comes to the capital to perform corvée labor?"

Gao Jixun also felt that what Song Xuan said made no sense.

The dragon boat was almost finished, and he was about to go home. How could he commit suicide?

Song Xuan pointed to the back of Zhao De's hand:

"Hey, Zhao Yuhou, how did you get a tear in your sleeve?"

"what?"

Zhao De, the Assistant Minister of Works, quickly reached up to cover his sleeve:

"I don't know when it broke."

Where were you when the incident occurred?

"I'm checking the process in the attic."

"Is there any witness?"

Zhao De, the Assistant Minister of Works, shook his head repeatedly:
"There was no witness, just me all by myself."

Song Xuan nodded, then pointed at him and said:

"Then there's only one truth: Deputy Commander Gao, help me apprehend Zhao Yuhou; he's the murderer!"

Zhao Zhen quickly looked at Zhao De beside him, his eyes filled with shock.

Gao Jixun didn't waste any words; with just a glance, the Imperial Guards were brought under control.

Regardless of whether he was the murderer or not, Gao Jixun didn't have many problems; he was just a minor official.

"Injustice! I am innocent!"

Zhao De looked at the emperor and shouted:

"I didn't kill him, I didn't kill him."

"You didn't kill him?"

"Yes, I didn't kill him," Zhao De hurriedly protested. "The tattered sleeve was in my bosom. I'm innocent!"

The imperial guards pulled the tattered cloth from Zhao De's pocket, which matched perfectly with Zhao De's tattered cuff.

"Twelfth Brother, this is..."

As the emperor, Zhao Zhen naturally needed to see the evidence.

Song Xuan pointed to the corpse below and said, "Who said I determined you were the murderer by looking at your cuffs?"

Zhao De looked at Song Xuan with suspicion and uncertainty.

“I just checked everyone. Those craftsmen are prone to having cuts on their fingers, the kind that never heal.”

"If the fresh bits of meat under Chen Dalang's fingernails aren't yours, whose are they?"

"what?"

Zhao Zhen initially thought Song Xuan had said that Zhao De's sleeve was torn.

It was only when Chen Dalang clung tightly to Zhao De's sleeve before he died that the flaw was revealed.

Little did they expect that Song Xuan's words were a ruse, and the wounds were the true evidence.

Gao Jixun glanced around and noticed the strip-shaped wound on Zhao De's hand.

The imperial guards immediately restrained Zhao De's injured hand and showed it to the emperor.

As for Zhao De's pained grimaces, he didn't care at all.

"You pushed him down, then ran down again, panting, and snatched the strip of cloth from his hand to confirm that he was lifeless."

Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice:

"When I saw you panting earlier, I thought you had seen someone fall and rushed over to check the scene like me, but it turned out you were destroying evidence."

"It's really you!"

Anger flashed in Zhao Zhen's eyes:

"You, a high-ranking official of the Song Dynasty, have dared to wantonly murder a shipwright!"

Zhao De continued shouting:

"Unjustly accused."

"I am wronged."

"I scratched this wound because it was itchy, it was definitely not scratched by Chen Dalang."

Song Xuan didn't care: "My master once said that there are only a few motives for murder in the world."

He stretched out his hand and fiddled with it, saying: "Love crime, money crime, revenge crime, sex crime, revenge, mental illness, accidental killing."

There are two other situations that Song Xuan did not disclose: political motives and religious motives.

Song Xuan pressed his fingers back down:

"We can rule out crimes of passion and crimes of rape. If you were mentally ill, you wouldn't have killed only one person."

“Revenge and vendetta, I don’t understand how an official could retaliate against a lowly shipwright.”

Song Xuan's fingers were down to just a "V" sign: "So, was it murder for financial gain or accidental killing?"

"Accidental killing".

Zhao De immediately knelt on the ground:

"Your Majesty, I really didn't mean to. I was just scared. I asked him to hang the flag and gave him a special instruction, but who would have thought he would slip and I couldn't hold him back."

"I didn't mean to hide it, I really didn't."

"I really didn't mean to hide it."

"Who would have thought the officials would arrive so suddenly? I panicked and tried to cover it up."

