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

Chapter 227 How high a rank is considered a high-ranking official? (Bonus Chapter 2)

Three days passed, and it was June 26th.

Superintendent of Criminal Justice.

The long courtroom, several meters in length, bears the inscription "Enlightening the Punishment and Enabling the Teachings" in bold characters, exuding solemnity and reverence.

In the main seat, Grand Secretary Jiang Zhao, dressed in a purple robe with a jade belt and a gold talisman and fish pouch, appeared calm and solemn, with clear eyes that conveyed a sense of compassion.

On the wooden table were a red ink brush, a booklet, and files.

Below the seat of self-respect, there are six chairs, three on the left and three on the right.

Left Censor-in-Chief Teng Fu, Acting Prefect of Kaifeng Wang Gui, Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel Chen Jian, Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice Wang Anshi, Marquis of Ningyuan Gu Tingye, and Earl of Zhennan Wang Shao took their seats in turn.

The trial involved seven people, six of whom were dressed in purple robes, a sight that was visually striking.

Below, on the left and right, are two signs that read "Avoid" and "Silence". More than ten bailiffs stand with sticks in hand, and armored soldiers stand in a circle with their hands on their swords, creating an extremely solemn atmosphere.

There were also dozens of clerks lined up in a row outside the courtroom, responsible for relaying the conversations in the courtroom.

The courtroom was directly in front of the crowd, where more than ten thousand people had gathered, glancing at the judges from time to time.

"A high-ranking official!"

"This is a high-ranking official!"

About ten paces away, someone exclaimed in surprise.

The six purple robes were truly astonishing.

"It is said that the presiding judge is Grand Secretary Jiang, who expanded the territory to twelve prefectures, the first person to do so in the history of the nation's century-long reign," an educated person interjected.

His words drew much praise.

"Lord Jiang? That's truly a just and upright official!"

"He served in office for twelve years, expanding the territory and eventually becoming a Grand Secretary. He is truly a model for scholars!"

"Scholars commanding troops and expanding territory—we scholars should be proud of this!"

"With Grand Secretary Jiang here, the upright and just official is here too!"

court.

The water-and-fire stick strikes the blue bricks, and the gavel is struck three times.

In an instant, the tens of thousands of people fell silent.

At the head of the table, Jiang Zhao calmly said, "As a judge, I should clear people's names."

The tone was not high, but every word was clear.

"As a judge, one should clear people's names."

"As a judge, one should clear people's names."

Dozens of clerks relayed the message one after another.

Upon hearing this, more than ten thousand people, without knowing who started it, all clapped their hands in unison.

In an instant, the sound resounded in all directions.

"The Yang Wu case went through six trials, from the county, prefecture, and circuit levels to the first and second trials in Beijing, and he recanted his confession three times."

"Now, I, Jiang Zhao, hold the position of Vice Chancellor, Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, and have been appointed Grand Master of the Palace, Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, and Duke of Zhao. I have been appointed by imperial decree to oversee all military and political affairs in the two capitals and fourteen circuits, and have been granted the Huan King Sword by the Emperor, which grants me the power to act expediently. By order of His Majesty, I will conduct the final review of this case."

These words caused an uproar among the people.

For ordinary people who are unfamiliar with the ways of officialdom, it is simply because the official positions are extremely long.

A high official rank means someone is powerful!
For scholars and intellectuals, it was because of the six characters "Wenyuan Pavilion Grand Secretary".

This is a true figure of immense power and influence!
"The man to my right is Teng Fu, the Left Censor-in-Chief, who is also from Liangzhe."

"Next, in order, are Chen Jian, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Gu Tingye, the Marquis of Ningyuan."

Jiang Zhao introduced the identities of the several deputy presiding judges one by one, which caused another stir.

Such a lineup of judges is simply terrifying.

Afterwards, a judge stepped forward and read out the case details: "The Yang Wu case involves Yang Wu, Bi Shi, Ge Lian, and several others in a murder case. It is said that in Chun'an County, there was a scholar named..."

Because of the need to consider the communication of clerks, it was often necessary to read one sentence and then stop.

The reading of a case report took a full incense stick's time.

"This is the case of Yang Wu."

The judge read out the case details and stepped back two paces.

Jiang Zhao slowly said, "Summon Yang Wu and Bi Shi to the courtroom."

More than 10,000 people watched intently.

About ten breaths later, Yang Wu and Bi entered the courtroom and bowed deeply.

“I have been wronged and tortured into confessing. I beg the righteous official to clear my name,” Bi cried.

"I was also tortured into confessing, and I hope Your Excellency will see the truth," Yang Wu said, bowing deeply and looking haggard.

Jiang Zhaoping nodded calmly and said, "After examination by the coroner of the Ministry of Justice, there were no signs of poisoning on Ge Lian's body. He died from a relapse of an old illness. Yang Wu's case is a miscarriage of justice."

"it is good!"

"Master Qingtian!"

"Jiang Qingtian!"

It is unclear who started it, but more than 10,000 people clapped their hands and called him "Upright Lord Jiang" or "Jiang Qingtian".

