Chapter 208: Crown Prince Li Heng pleads guilty and is tortured

Li Xuan and the left prime minister Pei Kuan left Xingqing Palace together.

Currently, only the left prime minister Pei Kuan can compete with Li Xuan.

Everyone knows that Shangshu is a higher official position than Li Xuan, but his status is much lower than Li Xuan.

If Li Xuan was transferred to Chang'an and only promoted to Shangshu, it would be a promotion in name only and a demotion in reality.

"Huang'er and Zhou'er have always wanted to play with Doctor Li, but due to our status, we can't be too close. It's a pity! Huang'er is one year older than Doctor Li. Doctor Li is now in a high position, while Huang'er is still doing nothing. This is what a natural talent is like! Only Doctor Li has lived up to the country and the people!"

Walking on the way out of Xingqing Palace, Pei Kuan said with deep emotion.

More than three years passed in a flash. The three teenagers who had fought in Lingcui Tower were the topic of conversation among the dignitaries in Chang'an.

It seems that among all the talented people in the world today, none is as talented as Li Xuan.

Even people in Lingnan and Qianzhong knew Li Xuan's reputation.

If I had a son, I would want him to be like Li Qilang!
This was the lament of countless princes and nobles, including Pei Kuan; it was also the reason why everyone envied Li Shizhi.

In the court, although Pei Kuan was appointed prime minister and had the Shangshu around him to form a common front, he was still under pressure from Li Linfu.

In the spring of this year, Li Linfu instigated his brother Pei Dunfu to deal with him.

Pei Dunfu was plotted against and spent three hundred gold coins to ask Lady Guoguo to speak ill of Pei Kuan in front of the saint.

Li Longji called Pei Kuan over and scolded him without knowing the truth. This almost cost him his position as prime minister.

Fortunately, Li Xuan came back at this critical moment and dealt a heavy blow to Li Linfu.

Pei Kuan couldn't help feeling happy when he thought that Li Linfu was still kneeling in Xingqing Hall.

"Pei Zhou and Pei Huang and I have been friends since childhood. A real man will not easily forget friendship. I am looking forward to serving in the same court with them!"

Li Xuan answered the first half of Pei Kuan's question.

Pei Kuan's methods were too aboveboard. When he handled official business, he did not consider the background of the person, and he even ignored his relatives.
This will offend many people! Especially after he became the Minister of Justice.

During Pei Kuan's tenure as prime minister, there were many voices of opposition under the instigation of Li Linfu.

It was unrealistic to want to stay in the position of prime minister for a long time like Li Linfu. Li Xuan estimated that Pei Kuan would be dismissed from the position after three or four years, just like Yao Chong and Song Jing.

If you get sneaked again, the time will be even shorter.

In this life, Pei Kuan was sued by Lady Guoguo once and did not collapse, which was considered very strong.

The main reason was that Pei Kuan had left a good impression on Li Longji before and had become his favorite minister. He was also a prime minister with great reputation in the world. It was impossible for Li Longji to dismiss a prime minister just because of a few words from Yang Yuyao.

"What does Doctor Li think of the Right Prime Minister?"

Pei Kuan asked Li Xuan in a low voice.

"In one or two hours at most, Li Linfu will faint in the palace."

In fact, from the moment he came out of Xingqing Palace, Li Xuan knew what Li Linfu was up to.

When she could no longer kneel, she pretended to faint, which touched Li Longji's sympathy.

Given Li Longji's special feelings for Li Linfu, he might really forgive Li Linfu again.

Pei Kuan nodded. Li Linfu seemed to be kneeling in the hall in shame, but he was actually saving himself.

After Li Xuan and Pei Kuan chatted all the way to the palace gate, Pei Kuan said goodbye.

Pei Kuan didn't ask Li Xuan what to do next. There was no need for him to ask.

Next, just be yourself!
Li Xuan asked his brothers to go back first, saying that he had things to do and would not be home for the time being.

He immediately ordered the Jinwu Guards deployed by the emperor to arrest Lu Xuan, Dugu Yuan and other censors and take them to the Censorate.

He and Yang Shenjin went to the East Palace together.