"Please, Your Majesty, have mercy!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen's face showed displeasure.

But he could understand.

Song Xuan walked over, squatted down in front of Zhao De, began to feel around, and pulled out a small booklet:

"Oh my, what kind of ledger is this?"

Zhao De's expression changed drastically. He gritted his teeth and tried to push Song Xuan down, but found himself being pushed and staggering.

"Hold him down."

Gao Jixun shouted loudly.

If something were to happen to Scholar Song, he would be held responsible!
Two imperial guards immediately pinned him down.

"Twelfth brother."

Zhao Zhen also cried out in lingering fear.

Song Xuan opened the booklet and looked at it: "One hundred pine logs, thirty actually delivered!"

"So that's where the motive for the murder came from."

Zhao Zhen took the booklet from Song Xuan with an incredulous look and glanced at it.

Then, on Gao Jixun's advice, they decided to conduct the interrogation temporarily inside the palace on the dragon boat, as this would be safer.

Zhao Zhen's anger remained unabated.

This Zhao De has deceived me time and time again!

Isn't he treating me like a child?
What Zhao Zhen found most distressing was that if Song Xuan hadn't been there, he would have been tricked!
They actually believed what Zhao De said.

This is what makes Zhao Zhen uncomfortable.

They all dared to deceive me in public.

Tolerable or unbearable!
The shadow cast by his mother's regency and his unhappy marriage shaped Zhao Zhen's later weak and scholarly personality.

He looked at Zhao De with such rage that he wished he could skin him alive to vent his anger.

Gao Jixun looked at Song Xuan and thought to himself that he was more than qualified to be a county magistrate!

In just a short while, we'll know who the murderer is.

In fact, Gao Jixun was also fooled by Zhao De's words.

Nobody wants to be the one who accidentally kills someone.

But that's how it happened; the judgment had to be made according to the laws of the Song Dynasty, and ultimately submitted to the emperor for a final decision.

Song Xuan stood condescendingly before Zhao De:
"Tell me, you were just about to kill me to silence me, what else are you afraid to say?"

"Humph."

Zhao De turned his head away immediately, not even glancing at Song Xuan.

"I won't say anything!"

"Have some backbone."

Song Xuan nodded, but then heard Zhao Zhen slam his fist on the table in anger:

"Beat him for me!"

"Beat him until he tells you!"

"Yes."

The Imperial Guards were to resolutely carry out the Emperor's orders.

The stick came up and struck his spine directly.

Zhao De wailed for a long time, but refused to say anything.

"Even if the emperor beats me to death, it's just a matter of saying I accidentally fell to my death; it has nothing to do with me."

“I didn’t ask you about Chen Dalang’s death; I think I was asking about this ledger.”

Zhao Zhen stood up. He understood that Chen Dalang must be highly skilled and naturally knew how much wood was needed to build the dragon boat.

However, the records in the ledgers all show discrepancies between the actual purchases and the actual receipts.

No wonder the dragon boat can't be repaired every year, and we have to bring people from other places to Beijing.

So that's where the root of the problem lies!

Zhao De looked up at Zhao Zhen:

"Your Majesty, I don't know the contents of the account book. May I take a look?"

"You still want to deceive me!"

Zhao Zhen was furious, and in his anger, he came down and kicked Zhao De several times.

This was the first time he had encountered such a thorny problem while presiding over a case as emperor.

"Give me twenty more strokes of the cane!"

Zhao De smiled:
"Your Majesty, the imperial edict of the second year of the Tiansheng era stipulated that interrogations should not exceed three times. Does Your Majesty intend to lead the way in violating this rule?"

Zhao Zhen couldn't hold back any longer, and his eyes turned slightly red.

You actually dared to use my imperial edict against me!
He originally thought it was to prevent lower-level officials from being tortured into confessing and causing harm to the people.

As a result, the villain used it on himself.

Zhao Zhen was furious!

"Your Majesty, stop wasting words with him. Since he has already confessed, then sign and put your fingerprints on it. A life for a life. Sentence him to death to avenge Chen Dalang."

