Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 225 I am Jiang Zhao, a native of Huaizuo, holding the official positions of Vice Chancellor and Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, and a member of the Grand Secretariat.

Liangzhe Road, Pacification Commissioner's Office.

Led by the Pacification Commissioner Chen Ji, several officials from various departments gathered here, all of them with worried and dejected expressions.

"Snapped!"

"Who started the fire?"

At the head of the table, Chen Ji slammed his hand on the wooden table, his eyes filled with undisguised anger and panic.

Compared to the crimes of officials protecting each other and perpetuating mistakes, the burning of the imperial envoy was far more serious.

The key point is that no one really had any motive to burn and kill the imperial envoy.

After all, anyone with a brain knows that an imperial envoy is a matter of the emperor's face, and killing him is considered treason.

Once the imperial envoy is killed, the implications will be completely different; everyone in Liangzhe Road will suffer without exception.

"Master Liu, who exactly is the arsonist?" Transport Commissioner Liu Jun sighed, looking quite dejected.

In the case of Yang Wu, his wife, Xu, fought her way up the legal ladder, and he secretly helped her in some way.

The purpose was to use this opportunity for political infighting and to target the pacification commissioner Chen Ji.

But who would have thought that someone would dare to set the imperial envoy on fire?

Burning the imperial envoy was tantamount to treason, and had far-reaching implications.

The authorities even froze all personnel appointments in Liangzhe Road.

Not only might their plans be in vain, but they could also be demoted or exiled.

It's truly unfortunate that such a small miscarriage of justice has implicated so many people.

Liu Li, the chief clerk of the Criminal Justice Department, stood up, bowed, and reported: "Zhong You, the second son of Zhong Shen, the magistrate of Chun'an County."

Burning the imperial envoy was a heinous crime.

All officials in Liangzhe Circuit, from top to bottom, would bear some degree of joint responsibility.

The head of the criminal justice department took the opportunity to proactively take on the task of investigating the real culprit.

All they wanted was a chance to get a "reduction in sentence".

At this moment, the top officials gathered because the Imperial Inspector of the Ministry of Justice had made a breakthrough in his investigation and had come to announce it publicly.

"The magistrate's second son?"

Chen Ji frowned, puzzled, and asked, "Why did he set fire to the imperial envoy?"

“Zhong You is an unlearned and incompetent man.”

Liu Li, the chief clerk of the Criminal Justice Department, took out a file from his pocket and said slowly, "This boy usually hangs out with some local thugs and bullies, oppressing his neighbors and causing trouble in the area."

"In the case of Yang Wu, the Ministry of Justice took the initiative to investigate and dispatched a total of nine imperial envoys. In order to find out the truth, the nine imperial envoys visited the residence of the magistrate of Chun'an County several times, either to ask questions or to collect confessions."

"When Zhong You learned of this, he worried that if the truth of the case came to light, his father would lose his official position."

"For this reason, they specially summoned more than a dozen local ruffians and hooligans. While the nine imperial envoys were having a meal at the inn, they bolted the door, added firewood, and set the imperial envoys on fire."

Liu Li continued, "Of the nine imperial envoys, seven were burned to death, and two escaped by breaking through a window with knives and entered the capital overnight."

After speaking, Liu Li sat down and remained silent.

"You brat!" Chen Ji wiped his face and sighed mournfully.

How can there be such a stupid person in this world?
"I wonder how severe the punishment the court has decided this time will be?" Transport Commissioner Liu Jun sighed, his face showing deep concern.

Burning the imperial envoy was unprecedented in hundreds of years.

It was said to be equivalent to treason, but no one knew the exact degree of punishment.

After all, since it is equated with treason, it means that treason is used as the reference standard, and there is a certain degree of fluctuation between the two.

The only relevant example is perhaps a major case of "impersonating an imperial envoy" during the reign of Emperor Taizong.

In the past, when Emperor Taizong was in power, he often secretly appointed some secret envoys to monitor the four directions and carry out orders.

A man named Li Feixiong seized the opportunity, impersonated an imperial envoy, and thrived in the system, gaining the support of many post station workers. He intended to use this opportunity to establish himself as emperor.