"Central Minister Yang, when you return, tell Shi Jingzhong to leave Chang'an and not come back."

Li Xuan gave him instructions as they rode side by side on horseback with Yang Shenjin.

"Respecting loyalty is powerful and can help doctors predict good and bad luck..."

Yang Shenjin was unwilling to expel Shi Jingzhong, and whispered to Li Xuan.

He believed in this deeply, so he was crazy. But the theory of destiny has always been a taboo for emperors of all dynasties.

None of the officials who used prophecies to predict the future had a good ending.

"If it weren't for me, the one kneeling in Xingqing Palace today would be Yang Zhongcheng. If Shi Jingzhong really has supernatural powers, will you cooperate with me?"

Li Xuan was dismissive. He had always been averse to the idea of ​​ghosts and gods. After all, there was such a bizarre thing as time travel. Maybe there really were gods.

The belief in ghosts and gods exists if you believe in them and does not exist if you don’t.

But in history, Shi Jingzhong was a charlatan who deceived people by deceiving others. Not only Yang Shenjin was deceived, but also Li Ju, the successor to the King of Guo, was fooled by Shi Jingzhong.

In the end, Yang Shenjin's fate was too tragic. His brothers and sisters were all executed, and all his family members were exiled. All families that were related to Yang Shenjin by marriage were dismissed from office and banished from Chang'an, and more than a dozen royal families were implicated.

"If Yang Zhongcheng doesn't sever his relationship with Shi Jingzhong, his family will be destroyed in the future."

Li Xuan threatened Yang Shenjin.

He knew that once a belief was made, it would be difficult to change it.

Although it has no impact on him, as he always uses evidence to speak his mind, Yang Shenjin is a good chess piece.

Yang Shenjin, who controlled the Censorate, held a pivotal position in the court.

In terms of power, the Censorate is greater than any of the six ministries.

Because under the system of envoys, if the Ministry of Personnel is not concurrently held by the prime minister, its power will not be too great, because the Ministry of Personnel is responsible for assessment. Any exemption from etiquette must be approved by the prime minister.

"I will cut off all contact with Shi Jingzhong."

That’s all Yang Shenjin could say.

Everything he has now is in Li Xuan's hands. Having lost his faith, he has to rely on Li Xuan.

"If anyone from the Duke of Song's Mansion sees Shi Jingzhong in Chang'an, I will definitely not be polite to you. Because you know what the prophecy means! Remember, you are not qualified to read this. The future is determined by destiny, and destiny lies with the saints!"

Li Xuan seemed loyal and spoke with great righteousness, but he did not forget to warn Yang Shenjin.

"I understand!"

Yang Shenjin was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat, he realized that he was possessed.

Although he had no intention of treason, what he and Shi Jingzhong did was enough to cost them their lives.

As a die-hard fan of the saint, Li Xuan should cherish the opportunity to spare him.

Li Xuan no longer cared about Yang Shenjin. The point had already been made. Life and death were decided by fate.

Li Xuan was just using Yang Shenjin, so he couldn't be involved in anything.

"General Chen, I have been ordered to try Wang Zhongsi's case, and I have something to ask His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

In front of the Prince's Palace, Li Xuan informed Chen Xuanli.

He was authorized by Li Longji to meet the crown prince, and there was no need to be so obscure about his identity.

"General Li, please!"

Chen Xuanli ordered the Yulin Army to let Li Xuan and Yang Shenjin enter the Prince's Mansion.

The Crown Prince is the heir apparent to a country, and this matter is of great importance, so Chen Xuanli is on duty personally.

The moment Li Xuan and Yang Shenjin entered the Eastern Palace, Li Heng's servants reported to him.

When he learned that it was Li Xuan, Li Heng gritted his teeth.

If Li Xuan had not been so nosy during the hunting trip last year, he might have inherited the throne by now. Why would he have to endure such torture?

During this period, Li Heng did not receive any news from the outside world, and his mind was on the verge of collapse.

He was afraid that he would be deposed and even follow in the footsteps of former Crown Prince Li Ying.

"What is Li Xuan doing here?"