"Moreover, he was also corrupt. In that case, we should directly exile the men of Zhao De's family to Lingnan and send the women to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution)."

Song Xuan calmly finished writing the petition and had Zhao De sign and affix his seal. He had done this for Zhang Hang before, so it was no problem for him.

Zhao De's expression changed drastically upon hearing this.

He dared to say such things because he was certain that he would not be killed, nor would his family be implicated.

"You can't kill me!" Zhao De tried to stand up:
"I was in charge of the Yellow River flood control project. If you kill me, Tokyo will be flooded in two months!"

"Hmph, we'll see when the time comes."

Song Xuan said nonchalantly:

"It's true that everyone in the world must abide by the laws of the Great Song Dynasty, but that doesn't include the Emperor. Sign it."

“Special case, special procedure. I’ll execute you in a moment. I reckon there’s a lot of vested interests behind you. I’m just a kid, and I’m too lazy to delve into the darkness of officialdom. We’ll talk about it when we’re older.”

Zhao De was stunned by what Song Xuan said:

"You can't kill me! I'm still useful!"

Because in his view, the normal trial process is not like this.

"I already said, we'll handle this as a special case!"

Song Xuan turned around and smiled, "Your Majesty, is this a special case?"

"Anyway, I have already given him a chance, so let Magistrate Song handle it. I will agree without question."

"Easy to say."

Song Xuan smiled and looked at Zhao De:

"Don't even think about appealing or getting a review. I know the laws of the Song Dynasty better than you do. Murder cases are usually sent by the Ministry of Justice to the Emperor for review to determine whether it was murder."

"You, who have no official rank, don't need to be sent to the Dali Temple for further review. The Emperor himself is here and agrees on the spot; the procedure is correct."

Zhao De was dumbfounded.

"Do you know that in Yingtian Prefecture, people don't pick up lost items on the road and don't lock their doors at night? So who solved all those cases?"

"Of course it's me!"

Song Xuan shrugged and smiled:
"You're unlucky to have met me."

"Hey, Chen Dalang, you'd better slow down. It won't be long before the person who killed you comes to accompany you."

Gao Jixun listened to Song Xuan boasting.

He had been hearing from his son Gao Zunfu that he was on official business in Yingtian Prefecture and hadn't been home for a long time. He didn't know if what Song Xuan said was true.
I'll go home today and ask my third son about it.

Zhao De swallowed hard, looking at Song Xuan with suspicion and uncertainty.

"Your Majesty, let's end Zhao De's life right here, so as not to delay our dragon boat race."

Song Xuan launched another attack, and Zhao Zhen nodded:

“What Twelfth Brother said makes sense. This man is extremely wicked and dared to deceive me in public. Kill him.”

The imperial guards around Gao Jixun immediately drew their swords, but Song Xuan forced them back down.
"There's no need to kill him with a knife; that would only offend the officials. Just take him to a high place and let him die the same way as Chen Dalang. I think he even tried to push me off to my death just now."

"I suspect Zhao Yuhou quite liked this way of dying, so let's just fulfill his dream."

"Very good."

"Do as Twelfth Brother instructs." "Yes, sir."

Gao Jixun grabbed Zhao De and led him out of the palace gate, heading upwards.

Zhao De's legs went weak, and he hurriedly shouted:
"I confess, I confess."

Song Xuan ignored him, but Gao Jixun did not stop and led Zhao De directly to the position where the flagpole was hanging.

Zhao De clung tightly to the flagpole with both hands:

"Grandpa Song, I really confess!"

"Spare me, spare me!"

"The founding emperor decreed that scholars and officials, as well as those who submit memorials to the emperor, must not be killed."

"I am a scholar! I am a scholar!"

Song Xuan looked down at Chen Dalang's lifeless body, face up, eyes wide open, and clicked his tongue twice:

"Even if you were given the opportunity, it wouldn't be of any use!"

"You dare to humiliate the officials? You're asking for death."

"I didn't, I didn't!"

Zhao De quickly spoke up:

"Just spare my life and send me to Lingnan, and I'll tell you everything."

Song Xuan glanced at him: "Who would try to save you?"

"Ding Yan, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works".

