Bastards

This unknown prince, who lived in Chang'an for several years, suddenly shined brilliantly and was recalled to the palace by the imperial decree... Everyone in the family of courtiers and the people of Luoyang was curious.Coupled with the "propaganda" of King Yue and others, today the crown prince will retry Peng Chuanyi's case at the Ministry of Criminal Justice, and the whole city of Luoyang knows it!

Early in the morning, before the sky was bright, Luoyang City was bustling with activity. The early shops were extremely busy. Even if they had prepared more food in anticipation of today's situation, there was still not enough food... People chatted while eating and discussing Hurry up to get a good seat, it's too late and the seat is too far away, even the prince's whole face can't be seen.

That day when the prince entered the city with a guard of honor, those who had a position to see the prince’s true face were so talkative and bragging that people who watched were jealous. If they had a chance today, they must grab a good position, and then they would be full of blush The light is bragging, let the big girl and the little daughter-in-law circle around them!

Unexpectedly, the sky is not beautiful. At first, the sky was just about to appear red, and suddenly there was a fog. The fog was vast, changing from small to large, and soon enveloped Luoyang City.Although the sky was getting brighter, the vision became more and more blurred. From the beginning, the end of the street could not be seen, to the sound of people within three or five steps, and then to the opposite side, the whole process was not a single stick of incense.

The fog is so thick, how can we try the case?

People in the world are superstitious and pay attention to the sense of ritual. The more important the event, the more rules and taboos it has.For example, getting married, encountering Xiang Chong, and Lu Chong are all unlucky; for example, women in brothels, before breakfast in the morning, are not allowed to say the cross of "god, ghost, temple, bridge, tower, dragon, tiger, dream, demon, tooth"; For example, the execution of a large number of prisoners must be carried out in accordance with the time of day, in the autumn and winter when the murderous spirit is in harmony, and it is necessary to avoid the "Duan Tuyue" and "Ten Straight Days", and it must be during the day.

The law of the previous dynasty even clearly stipulated that if officials did not execute prisoners on time, they would be punished with eighty sticks.

To do big things, you must get a good reputation. If there are differences and obstacles, it is not appropriate to do it.

This sudden thick fog is a strange phase. This is what God has spoken. Today there is no blue sky, and the case cannot be tried!

The voices of the crowd waiting to see the trial suddenly fell, so is the prince's case going to trial today, or not?It stands to reason that it should not continue, and we must immediately beat the gongs and drums and tell everyone to retry at another day, so don't wait.It can be heard that today the crown prince's hearing of the case has received the emperor's imperial decree, and the emperor's golden words are so important, how can they be changed?

The people looked confused, but King Yue was happy.

There is not often fog at this time, but there is some mist in the morning, and it will dissipate as soon as the sun comes out, but today is different. !

The government, especially an important government office like the Ministry of Punishment, has strict arrangements. It is impossible to hear the case in the afternoon. If the fog does not clear this morning, the prince will be in trouble!

The king of Yue immediately ordered to recruit his subordinates and give orders...

Soon, there was a public opinion among the common people, and it gradually developed in the unfavorable direction of the prince.

For example, there is less fog in this season, and the Ministry of Criminal Affairs often opens courts for trials. Why is it that the prince was not allowed to go to the court to warn the police?

For example, Emperor Taikang was stable, possessed dragon spirit, and was busy with government affairs every day. He didn't know how many decrees he had issued. How could it be okay to give it to others, but it would be wrong to give it to the prince?God recognized Emperor Taikang and never opposed it, why did he feel awkward when he met the prince?

For another example, the crown prince was named the East Palace since he was born, so why has he been hidden in Chang'an and not in the palace?Is there any hidden secret in it... God does not allow him to be the prince, and Emperor Taikang feels pity for his father and son, so he has no choice but to put him in Chang'an Huangci Temple or something...

There are all kinds of things.

This public opinion spurred the attack to come too fast, when Yang Xuan's people noticed it, the voices of the people outside had gathered a lot, and more and more people began to express their distrust of the prince.

……

The old eunuch Shi Fu calmly offered Yang Xuan a cup of tea: "Your Highness, don't worry, it's not yet the opening time, we still have time."

Yang Xuan turned the lid of the teacup, and looked over the window of the wing of the Ministry of Justice: "I'm afraid that when the trial time begins, the thick fog will still not clear..."