Li Heng didn't know that Li Xuan had been appointed as the Imperial Censor, and thought that Li Xuan could enter the Eastern Palace with the permission of the saint.

"Are you here to execute me?"

Li Heng was worried and his hair stood on end.

Li Xuan is a favorite of the saint, so he might be carrying some secret orders and doing some dirty work.

To Li Heng's horror, Li Xuan and Yang Shenjin were led into the prince's hall.

Li Heng was originally sitting in the main hall. When he saw Li Xuan and Yang Shenjin arriving, he quickly stood up.

As a prince, there is no need to do this, but it is a manifestation of Li Heng's fear.

Since being appointed as the crown prince, he has never had the dignity of a crown prince for a single day and he has always lived under the shadow of Li Longji.

"Greetings to Your Highness!"

Li Xuan and Yang Shenjin paid a visit to Li Heng together.

At this time, Li Heng's temples had turned white, his eyes were bloodshot, and his expression was listless.

If Li Longji and Li Heng stood together, people would definitely think that Li Heng looked more haggard.

"How are you two doing here?"

Seeing that Li Xuan did not bring the imperial edict, Li Heng felt a little relieved.

"Your Highness, General Li has been appointed Imperial Censor by the Holy Lord. I have come to the East Palace to inquire about the case of Wang Zhongsi."

Yang Shenjin introduced Li Xuan to Li Heng.

"Doctor Li is fair in his judgment and will surely help me clear my name."

When Li Heng learned that Li Xuan was appointed Imperial Censor, he felt depressed.

He thought that Li Xuan would take the opportunity to pursue him relentlessly and leave no room for him, just like Li Linfu did.

When Li Xuan was armed with a bow and a sword, Li Heng thought that Li Xuan supported him. After all, Li Shizhi already had the intention of getting closer to him.

But since the third year of Tianbao, Li Shizhi became distant from him, and Li Xuan even ignored him at the banquet.

The hunting incident made him hate Li Xuan. If he came to power, he would definitely take down the old thief Li Linfu, the little thief Li Xuan, and the Hu thief An Lushan one by one. The world changed suddenly in just a moment. When Li Heng was waiting for his time to come, the unforeseen disaster came again.

And Li Xuan actually became the one who judged him.

"I want to ask your Highness why you sent slaves to Taiyuan City!"

Li Xuan just stood there and asked Li Heng directly.

"Doctor Li, it was not my idea that the servant went to Taiyuan on his own. If the servants in the Prince's Palace are divided into nine levels, then the dead slave is the lowest level. He is not even qualified to raise horses. How could I order him around?"

Li Heng swallowed his anger and explained to Li Xuan.

"Perhaps it is to conceal one's tracks! The upper-class slaves are easy to reveal their tracks, but it is the lowest-class slaves who will not be known."

Li Xuan said relentlessly.

"That servant was not sent by me. I swear to heaven!"

Li Heng gritted his teeth and said, "As for why that dead slave disappeared in the Crown Prince's Mansion, I have already reported it to the Three Departments."

He is indeed a little thief!

"I have read the detailed information, but I am confused as to why the servants in the prince's palace disappeared for two months without being reported? Or why did they let the magistrates of Chang'an and Wannian go to look for war?"

Li Xuan asked Li Heng word by word.

This question stumped Li Heng.

The reason why a missing slave was not reported was very simple.

Because this was just a lowly servant who had been beaten and escaped. Li Heng did not want to make trouble and cause a stir in the city, which would have a bad impact on him.

For example, if the slaves of high-ranking officials were beaten to death, they would be buried in a random place and the matter would be over, just like killing an animal. The people would not report it and the officials would not investigate.

This is the slavery under the slave system!
Li Heng could never have imagined that the disappearance of a small servant would lead to such a great disaster.

"This is your highness' suspicion, even in front of the saint, I have the law to follow!"

"In addition, the prince's servant died outside Taiyuan City, and there is no evidence to prove his wrongdoing. Putting all these things together, how could the saint think that the prince's servant's trip to Taiyuan was an accident?"