Song Xuan had never heard of this person's name before, and guessed that he was not a member of Ding Wei's clan.

Because of his misfortune, his younger brother and sons were all dismissed from their posts.

Ding said he himself was in dire need of protection.

Why did you kill Chen Dalang?

"The dragon boat was made with substandard materials. Chen Dalang discovered this and reported it, but it was suppressed. He plans to report it himself when he rows the boat for the officials on the Dragon Boat Festival today."

Song Xuan nodded:
"Just because of this, can't you give him some money?"

"Even a small test with money?"

"Don't you even understand the saying 'spending money to avoid disaster'?"

Zhao De didn't respond.

How could people like them possibly "bribe" a lowly shipwright?
Song Xuan sighed: "Whether you live or not, I don't know. You should ask the Emperor."

"Deputy Commander Gao, send men to tie him up here."

"I'll go and report this to the authorities."

"it is good."

Gao Jixun then instructed his men to keep a close watch on him and tie him up to prevent him from committing suicide out of fear of punishment.

He went back with Song Xuan.

Zhao De finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as he wasn't executed immediately, there was still hope for his survival.

Song Xuan walked up the stairs: "Deputy Commander Gao, do you know who this Ding Yan is?"

"The cousin of Ding Du, a Hanlin Academician and Imperial Edict Drafter."

Song Xuan slowed his pace by half a step; he had seen this person before.

He heard from his father-in-law that Ding Du was competing with Li Di for the position of Hanlin Academician.

Tinto naturally won.

Li Di, the former prime minister, did not rise to the position and has now been transferred to a post outside the capital, taking over Yan Shu's post.

Who is Ding Du working for?
Lü Yijian, on the other hand, became a member of the Empress Dowager's faction.

"Thank you."

Gao Jixun didn't say much.

He understood that a mere officer would never try to profit from such an important matter.

There must be someone above protecting him.

As for the flood control project on the Yellow River that I just mentioned, Gao Jixun also guessed that something must have gone wrong.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been repaired every year, and the Yellow River wouldn't have flooded into Tokyo every year.

Whether the water level reaches a person's ankles or thighs depends on the extent of the Yellow River's flooding.

Song Xuan entered the palace and saw Zhao Zhen, who was still sulking.

"Your Majesty, Zhao De has confessed."

"He confessed?"

"Hit it!"

Zhao Zhen was very angry.

He treats me like a child!

Just now I only gave him a beating on the back, and said that I only had one sentence to say.

As a result, Song Xuan publicly sentenced him to death by throwing him to the ground.

He confessed immediately?

Zhao Zhen gritted his teeth and said:

Did you throw him down?

"I want to see for myself that he's been smashed into a pulp!"

At this moment, Zhao Zhen was blinded by rage.

There was not a trace of the fear he had shown when he saw Chen Dalang's corpse.

"Your Majesty, I have something to say."

Zhao Zhen pointed at Song Xuan and said, "Don't plead for him, I will never agree!"

"He deserves to die." Song Xuan poured Zhao Zhen a cup of tea, hoping he would calm down.

"Why should I plead for him? If you want to see bloodshed, see rivers of blood. It's no fun if only one person dies."

Zhao Zhen took a sip of herbal tea and looked at Song Xuan, asking, "What do you mean it's meaningless if only one person dies?"

"Does the Emperor want to hear this?"

"Come and listen."

Song Xuan coughed and said, "Now that the account books are available, does Your Majesty wish to investigate those corrupt officials?"

"Of course!"

Zhao Zhen's anger remained unabated:

"The dragon boats are repaired every year, so this is how much they embezzled?"

"Isn't the salary the Song Dynasty gave them high enough?"

He slammed and tossed the ledger around, staring at the crooked handwriting.

It was even written with charcoal.

Even a shipwright can spot the problem; are all those officials in the Ministry of Works just sitting around doing nothing?
After listening to Zhao Zhen's complaints, Song Xuan then told him the news he had heard from Zhao De.

"Is it credible?"

Zhao Zhen was truly terrified of being deceived by Zhao De, that lowly officer.