The fog was an accident, but this remark was attacked by the king of Yue.

It touches good vigilance, good response!

Yang Xuan's long and narrow eyes narrowed slightly, and a few strange lights flashed in his eyes.

He had discussed with Cui Yu, and he knew that King Yue had made a lot of preparations for his return to try the case, not only in the palace, but also officials from the Ministry of Punishment arranged to talk through, recruited by various families, he came to try the case today, the King of Yue must come to see him!More small tricks, Xu can't avoid it, when he will be the crown prince, and there will be no one around him to support him, so he needs to be quick-witted.

They had thought a lot, and even had rehearsals for some possible situations, and targeted counterattack plans, but today the fog suddenly struck, and King Yue took advantage of the trend to attack. The angle was so biased that it was impossible to predict in advance!

How to do?

It is impossible for him to give up this opportunity, and he was forced to retreat by ridiculous and ignorant reasons. He wanted to try the case, and the whole room was applauded, so that everyone could remember that he was the Prince of Da'an. !

Cui Mata...

Yang Xuan looked under the dense fog and couldn't see clearly, but the direction Cui Yu had booked for the teahouse should be, the corners of his lips were slightly raised, and his smile was obvious.

He is the crown prince, sitting in the punishment department, he is alone, but he is not alone, he has tacitly connected rabbits, loyal and brave subordinates who are not afraid of death, he is not afraid of anything!

King Yue wants to see him make a fool of himself?He stepped on this situation and let King Yue take a good look at his power as a prince!

"Go find a bow for Gu."

Shi Fu narrowed his eyes slightly: "Your Highness wants to..."

Yang Xuan raised her eyebrows slightly, smiling silently.

Shi Fu looked excited at first, and then worried: "But under the sky, I can't see anything—"

"Someone helps the orphan."

Shi Fu was slightly relieved: "Someone guessed that there will be thick fog today, and helped His Highness think of a countermeasure?"

"No."

Shi Fu raised his heart again: "Then Your Highness..."

"Gu and his mind are connected, and he will definitely understand Gu's thoughts and choose strategies to help."

Shi Fu choked and almost knelt down.My prince, it turns out that all ideas are thought of now, and there is no follow-up arrangement?If others can't react in time, what should you do if you fail?That's a big embarrassment!

The old eunuch was worried, but for so many years, the prince had never let him down, and he had long been used to obeying the prince's orders, even if he was worried, he still went down to prepare.

……

In the teahouse, Lan Qiao stretched his neck to look out, very worried: "Master, the fog is so thick, if it stays on for a long time, we won't be able to see the trial!"

In the lobby of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, the craftsmen have completed the repairs, but the inside is still damp and the smell is not very good, so these days the Ministry of Criminal Justice is holding trials, and it is still in the corridor outside, and the Crown Prince's trial is the same.

The location of this teahouse is suitable. They watched Lou Deming's trial of Peng Chuanyi's case here before, but today the fog is so thick that they can't even see the corner of the opposite street with their heads sticking out. How can they watch the trial?

Lan Qiao was very worried.

But Mu Tong sighed and caressed his forehead: "Is this the problem that we should pay attention to now?"

It is obvious that the public opinion is loud, the prince's situation is dangerous, and it is very troublesome to advance and retreat!

Lan Qiao blinked: "Eh? Why don't you pay attention to this? Don't you want to review it?"

Mu Tong: ...

They were bickering in the room, and Cui Yu quietly looked out the window, tapping the table with his fingertips.

It is impossible to retreat.But how to do it the best, even better than on a sunny day, is a matter of skill.This matter happened urgently, what was Yang Xuan thinking in his heart?

Suddenly, there was a sound of "Zheng", as if there was a soft bowstring sound.

Cui Yan narrowed his eyes, and immediately raised his hand to silence the two of them, and after listening to it again, he turned his head and asked Mu Tong, "That's just the sound of a bow?"

Mu Tong nodded: "Yes."

"But it came from the inner courtyard of the Criminal Ministry?"

"That's right." Mu Tong's voice was firm, and the leopard's round pupils widened suddenly, full of anticipation, could it be——

Cui Yu lowered his head and closed his eyes, thinking anxiously in his heart, and immediately understood what Yang Xuan wanted to do.The corners of his lips were slightly raised, his eyes were smiling, and he was about to calmly use his supernatural perception when he suddenly remembered something.