Ultimately, the imperial court quelled the rebellion. All the post station workers associated with the rebellion were exterminated along with their entire families. Anyone who had any dealings with the rebellion, regardless of whether they knew about it or not, was charged with "treason." If there was doubt, they were convicted and either subjected to slow slicing or beheading.

Even many civil officials were executed by being cut in half at the waist, breaking the precept of "not killing scholar-officials".

In terms of the severity of the punishment, the punishment for the "impersonating an imperial envoy" case was much heavier than that for treason.

At one point, it even exceeded the upper limit of the statutory penalty.

Therefore, whether burning the imperial envoy was a higher or lower offense compared to "treason" depended entirely on the emperor's temperament.

It may be heavier, or it may be lighter.

The burning of the imperial envoy would certainly implicate all the civil and military officials in Liangzhe Circuit, but the severity of the repercussions would vary.

Demotion is an entanglement, exile is an entanglement, and even beheading is an entanglement!

"Ugh!"

Chen Ji sighed deeply and shook his head, saying, "I don't know!"

From the moment the imperial envoy was burned and his report was submitted, the official in charge of reporting to the emperor in Liangzhe Road stopped transmitting any documents.

The people of Liangzhe could not possibly know anything about the imperial court's decision.

The remaining few exchanged glances and sighed inwardly.

Who would have thought that a small miscarriage of justice could lead to such a disaster?

Who would have thought that someone would actually dare to set the imperial envoy on fire?

This calamity is destined to befall me!

Huai River.

The river flows gently, without any ripples.

With masts standing tall and sails billowing, dozens or even hundreds of large ships sailed on the river.

On the leading official ship, Jiang Zhao, Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, Wang Anshi, Teng Fu, Wang Gui, Chen Jian, and Yao Si stood together on the deck.

"Burning the Imperial Envoy will surely result in severe punishment. But how exactly to punish him? I hope Your Excellency will provide guidance." Teng Fu bowed respectfully, his expression grave.

He's from Liangzhe Road!
But it was precisely because of this that he knew just how terrible the situation in Liangzhe Road would be this time.

Jiang Zhao is the most trusted Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

Led by Grand Secretary Jiang, who wielded the imperial sword and had the authority to act expediently, the emperor ordered an investigation of the two capitals and fourteen circuits.

From this, we can see how furious the emperor was.

Regarding the severity of the punishment, there may even be no upper limit!

Jiang Zhao raised his eyebrows, glanced back, and said nothing.

"Rest assured, Your Excellency, I am fully aware of the Emperor's fury." Teng Fu patted his chest and said, "I will absolutely not show favoritism!"

"In your opinion, Imperial Censor Teng, why did the Emperor personally select you, who comes from Liangzhe Road, to go south, instead of the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief?" Jiang Zhaoping asked calmly.

This time, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Personnel both sent their "Left Vice Ministers" south, but only the Censorate sent its top official south.

Moreover, this top leader happened to be from Liangzhe Road.

To say that there were no official considerations involved would be a lie.

Sending the head of the Censorate south or the second-in-command would have the same effect.

Jiang Zhao's question was meant as a reminder.

At the very least, Teng Fu needs to recognize his own "positioning".

After Jiang Zhaoyi reminded them, the remaining people all looked over.

Teng Fu's decision to travel south by imperial decree was indeed somewhat unexpected.

"Appease?" Teng Fu frowned and asked tentatively.

As a native of Zhejiang, he naturally considered the official's purpose in sending him south.

After all, the "avoidance system" is generally the main approach.

"Probably," Jiang Zhao said calmly.

Currently, there is no one from Liangzhe Road who has entered the cabinet.

Teng Fu, a second-rank official, was the highest-ranking official in Liangzhe Circuit.

The burning of the imperial envoy was destined to result in a severe punishment, with the entire Zhejiang province being penalized.

Its effect should at least be enough to deter the two Zhejiang circuits for over a hundred years and the two capitals and fourteen circuits for several decades.

Such a severe punishment would inevitably cause unrest on Liangzhe Road.