As an emperor, being deceived by his subjects was the most unacceptable thing for him.

"Let's just believe it for now."

Song Xuan wasn't sure either. He felt it was unrealistic for Ding Yan, a mere official, to dare to do so much.

"How can there be rivers of blood?"

"First, lock up all of Zhao De's family members, regardless of age or gender, so that Zhao De will not dare to commit suicide easily, and then they will testify in court."

"Then they sent people to arrest Ding Yan directly, and his whole family was also imprisoned and temporarily detained."

"We'll conduct a surprise interrogation of Ding Yan, and then we'll wait to see who in the government will run around trying to rescue him, to find out who his accomplices are, so we can further eliminate them."

Zhao Zhen was taken aback when he heard Ding Yan's name.

There are quite a few families in the imperial court where fathers, sons, and brothers are all officials.

He remembered that Ding Du was a Jinshi (second-place scholar) in the imperial examination for the subject of Ci poetry, while his cousin Ding Yan ranked lower.

"Minister Gao."

Zhao Zhen shouted, "Have someone from the Imperial City Guard make a trip and do as Twelfth Brother instructed."

"Yes."

Gao Jixun responded and went out to make the arrangements.

Zhao Zhen then dismissed all the imperial guards and said in a low voice:

Who do you think is behind this?

"It's hard to say." Song Xuan was also somewhat unsure:

"I'm afraid that in the end, the blame will fall directly on the Empress Dowager."

"what?"

Zhao Zhen's eyes were filled with disbelief:

"How could Mother Empress possibly covet this money for timber?"

Song Xuan glanced at Zhao Zhen; construction work could be very lucrative.

Especially those officials who undertake projects for the government and handle the acceptance process.

They even colluded to cut corners and pocket the money.

"Your Majesty, what I mean is that in the end, the Empress Dowager might intervene and only impose a minor punishment."

"Let's investigate first."

When Zhao Zhen heard about Empress Liu, he was also very conflicted.

After all, he had always lived in the shadow of his mother.

"Ah."

Song Xuan didn't rush to say anything more, but simply accompanied Zhao Zhen out.

Zhao Zhen stood before the crowd and said that Chen Dalang was pushed down by Zhao Yuhou, and that the court would give Chen Dalang justice.

You should collect his body and set it aside. Kaifeng County will take him away later.

The craftsmen were all discussing it, none of them having expected this outcome.

After all, that's what Scholar Song just said.

"No need to thank me. It was Magistrate Song who deliberately said that to lower Zhao De's guard, which allowed him to identify the real culprit."

Zhao Zhen naturally wouldn't take credit for himself, so he directly pushed Song Xuan forward.

Song Xuan said with some heartache:

"I really didn't expect this to happen. The government will provide compensation to Chen Dalang's family."

"Moreover, there are people behind the real culprit. After today's dragon boat performance, I hope you will not go around discussing this matter, so as not to alert the culprit."

"We certainly wouldn't dare to speak recklessly."

Song Xuan didn't expect these people to keep it a secret, after all, there's no such thing as a secret that stays hidden forever.
Especially since so many people are paying attention to this dragon boat.

The emperor is on the ship.

Someone may have seen what happened up there, but they don't understand what happened.

They only saw the Imperial Guards disembark on the small boat and then hurriedly row away.

At this point, some perceptive people naturally realized that something had happened to the dragon boat.

They were all talking about it, and even Liu E frowned, asking her maid, Madam Lin, to find out what had happened.

After all, the emperor is above.

Song Xiang did not bring the daily record book today because he did not think that Song Xuan and the Emperor would say anything to each other.

Especially after communicating with his younger brother, Song Xiang didn't really like the job of recording daily events.

However, since it was arranged by the Empress Dowager, he obediently did so.

But today, since Song Xuan and the Emperor boarded the dragon boat alone, he followed them there.

Yan Shu held his breath: "Something must have happened to the dragon boat."

Fan Zhongyan grunted in acknowledgment.
Why do you think that?

"Otherwise, would Song Xuan have been in such a hurry to board the ship?"

Yan Shu didn't know what had happened, but he remained firm in his judgment and went over to wait and see.