Yang Wu and Bi Shi wept uncontrollably.

After about a hundred breaths, the momentum gradually subsided.

Jiang Zhao solemnly declared, "I hereby declare Yang Wu and Bi Shi innocent." "This humble woman thanks Your Honor!"

"This humble servant thanks Jiang Qingtian!"

Yang Wu and Bi Shi bowed in turn.

Afterwards, a clerk summoned two people to sign a document confirming their innocence and close the case.

The judge stepped forward at the opportune moment and continued reading: "The second major case is the case of the burning of the imperial envoy."

After about an incense stick's time, the reading was completed.

However, compared to the jubilation of the common people, the scholars were taken aback, their expressions becoming quite solemn.

"This case is of great importance and involves too many people, so we will not summon all the criminals one by one."

As he spoke, Jiang Zhao looked at Teng Fu, the Left Censor-in-Chief, as if discussing something: "Teng Fu, the Left Censor-in-Chief, has always been a famous outspoken censor, a fair man, and a native of Liangzhe. Why not take Censor Teng's judgment as the main one?"

"If there is any deviation, I will correct it."

Upon hearing this, almost all scholars and intellectuals turned their attention to Teng Fu.

Instantly, Teng Fu's face flushed red, and he forced himself to get up.

"With Zhong Shen and Zhong You as the masterminds, their entire clan was exterminated."

"This Teng Yuanfa is truly upright and incorruptible!" Before the words were even finished, a scholar couldn't help but sarcastically remark.

“Exterminate his entire clan; it’s a shame that Teng Yuanfa is from Zhejiang.”

"Grand Secretary Jiang already told him to make the judgment, and to correct it if it's inappropriate. Grand Secretary Jiang has given him a chance, but he seems to be deaf to reasoning."

"Hehe! I've already said that Teng Yuanfa is a fair person. He might not necessarily consider himself a native of Zhejiang."

Teng Fu continued, "The Hangzhou magistrate is involved in perjury and was one of the triggers for the burning of the imperial envoy. He should be sentenced to death by a thousand cuts. Grandparents, grandchildren, fathers and sons aged sixteen and above shall be hanged. Mothers, daughters, wives, concubines, and sisters under the age of fifteen shall be sent to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution). Uncles, aunts, and brothers' sons shall be exiled three thousand li away. Their property, land, and houses shall all be confiscated by the public."

"this--"

Jiang Zhao looked surprised and nodded slowly, saying, "If that's the case, then so be it, Lord Teng."

"Chen Ji, the Pacification Commissioner, was demoted to a commoner."

"Wu Zhang, the deputy envoy in charge of pacification, was demoted to a commoner."

"Liu Jun, the transport commissioner, was demoted to a commoner."

"Liu Li, the judicial commissioner, was demoted to assistant magistrate of Huaiyang County."

One "decision" after another was read out, and Jiang Zhao nodded from time to time, hesitatingly giving his approval.

After about an incense stick's time, the changes of the fifth rank and above were completely recited.

Teng Fu said, "I will compile documents for the remaining officials, both high and low, and distribute them for posting."

Compared to those of rank five and above, those of rank five and below were actually demoted less severely.

Of course, almost all of them started as commoners.

At this moment, half of the more than 10,000 people were cursing, and many others were weeping uncontrollably, as if their fathers had died.

The reason for this was that many of them were relatives of the arrested officials, and they were deliberately observing in order to find out the court's decision.

Teng Fu glanced at it and continued, "Burning the imperial envoy is an unforgivable crime."

"To admonish future generations, I, Teng, will write to the Emperor and request three imperial edicts."

besides?

More than 10,000 people all looked over.

"Firstly, the Liangzhe Road was divided into Liangzhe East Road and Liangzhe West Road."

Many people frowned silently.

Dividing a road into two is far too broad a concept.

At least, the vast majority of people are unaware of whether doing so will affect their own interests.

"Secondly, all scholars in Liangzhe are prohibited from participating in the imperial examinations for three years, and Liangzhe Circuit is also prohibited from holding any examinations for official titles."

"I'm so stupid!"

"Teng Yuanfa, you son of a bitch."

"Teng Yuanfa, I'm going to dig up your ancestral graves!"

"hypocrite!"

The damage to interests caused by preventing scientific expeditions is quite clear.

The curses were incessant.

Even ordinary people who were not scholars cursed incessantly.

Teng Fu ignored him and continued reading: "Thirdly, all officials in Liangzhe Circuit shall not be promoted within six years!"

"Court adjourned—"

Four drumbeats sounded, and the court adjourned.

However, the insults and abuse continued unabated.

Pacification Division.

Jiang Zhao held the honey water, recalling someone's comment, "A high-ranking official," and couldn't help but shake his head.

"High official?"

"How high a rank is considered a high-ranking official position?"

He has been in office for twelve years and has entered the inner circle of officials, but he has not yet reached the highest point of a minister!
We still need to work harder!

(End of this chapter)