Teng Fu, who held the highest official position, power, and prestige, went south as a judge, intending to either take action or appease the people.

If you make a mistake, you have to accept the punishment honestly!

"I understand your instruction." Teng Fu was taken aback, sighed deeply, and nodded in understanding.

Jiang Zhao glanced at it and slowly said, "Compared to treason, this is more serious!"

Teng Fu was startled and dared not utter a sound.

“However, the focus is not on punishing people, but on punishing those on the road!” Jiang Zhao said calmly.

"I hope Your Excellency can enlighten me," Teng Fu said respectfully.

He claimed to "never show favoritism," but if he could gain some benefits from Liangzhe Road, he would definitely try to say a good word for it.

"Where is the geomantic map of Liangzhe Road?" Jiang Zhao asked thoughtfully.

"here."

Gu Tingye waved his hand and took out a geomantic map from his pocket.

Almost every high-ranking officer on the ship had one of these.

With the geomantic map in hand, the group looked at it together.

Chun'an.

"Qiantang River".

"Fuchun River".

"Longmen Mountain".

Jiang Zhao followed several place names, folding them one by one.

then
"His!"

With a tear, Liangzhe Road was split in two.

"South of Chun'an County is Liangzhe East Circuit; north of it is Liangzhe West Circuit."

The group exchanged glances, and a collective shock ran through them.

It seems they're going to reorganize the organization!

Teng Fu quickly lowered his head.

This kind of severe punishment, which affects the overall situation, is not something you can get away with!

“In addition, there will be restrictions on scientific research qualifications and the number of years for promotion,” Jiang Zhao continued.

In this era, if we want to truly inflict pain on millions of people, we must start by restricting the eligibility for the imperial examinations and the promotion of officials.

In fact, there should have been a limit on "taxation," that is, raising taxes.

However, compared to the qualifications for the imperial examinations and the years of service for promotion, the burden of taxes was essentially borne by the common people, not by scholars and officials.

Raising taxes would be unethical and unnecessary.

As for the civil and military officials, they were basically demoted, killed, exiled, or their clans exterminated, from the ninth rank to the second rank, from top to bottom.

In any case, it is at least on par with the "impersonating an imperial envoy" case during the reign of Emperor Taizong.

The difference lies in the fact that the "impersonating an imperial envoy" case during the reign of Emperor Taizong was more inclined towards murder, while the "burning of the imperial envoy" case was more inclined towards political persecution.

Who told Liangzhe Road to crash into us!

In the past year, through one expansion of territory and one purge of the empress, the emperor has completely seized control of the imperial power and firmly held the position of the supreme ruler.

As a result, not long after he came to power, Liangzhe Road committed an unforgivable crime, which can be described as walking into the line of fire.

The emperor could take this opportunity to test the sharpness of the swords!
Teng Fu sighed. Jiang Zhao must have spoken privately with the Emperor about this kind of suppression on a larger scale.

We can't get a single penny!
June 17, Hangzhou.

The setting sun sinks in the west, and the evening clouds hang low.

Along the riverbank, peddlers, porters, and sailors could be seen moving about from time to time.

Perhaps influenced by the burning of the imperial envoy, the huge port was not as bustling as expected, but rather had an indescribable desolation.

"what?"

"Are there still big ships around?"

On the river, several masts were faintly visible, and the patrolling official was surprised and couldn't help but point at them.

Several junior officials on patrol all looked over.

"wrong!"

After just a couple of glances, their expressions changed drastically.

There was no other reason than that masts kept increasing in number, one after another being erected.

Within moments, one could vaguely see the ship teeming with spears, armor, and elite soldiers.

"Quick, let's get out of here!" the group shouted, and they ran back immediately.

Many peddlers and laborers, upon seeing this, quickly retreated.

The burning of the imperial envoy has recently caused quite a stir.

Those hundred or so large ships were clearly carrying the imperial guards sent by the court!

About the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

"Tie on the rope!"

Every now and then, sailors would shout that the large ship was moored at the shore.

Jiang Zhao stood at the ferry crossing, his clothes fluttering, gazing into the distance.