The dragon boat had already started moving and was rowing this way.

Cao Yongli, however, didn't seem to care at all and continued chatting with the person next to him.

After all, it was his own son-in-law who went boating with the official alone; this showed he was favored by the emperor.

If he's not proud now, when will he be?
As the dragon boat glided through the valley, those who were unaware of the situation cheered even louder.

In particular, the image of the Song emperor and the top scholar standing at the bow of the boat, looking as if they were surveying the land, truly made many people envious.

It can be said that Song Xuan's dazzling future is so dazzling that some people dare not look directly at him.

Who would dare to lead officials in such a dangerous game?
No one dared to befriend the emperor.

Cai Boxi, who was standing on the shore at this moment, was Zhao Zhen's childhood friend.

He watched Song Xuan standing beside the emperor, chatting and laughing, and couldn't help but feel envious, jealous, and resentful!

Cai Boxi and Yan Shu both studied with Zhao Zhen at the same time, but Yan Shu had already risen to the position of Deputy Privy Councilor.

He himself remained a low-ranking official, holding only a nominal position.

Although Zhao Zhen was close to him, he did not give him important positions.

Cai Boxi never understood where he fell short.

After all, he received a government salary at the age of three, making him a prodigy among prodigies.

Moreover, Cai Boxi lived a very long life.

He served under five emperors: Emperor Zhenzong, Emperor Renzong, Emperor Yingzong, Emperor Shenzong, and Emperor Zhezong of the Song Dynasty. He did not pass away until Emperor Huizong ascended the throne.

However, Zhao Zhen didn't care; Song Xuan didn't even know him.

"Your Majesty should try to control your emotions to avoid being noticed."

"is it?"

Zhao Zhen looked at Song Xuan: "Am I really that easily swayed by emotions?"

"Of course, the Emperor was so enraged by Zhao De's few words that he lost his mind."

Song Xuan chuckled twice: "As Sun Tzu's Art of War says, 'He who has thunder in his heart but a calm face is worthy of being appointed a general!'"

Zhao Zhen was not angry when Song Xuan mocked him.

Because he felt that what Song Xuan said was true.

He was naturally angry and furious at being deceived by Zhao De, and even had murderous thoughts.

Zhao Zhen had never had this thought before.

Even though Empress Guo tormented him so much, Zhao Zhen only wanted to get rid of her.

It turns out there really are people who are audacious enough to fool the emperor in public!

This gave rise to Zhao Zhen's idea of ​​assuming personal rule at an earlier time.

When that time comes, I will have absolute power in my hands, and I'll see who dares to commit the crime of deceiving the emperor.

He glanced at his mother, who was being fawned over by everyone, and sighed inwardly.

If it's really as my twelfth brother said, then when will I be able to rule in my own right?
"At that time, I will appoint my twelfth brother as the Supreme General of the Great Song Dynasty."

"Hahaha."

Upon hearing this, Song Xuan laughed several times: "Then you'd better create something, just like Hou Jing, the Great General of the Universe."

"Hou Jing?"

Zhao Zhen waved his hand: "This person is not a good example."

Hou Jing deposed and installed emperors, and then declared himself emperor. He was eventually defeated by Chen Baxian and Wang Sengbian, and was killed by his own men while fleeing.

"It doesn't matter. I'm not going to be Hou Jing, and the Emperor won't be Emperor Jianwen."

Song Xuan chuckled: "I just think the title 'Universe General' is quite interesting."

"Hahaha."

Zhao Zhen also shook off his previous gloomy expression and laughed out loud.

"By the way, Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager will surely ask you what you are doing on the ship later, so don't let it slip."

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Zhao Zhen hesitated again: "But this kind of thing can't be kept secret."

"We should keep it a secret as long as possible. With so many people here today, let's snowball our approach and catch them off guard."

Song Xuan wanted to strike at more of Empress Dowager Liu's associates. Even if he couldn't bring them down in time, he wanted them to throw out a few scapegoats to shut the world up.

Cases that come to us on their own initiative should be taken good care of.

