Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 140 Wu Meiniang's Limits
A few days later, at Taiji Palace, on the banks of the Jinshui River.

Li Zhi sat in the pavilion, silently listening to Di Renjie report about Bi Zhengyi.

After listening to this, Li Zhi pondered for a moment and said, "Bi Zhengyi is a Dali Temple official. He shouldn't break the law knowingly. What did he say afterwards?"

Di Renjie said, "No, he didn't say a word. I figured it would be hard to get any useful information from him, so I changed the direction of my investigation."

Li Zhi said: "What direction?"

Di Renjie said, "I have carefully investigated the relationship between Bi Zhengyi and Wang Lun and soon made a discovery. Bi Zhengyi had been to Luoyang and personally escorted Wang Lun's wife back to the Dali Temple."

Li Zhi said: "Go on."

Di Renjie said, "I later went to the Dali prison to look for Wang Lun's wife, Chunyu. When I mentioned Wang Lun to her, she didn't react at all, as if she didn't recognize him."

Wang Fusheng suddenly said, "Wang Lun has let her down so much, so her reaction is understandable."

Di Renjie said, "I feel that her lack of reaction doesn't mean she's dead and indifferent, but rather a bit bewildered, as if she truly doesn't know Wang Lun."

"Could it be that she is not Chunyu?" Li Zhi's eyes flashed.

Di Renjie said, "I think so too. I suspect Bi Zhengyi has swapped Chunyu."

Li Zhi said: "Are there any further discoveries?"

"I sent people to search Bi Zhengyi's house and even investigated his friends, but Chunyu was not found."

"I suspect he replaced Chunyu not for his own sake, but rather someone was behind it."

Li Zhi said: "Any clues about that person?"

"It hasn't been found yet."

Li Zhi said slowly: "Then go check Li Yifu."

Di Renjie was slightly startled and hesitated, "Your Majesty, may I ask you one more question: why do you suspect Li Xianggong?"

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "No need to ask any more questions, just go and check."

Of course, Li Zhi couldn't tell him that he had seen it in a book.

When he heard Bi Zhengyi's name just now, he felt that the name was a little familiar.

Later, after thinking about it carefully, it seemed that Bi Zhengyi had committed a major crime and was related to Li Yifu.

It was because of this case that Li Yifu was dismissed from his position as prime minister for the first time.

Now that Bi Zhengyi has committed a crime, it would not be wrong to think that Li Yifu was responsible.

Di Renjie said, "Your Majesty, if I were to investigate Li Xianggong, I'm afraid I'd encounter some obstacles."

Li Zhi said: "I grant you the authority to act at your discretion. The imperial edict will be issued immediately."

Di Renjie accepted the order and expressed his gratitude.

After passing through Chengtian Gate and leaving the palace, Di Renjie saw Li Jin waiting for him outside Zhuque Gate.

Li Jin was originally very cold towards Di Renjie. He was the leader of the royal guards, but he was sent to protect an official, which made him feel quite depressed.

After what happened with Bi Zhengyi, his attitude changed slightly. He asked Di Renjie, "Your Majesty, what do you have to say?"

Di Renjie said, "His Majesty has asked us to investigate Li Xianggong."

Li Jin was surprised: "The Secretary of the Central Secretariat, Li Yifu?"

Di Renjie nodded.

Li Jin thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps the Inner Guards got some information and reported it to His Majesty. If the person behind this is the Prime Minister, then it's no wonder Bi Zhengyi is so reluctant to speak."

Di Renjie said, "I've just been thinking about it for a while. Everyone says that Li Yifu is a romantic prime minister. It's not impossible that Chunyu's beauty caught Li Yifu's eye."

Li Jin glanced at him and said, "If we want to investigate the Prime Minister, I'm afraid we'll encounter great obstacles."

Di Renjie sighed, "Your Majesty has granted me the authority to act at my own discretion. Now that things have come to this, I have no choice but to investigate."

Li Jin laughed and said, "Being with you feels a bit like being in a war. It's quite exciting!"

At this time, a carriage came from the side street and an old man got out of the carriage. It was the Minister of Rites Xu Jingzong.

Both of them bowed to Xu Jingzong, who returned a half bow, then walked through the Suzaku Gate and entered the palace.

Li Jin said, "I heard that Xu Jingzong has a good relationship with Li Yifu. Do you think he might be involved in this matter?"

Di Renjie shook his head and said, "Without evidence, I won't make any assumptions. Let's go."

Xu Jingzong slowly came to Ganlu Hall. After receiving the message, he entered the main hall and bowed, saying, "Old minister Xu Jingzong pays homage to Your Majesty."