"I respect Your Highness as the heir to the throne, but if the prince does not explain why he sent slaves to Taiyuan, the case will be delayed indefinitely. I have patience in front of Your Highness, but saints may not be able to calm down. That's all I have to say, Your Highness, please think about it carefully."

Seeing that Li Heng was silent, Li Xuan spoke again, speaking to him in a tactful but pertinent way.

But anyone could hear that Li Xuan's tone put a lot of pressure on Li Heng.

It’s the pressure from Li Longji!

When Crown Prince Li Ying was in power, Zhang Jiuling advised against it and was executed.

What's more, Li Heng felt that none of the current ministers were right.

Although Li Heng resented Li Xuan, Li Xuan's words made him wake up.

In the absence of any evidence, Li Longji determined that he was the one who sent the slave to Taiyuan.

If he did not admit it, Li Longji would not give up and would wear Li Longji down with all his patience. Even if he was not killed, he would be deposed from the position of crown prince.

But it’s none of his business at all, so what can he admit?
Thinking of this, Li Heng sneered: "I was the one who sent the servant to Taiyuan. I just sent a bottle of Lihuachun wine to my brother. Is this a crime?"

He just said it out of anger and thought Li Xuan wouldn't believe it.

At the end of the Kaiyuan period, when Huangfu Weiming came to Chang'an, as a friend, he sent his trusted servants to give Huangfu Weiming fine wine.

But he was still in such a miserable state during the Tianbao period.

"Central Minister Yang, did you hear that? His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said that he would send a servant to give Wang Zhongsi a jar of Lihuachun wine to show his brotherly love for Wang Zhongsi. He has no other plans. Please record this and please sign it, Your Highness."

Li Xuan instructed Yang Shenjin.

"Ah... Doctor... Is that so?"

Yang Shenjin was stunned. He felt that this was not what the prince meant.

In order to help Wang Zhongsi get rid of the crime, did the doctor not go after Li Heng?
If Li Heng ascends to the throne in the future, Li Xuan will definitely not have a good ending. Yang Shenjin was very confused.

"What else can the prince say besides this? Write it down!"

Li Xuan nodded and said.

Yang Shenjin directly asked the people in the Prince's Mansion to bring paper and pen and write down the reason for sending the servants to Taiyuan.

"Prince, please sign it!"

After seeing Yang Shenjin finish writing, Li Xuan handed the paper to Li Heng.

Until now, Li Heng could not guess Li Xuan's purpose.

He thought it was a trap, and looked at the contents on the paper, not daring to put pen to paper.

Li Heng thought in his heart, the servant was dead, Wang Zhongsi was in prison and had no say, if he didn't give Li Longji an explanation, the case would never be closed, Li Longji was moody!

It seemed that sending a servant to deliver wine to Wang Zhongsi as a token of brotherly love was the easiest thing to do.

Even though he was suspected by Li Longji, he only deprived Wang Zhongsi of his military power.

As long as he can keep his position as crown prince, he will definitely re-employ Wang Zhongsi in the future.

As for the fact that Wang Zhongsicheng refused to admit that he drank his pear blossom wine, it no longer matters.

He knew that Wang Zhongsi was a man of high moral character, and even if he did not admit it, he would not acknowledge a slave.

Thinking of this, Li Heng gritted his teeth and wrote his name on the toothpick.

Even if Li Xuan used this reason to attack him, he still admitted that it was just a way to survive from a desperate situation.

He has been very worried these days and has not slept well for a single day.

In the palace, the days passed like years.

Li Heng had enough!
"Your Highness, I'll take my leave!"

After seeing Li Heng write the letter, Li Xuan took the petition and bowed and left.

When he learned that Li Xuan had left the Prince's Mansion, Li Heng immediately wrote a memorial stating that he had only given Wang Zhongsi a jar of pear blossom wine, and the reason he did not admit it was because he was afraid.

Now he sincerely apologizes to the saint, hoping to be forgiven.

He wrote several thousand words in a very eloquent manner, praising Li Longji's literary and military achievements, and believed that although he was the crown prince, he still had a lot to learn from the sage.

He also hinted that he had confessed to Li Xuan and signed his name.