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao stood on the left and right, respectively, while the remaining officials lined up side by side.

The waters on both banks are calm, the lakes and mountains are beautiful, and the population is thriving, truly a land of plenty.

"Liangzhe Road is indeed a prosperous place."

Jiang Zhao sighed, "What a pity."

Burning the imperial envoy violated a taboo and was destined to be punished.

Teng Fu sighed and lowered his head, remaining silent.

Originally, Liangzhe Road was considered a first-class prosperous area, almost comparable to Huainan East Road.

After this incident, it will likely decline for decades.

After all, the act of burning the imperial envoy would definitely leave a "scar" in the emperor's heart.

For people from Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, passing the imperial examinations for the top three ranks or becoming a probationary official would be considerably more difficult.

"Pass down the order: form ranks!" Gu Tingye took a few steps forward and roared.

"Pass down the order: Form ranks!"

"Pass down the order: Form ranks!"

With a series of long shouts, the 25,000 Imperial Guards lined up in battle formation, spears and shields in hand.

Even more strikingly, some held crossbows with solemn expressions.

"This place is less than five li away from the Imperial Guard camp on the Qiantang River."

Wang Shao glanced at the geomantic map a few times and said, "The Imperial Guard camp on the Qiantang River has 5,000 Imperial Guards stationed there, which is about half the size of the Imperial Guards in Hangzhou and about 30% of the size of the Imperial Guards in Liangzhe Road."

Jiang Zhao nodded and instructed, "Let's march now and take control of the Hangzhou garrison first."

The first thing to do upon landing is to seize control of the Imperial Guards.

Therefore, even if the soldiers were slightly tired, they could only continue marching.

"promise!"

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao bowed in succession and ordered in unison, "Move out!"

As the army set off, Gu Tingye looked at his personal guards and asked, "Shitou, where are the horses?"

Large ships are mainly used for transporting people, and are not convenient for transporting horses.

Fortunately, Shi Tou was the younger brother of the leader of the Cao Gang.

By taking advantage of the canal transport system, horses could be prepared in advance.

"Yes, yes!" Stone nodded and called over some people.

Before long, a hundred or so fine horses were brought in.

"drive!"

Several commanding officers and generals mounted their horses and accompanied the army on its journey.

Qiantang River, Shangsha Garrison.

The two armies faced each other, and a tense atmosphere filled the air.

They were wielding spears, carrying shields, or controlling bows and crossbows, as if they were about to engage in battle at any moment.

"Who are you, daring to trespass into a military camp?"

An armored lieutenant rode out on horseback and asked angrily, "Do you have any official documents from the court?"

Since the reign of Emperor Taizu, due to the system of "strengthening the trunk and weakening the branches" and "mutual restraint between the inside and outside", the garrison locations of troops have been strictly regulated.

When one army suddenly enters the encampment of another, it inevitably arouses suspicion and is regarded as a "potential rebellion."

In addition, it also involves some issues of "overstepping authority and interference".

Instinctively, however, one will subconsciously produce a rejection reaction.

"drive!"

Jiang Zhao pulled on the reins and took a few steps forward.

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao followed closely behind, half a step behind.

"Where is the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Liangzhe Road Army? Let him come out and speak," Jiang Zhao said calmly.

This subordinate general has some status, but he can't make decisions.

The general looked up and saw that the speaker was dressed in a purple robe, with a handsome and refined face. He was holding his sword with a calm and composed demeanor, exuding an air of profound composure and majestic dignity.

A typical big shot!

Within moments, several more people emerged, all dressed in purple robes.

Compared to the speaker, he lacked some of the poise, but he was still exceptionally refined and dignified.

"Alright." The lieutenant quickly agreed, not daring to disobey.

"However, the deputy commander is currently entertaining guests and is not in the military camp. It will probably take two incense sticks to burn before he can be summoned," the lieutenant explained hastily, fearing he might be neglecting the commander.

"It's alright," Jiang Zhao waved his hand.

Thus, the two armies faced off.

About three incense sticks.

The general looked anxious, glancing frequently toward the city.