Li Zhi asked, "Xu Qing, how is Mr. Yan's funeral going?"

After Yan Lide's death, Li Zhi ordered the Ministry of Rites to hold a funeral according to the standards of a vassal king and allowed Yan Lide to be buried in Zhaoling Mausoleum.

Xu Jingzong said, "Your Majesty, I personally sent officials to accompany the family of Lord Yan to take his coffin to Zhaoling, where it has already been buried."

Li Zhi asked, "Has the Ministry of Rites finalized the posthumous title and honorific?"

Xu Jingzong said, "After discussion, we believe that in recognition of Mr. Yan's contributions, he should be posthumously awarded the titles of Minister of the Central Secretariat and Governor of Bingzhou, and given the posthumous title of 'Kang'. I wonder if Your Majesty agrees."

Li Zhi said: "Yes. You have done a good job on this matter. Please leave."

Xu Jingzong bowed and took his leave.

Li Zhi stood up and left Ganlu Palace, walking along a palace road towards Xunfeng Palace in the harem.

When I arrived outside Xunfeng Palace, I heard a strange sound coming from the house.

When Li Zhi entered the room, he saw that Concubine Zheng was sitting in front of a long table with a strange drum hanging on her shoulder. It was shaped like a drum head, had a ring around its waist, and was tied under her armpit with a silk ribbon.

The strange sound was produced by Concubine Zheng hitting the drum.

Concubine Zheng was so engrossed in beating that she didn't notice Li Zhi coming in.

Li Zhi also stopped the palace maids from calling her, stood by the door, and listened to her beating the drum.

After a while, Concubine Zheng finally noticed something, looked up, and quickly put down her instrument, stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I am rude."

Li Zhi walked over with a smile and said, "My Lady, what instrument are you playing? I've never seen it before."

Concubine Zheng smiled and said, "This is called Jilou drum, a musical instrument from Kucha."

Li Zhi nodded and said, "I suddenly want to hear you play the qin. Please play the Plum Blossom Three Variations for me."

Concubine Zheng accepted the order with a smile and ordered the palace maid to bring her a guzheng. She sat in front of the desk and plucked the guzheng with her fingers, and strings of bright notes flowed out.

Li Zhi didn't really want to listen to the music. He wanted to think about something carefully.

When he listened to Concubine Zheng playing the guzheng, he felt his mind was clearest, so whenever he needed to think about something, he would listen to her play. If Li Zhi's memory was correct, Bi Zhengyi's affairs must be related to Li Yifu.

Then Li Yifu would definitely not be able to serve as prime minister.

The court has finally managed to maintain a balance. If Li Yifu were to be dismissed from his post, his life would likely be fraught with ups and downs.

Li Zhi had to consider carefully who would replace Li Yifu and minimize the impact on the court.

After Changsun Wuji retired, there were seven prime ministers in the court.

Han Ai and Lai Ji represented the interests of the aristocratic families. Yu Zhining and Cui Dunli represented neutrality. Li Ji represented the military. Liu Rengui represented the upright. Li Yifu represented the pro-military faction.

No matter which person suddenly resigns from his position, the interest groups they represent will definitely become restless.

For example, Li Yifu.

If he is dismissed from his post, pro-military officials will not be able to speak out at the central government and will definitely take action.

Although Li Zhi did not intend to reuse these people, it was impossible for him to deal with them for no reason.

They both made contributions when Wang was deposed and Wang Wu was enthroned. If Li Zhi behaved too unkindly, no one would be willing to work for him in the future.

In other words, the person to replace Li Yifu should preferably be chosen from among the pro-military officials.

Among these people, only four or five are qualified to be prime ministers.

Xu Jingzong was definitely the most qualified one, but although he was capable, he was too close to Wu Meiniang.

If he were appointed as prime minister, it would probably send the wrong message, making people think that he was going to let Wu Meiniang participate in politics again, which would easily cause trouble.

Apart from Xu Jingzong, Cui Yixuan is the most qualified.

However, this person is from the Qinghe Cui family and his stance is somewhat wavering.

It would be troublesome if he was lured over by the aristocratic factions.

Then there is Wang Dejian, who is Xu Jingzong's son-in-law and is not a good candidate either.

Suddenly, a person's name appeared in Li Zhi's mind.

Li Jingxuan.

Although this person was not good at fighting, he was very good at handling civil affairs. He had just been investigated by Liu Rengui and had no stain on his body. He had also made great contributions.

By appointing him as prime minister, all the officials would feel that they had not forgotten those who had been loyal to them.