He was afraid that Li Xuan would make a fuss about this matter, so he expressed it very clearly in the letter.

After finishing the memorial, he asked Chen Xuanli to bring it to Li Longji.

Li Heng can only leave it to fate!

……

When Li Xuan returned to the Censorate, the Jinwu Guard reported to Li Xuan that Lu Xuan, Chen Lun, and Dugu Yuan, who were serving as censors, had all been arrested.

Li Xuan called other assistants and brought these censors to the court of the Censorate, and found the tool that Lu Xuan used to pull out the peg.

Censors such as Lu Xuan and Chen Lun were very confused. They were fine yesterday, but were suddenly captured by the Jinwu Guards today.

Could it be that Li Rong gave them away?
"Bold Lu Hyun, do you admit your guilt?"

Li Xuan pointed at Lu Xuan in court and asked him about his crime.

"We are all loyal subjects! Do you think I will be arrested and punished just because I had a quarrel with the doctor? No one in the world will trust such a censor!"

Lu Xuan thought that Li Xuan was seeking revenge for his personal grudge and yelled at him in the court.

Yesterday he felt that Li Xuan disliked him, but he didn't expect that just one day later, Li Xuan would start to take action.

This made Lu Hyun very angry, so he spoke sharply.

"You may be a loyal minister, but you are definitely a traitor! In the third year of Tianbao, you used a donkey to pull out a stake and forced Xianyang Wei to death. The clan volume says that Xianyang Wei only falsely accused the right prime minister. Let's just assume that Xianyang Wei was guilty of false accusation. Can a false accusation be punished by using a donkey to pull out a stake? Don't you know who invented the donkey to pull out a stake? And who authorized you to use such a harsh punishment?"

Li Xuan asked Lu Hyun questions again and again.

Lu Xuan felt a chill down his spine. No more than two dozen people knew about this matter, so they announced to the public that the Xianyang Wei had died of illness in prison.

Someone from the Censorate must have betrayed him.

But the Censorate is controlled by the Right Prime Minister, and Li Xuan is only a temporary official who will leave soon, just like Wang Zhongsi before. Who would betray him?

"At today's court meeting, Yang Zhongcheng impeached you... The Saint ordered me to thoroughly investigate this case. Don't try to make excuses. If you confess, I will give you a lighter punishment. If you refuse to confess, your crime will be even more serious..."

Without waiting for Lu Xuan to speak, Li Xuan informed Lu Xuan, Chen Lun, Dugu Yuan and other censors of the content of Yang Shenjin's impeachment.

For a moment, the censors looked pale and glared at Yang Shenjin, who was sitting below Li Xuan.

Yang Shenjin actually betrayed the right prime minister!
Yang Shenjin had controlled the Censorate for many years, so it was not difficult to understand why he knew their secrets. Especially regarding the issue of Dugu Yuan divorcing his wife, those who were closer to him knew it very well.

"I don't accept it! I didn't persuade Yang Zhongcheng to use the donkey peg on Wang Zhongsi!"

When Lu Xuan heard that he was still being accused of something, he immediately cried out that he was innocent.

How could he dare to do that without Li Linfu's order!
"Is the tool you used to pull out the pegs?"

Li Xuan pointed at the shackles and asked.

"Yes……"

Lu Xuan nodded. The entire Censorate knew that he was his tool and could not deny it.

"That's right. You want to use the donkey peg to intimidate Wang Zhongsi. I heard that you have improved the donkey peg and it is more intimidating than the donkey peg of the Tianhou Dynasty? Let's try it today!"

"Someone, put the shackles on Lu Hyun!"

Treat others in their own way. Li Xuan also let Lu Xuan taste the power of the enhanced donkey peg.

"What? You don't want to obey the Imperial Censor's orders?"

Li Xuan saw the soldiers beside him looking at each other in confusion and not daring to move, and he couldn't help but get angry.

"Asshole! Why don't you do it now!"

Yang Shenjin also stood up and shouted.

The soldiers of the Imperial Censorate did not dare to hesitate any longer. They picked up the shackles and were about to lock Lu Xuan up...

(End of this chapter)