Why not help Chen Dalang avenge himself and benefit himself at the same time?
If it weren't for people like Song Xuan and Chen Dalang, even if they wanted to seek justice and bring down Zhao De, his family might not have been able to find the right door or evidence.

"But what if the Empress Dowager asks about it later?"

Zhao Zhen's face showed a troubled expression again.

Song Xuan chuckled: "You can just say that it was to avoid affecting the Empress Dowager's mood when leaving the palace, and that it was a trivial matter not worth reporting."

"it is good."

Amidst Zhao Zhen's internal struggle, the dragon boat reached the shore.

He was actually somewhat hesitant to follow Song Xuan's instructions completely.

After all, so many years of "shadow" have loomed over him, especially during the most important years of his life. How could he easily move away from it?

A large group of imperial guards laid out a plank, jumped ashore, and held the emperor firmly on both sides to prevent him from falling.

Once the emperor had passed by, it didn't matter to the people behind him.

Song Xuan did not enjoy this comprehensive care when disembarking.

Gao Jixun stayed by the emperor's side, never leaving his side.

This is not a royal palace; many uncontrollable things can happen here.

The fact that someone died on the dragon boat today is an uncontrollable event.

Madam Lin did not find out any information, only that the Emperor and the top scholar Song visited the newly built dragon boat.

These craftsmen were transferred from the south.

Because they are better at repairing and rowing boats.

Northerners are inevitably not good at rowing.

Empress Liu didn't say much, but simply beckoned Emperor Zhao Zhen over:

"Sixth Brother, you jumped into the small boat just now and gave me quite a fright."

"I've caused Mother Empress some worry." Zhao Zhen was somewhat touched.

Why are you in such a hurry to get on the ship?

Liu E said with a reproachful expression:
"He's been emperor for several years, how come he's still so impetuous and unsteady?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, it was just that I suddenly became interested and wanted to go aboard and take a look."

Liu E nodded slightly, but did not see the expression on Zhao Zhen's face as he lowered his head.

Zhao Zhen suddenly realized that Song Xuan's predictions about the Empress Dowager were somewhat accurate.

You can think of all this.

If it weren't for the previous reminder, I'm afraid I would have told the truth.

After all, this was the first time he had lied to the Empress Dowager, so it would be a lie to say he wasn't nervous.

Cao Liyong walked over, his face beaming with joy.

He laughed heartily, first bowing to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, then saying that his son-in-law was somewhat rash.

It was inappropriate to take officials on such a dangerous trip in a small boat; please forgive me.

Although Empress Liu disliked Cao Yong, she turned a blind eye to his military prowess.

Cao Yong then stood beside his son-in-law and asked in a low voice, "What happened?"

"fine."

"Uncle Yan has already contacted me."

Cao Liyong put his arm around Song Xuan and walked to the side to avoid being overheard.

"If anything happens, I can cover for you, but please don't hide anything from me."

"Father-in-law, don't worry. What just happened can't be resolved with just a few words."

Song Xuan glanced at the lake:
"I'll tell you more about it after the show ends."

"Is it true?"

Although Cao Yong did not say this aloud, he had even more faith in Yan Shu's judgment.

How can he be so smart?

But where the flagpole should have been hung, there was a person hanging there.

The dragon boat is getting closer; it's hard to avoid being spotted.

Then someone pointed to the top:

"A person is hanging on the flagpole."

Wang Zeng, Lü Yijian, and others all looked up.

When was it hung up?
Even Empress Liu looked up; how could she hang someone there?
"Did you do this?" Cao Yongli asked immediately.

Song Xuan chuckled: "Just a little show."

"Hey, I thought you did it."

Cao was relieved, because according to tradition, there was still plenty of time after the dragon boat race.

At this time, acrobats would be brought aboard the tall dragon boat to entertain the group.

Cao Li chuckled and addressed the crowd:
"Have you all forgotten?"

"After the dragon boat race, there will be a variety show. Everyone will know what they're going to do then."

With Cao's promotion.

Everyone suddenly realized that there was a variety show.

"I see."

"It looks like a new program that we didn't see last year."

"I'm really looking forward to it!"

"We'll have to see how they play it later."

(End of this chapter)