"Please wait a moment, sir, it should be soon." The lieutenant was sweating and somewhat flustered.

This is a high-ranking official in purple robes!
Rather, it wasn't just one high-ranking official in purple robes!
"It's alright," Jiang Zhao said calmly, waving his hand.

Judging from the way this subordinate handled the situation, he was at least of average ability.

Facing 25,000 imperial guards and several high-ranking officials in purple robes, he was still able to speak without trembling, which was quite remarkable.

"drive!"

A moment later, the sound of a whip cracked.

"They're here, they're here!" The lieutenant clapped his hands, feeling a sense of relief.

"Who's calling me 'General'?"

The deputy commander of the army had a flushed face, probably from drinking quite a bit of wine, and he arrived by carriage.

At this moment, he was even a little unsteady on his feet.

The lieutenant quickly went over and whispered something to him.

"What? Trespassing into a military camp?"

The deputy commander of the Liangzhe Road army didn't even glance at Jiang Zhao before waving his hand and saying, "No matter who it is, anyone who trespasses into the military camp will be killed without exception!"

"You wretched child! How dare you treat the imperial envoy with such disrespect!" Jiang Zhao rebuked, his face showing displeasure.

"Ok?"

A loud shout brought the deputy commander of the Liangzhe Road military forces back to his senses, and he glanced at Jiang Zhao.

The sight of several figures in purple robes brought him back to his senses, and he asked, "Who are you?"

"Humph!"

Jiang Zhao snorted coldly: "My surname is Jiang, my given name is Zhao, I am from Huaizuo, I have served as Vice Minister of State Affairs, Grand Secretary of Wenyuan Pavilion, I entered the cabinet to oversee the affairs of state, I was granted the title of Grand Master of the Palace, Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, Duke of Zhao, and I was appointed by imperial decree to oversee all military and political affairs of the two capitals and fourteen circuits, and I was granted the Huan King Sword by the Emperor, which gave me the power to act at my own discretion."

With each word spoken, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Liangzhe Road Military Forces became more lucid.

By the end, his face was flushed and his eyes were clear.

"Jiang, Jiang—"

The deputy commander of the Liangzhe Road military forces was greatly shocked. He stammered a couple of times and then quickly knelt down: "This humble official was blind to your greatness and begs for your forgiveness, Your Excellency!"

With that, he bowed deeply.

Jiang Zhao stood to one side, hands behind his back.

"Zhonghuai," Jiang Zhao called softly.

Gu Tingye understood, and the next moment he took out a bright yellow brocade cover embroidered with dragons from his sleeve and shouted: "The imperial edict is here!"

In an instant, more than 30,000 people bowed down in unison.

Gu Tingye held the imperial edict and slowly read it aloud:

I have received the Mandate of Heaven to rule the world.

Jiang Zhao, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion and Vice Chancellor, was specially appointed as Imperial Commissioner, granted the sword of Prince Huan, and given the authority to manage the military, political and criminal affairs of the two capitals and fourteen routes. He was authorized to act expediently against any disobedience and to execute first and report later!

This proclamation is hereby issued to the world, so that all may know fear!
So be it.

"I will obey Your Majesty's decree without hesitation and thank you for your guidance!"

More than 30,000 people bowed in unison.

Among them, the deputy commander of the Liangzhe Road military forces had a flushed face and read aloud with particular volume.

"Recently, the seven imperial envoys of Liangzhe Road were burned, which may be suspected of treason."

"I have come here to take command of five thousand soldiers in Qiantang."

"Deputy Chief Steward, is there any doubt?" Jiang Zhao asked.

"No no!"

The deputy commander of the Liangzhe Road military forces hurriedly replied, "Whatever Your Excellency commands, I will do."

Jiang Zhao glanced at it and said indifferently, "Get up."

It was already dusk, so it was not incomprehensible that the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Liangzhe Road Army would have a drink.

"Thank you, Your Excellency!" The Deputy Commander of the Liangzhe Road Military Forces breathed a sigh of relief and quickly bowed again.

Jiang Zhao nodded and waved his hand, saying, "Let's set up camp here."

"promise!"

(End of this chapter)