In every aspect, he is an excellent candidate.

Thinking of this, Li Zhi felt relieved and listened to Concubine Zheng's music with peace of mind.

After staying in Xunfeng Hall for more than two hours, until the last card of the afternoon, Wang Fusheng reported that Di Renjie had entered the palace again to ask for an audience.

Li Zhi knew that the matter concerning Li Yifu must have come to a conclusion, so he came to Ganlu Palace and summoned Di Renjie to meet him.

After Di Renjie entered the hall and exchanged greetings, Li Zhi asked, "Mr. Di, have you investigated the case thoroughly?"

Di Renjie bowed and said, "Thanks to your Majesty's guidance, we have found Chunyu clan in one of Li Xianggong's properties. The person who ordered Bi Zhengyi to do this is indeed Li Xianggong."

Li Zhi nodded and said, "Is Wang Lun's death related to Li Yifu?"

Di Renjie said, "I'm not sure yet, maybe I need to ask Li Xianggong."

Li Zhi said, "In your opinion, how should this matter be handled?"

"I believe the trial should be conducted jointly by the Censorate, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of Justice."

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "Fu Sheng, send an order to the Secretariat to immediately remove Li Yifu from his position as Prime Minister. Di Renjie, Liu Rengui, and Li Jingxuan will jointly investigate the case."

After hearing this, Di Renjie was secretly surprised and wondered, "Why did His Majesty send Li Jingxuan to participate in the trial?"

……

Lizheng Hall.

Wu Meiniang lay on her side on the phoenix couch, supporting her chin with one hand and closing her eyes.

Several palace maids were playing a soft and soothing instrument in front of her.

According to the imperial physician, this gentle sound can not only relax pregnant women, but also benefit the fetus in the womb.

So Wu Meiniang had to listen for a while every day.

At this time, Jiang Shanggong and Zhang Dahai walked in together and stood aside.

Wu Meiniang looked up at the two of them, waved her hand to signal the palace servants to leave, and asked, "What's wrong? Why do you look so unhappy?"

Zhang Duohai said, "Your Highness, the case at the Princess's Mansion has been resolved. The man who ordered Liao Ping to kill Wang Lun was Bi Zhengyi, the Minister of Justice."

Wu Meiniang said calmly, "There must be someone behind Bi Zhengyi, right?"

Zhang Duohai whispered, "You are absolutely right. The person behind this is... Li Yifu's husband."

Wu Meiniang frowned and asked, "What's going on?"

Zhang Duohai said, "The Dali Temple once held a female prisoner, Wang Lun's wife. She was extremely beautiful. When Li Xianggong went to inspect the Dali prison, he fell in love with her. Bi Zhengyi then exchanged her out and gave her to Li Xianggong."

"Later, Wang Lun arrived in Chang'an and discovered that the woman in Dali prison was not his wife. He suspected that his wife had been taken into Bi Zhengyi's possession, so he approached Bi Zhengyi and questioned him about the matter."

"Bi Zhengyi originally wanted to settle the matter privately, but Wang Lun was extremely agitated and refused to let it go. Fearing that Wang Lun would make a big fuss, Bi Zhengyi summoned a rogue from Hebei, who performed a false inquest, used the pseudonym Liao Ping, and killed Wang Lun."

Wu Meiniang shook her head and said, "Li Yifu actually did this for a female prisoner. He is so ambitious."

Concubine Jiang asked cautiously, "Your Highness, would you like to plead for Mr. Li?"

Wu Meiniang shook her head and said, "No, if I go to plead for mercy now, His Majesty will blame me for interfering in state affairs."

Jiang Shang Gong whispered, "But the edict that conferred the title of empress upon you was drafted by Li Xianggong himself."

Wu Meiniang glanced at her and said, "Jiang Yan, why are you suddenly speaking up for Li Yifu?"

Concubine Jiang quickly knelt on the ground and whispered, "I just think that the Saint is a man who values ​​affection. If you plead for Li Xianggong out of our old friendship, he might not be angry."

Wu Meiniang raised her hand and said, "You don't understand. The removal of the Prime Minister is related to the balance of the court and the stability of Chang'an. This is what Your Majesty values ​​most. I must not cross the line."

Jiang Shanggong murmured, "Yes," and stood up.

Wu Meiniang continued, "I know Li Yifu. He values ​​his reputation and would never order Bi Zhengyi to kill anyone."

As long as Wang Lun’s death had nothing to do with Li Yifu, his crime would not be too serious and at most he would be dismissed from his position as prime minister.

After hearing this, Jiang Shanggong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

(End of this chapter)