Things from my previous life.

He came late at that time, and he didn't pass through the time when he was in his teens and twenties, but many strange things happened in this year, which were often talked about by people and talked about from time to time, so he knew...

Today is heavy fog, when it comes and when it goes.

Yang Xuan's idea can come true!

Cui Yu sat with his arms outstretched, smiling calmly: "Mutong, the dark guard Yichen that the crown prince placed next to me—is he here now?"

Mu Tong nodded: "Master wants to call him?"

"Yes."

Mu Tong immediately turned around and walked out of the box, within two breaths, Yi Chen came in, half kneeling to pay homage: "Mr. Cui, what are you looking for?"

"You and His Highness should have a secret language connection," Cui Yu blinked, "The kind that others can't understand, but you can understand, and can convey a lot of meaning."

Yichen nodded: "Indeed."

"Then here I have something to tell you..."

……

The closer the court trial time came, the more tense the atmosphere became. All kinds of rumors permeated the gate of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, and even the yamen servants began to feel uneasy.

Shi Fu held the strong bow he personally selected from the arsenal, and said solemnly: "Your Highness, time is running out."

Yang Xuan let out a 'huh', and continued to rest with her eyes closed.

At this moment, he heard a thin bird song not far away. It was mellow and light, not too pleasant, but not unpleasant. It blended into the environment, not abrupt, and not noticed by this person.

This voice, others don't understand, but he understands it!

He opened his eyes suddenly, the bottom of his pupils were bright, his head tilted slightly, and he listened attentively.

The bird song repeats three times and then disappears quickly.

The corners of Yang Xuan's lips were raised high, it was... so?

Don't play tricks behind, let everyone watch, as long as you pay attention to the time, place, and angle, you will surely succeed?

Yang Xuan believed in himself, and even more in Cui Yu. Since Yichen spread the word like this, he dared to do so!

He stood up suddenly, took the bow in Shi Fu's hand: "Go and summon the officials of the Ministry of Punishment for Gu!"

……

Not long after, the door of the Ministry of Punishment suddenly opened, and the crown prince walked out first, ahead of everyone else.

Seeing him wearing the prince's regular clothes, walking like a dragon and walking like a tiger, with great dignity, the common people all kowtowed their heads and dared not whisper or make any noise.

Yang Xuan stood proudly in front of the crowd, and spoke in a low voice: "I was trying to hear the case today, and I suddenly encountered a thick fog, and someone said that this is unknown, and it is a warning from the heavens. I should not continue, but I am not convinced. I am the prince, Heaven has chosen the crown prince, obeying the destiny, and there are no taboos, how can there be warnings of abnormalities?"

Yang Xuan's sword-like eyebrows were dyed like ink, they were raised obliquely and straight into the temples, and the long and narrow red phoenix eyes echoed with them, forming a burning and majestic form, which made people dare not look at him directly: "If you have doubts in your heart, you have to ask God, what is the purpose of today's incident !"

"It's convenient for me to do this today. Before the punishment of the Ministry of Justice, in the eyes of the people of Luoyang, hold this bow and ask God's will!"

Following the words, Yang Xuan raised the longbow in his hand high, and the bow string trembled slightly, and the people were dumbfounded, unable to react for a while.

Yang Xuan waved his finger and pointed to the small arrow target held by the yamen of the Ministry of Criminal Justice: "Put it on the roof of the shop five hundred paces to the east of the long street. If you can't hit it, it will be a warning from heaven. Not only should you not try the case, You are not worthy to be a crown prince, to enjoy the people's kowtow and support, and to be the face-to-face king alone, please resign from the position of crown prince!"

There was an uproar at the scene, and there was no sound again.

"If Gu can hit—" Yang Xuan's eyes shivered slightly, "It's the will of the heavens, grant Gu no privileges, allow Gu to have no taboos, and do anything! Gu is the only heir apparent in Da'an, and anyone who offends will die !"

As soon as these words came out, the scene became even quieter. The common people were frightened by the prince's majesty and did not dare to move, but they were unavoidably curious in their hearts. How could it be possible that people could not be seen from three steps away in such a thick fog, and they could shoot at the target at five hundred steps!

However, the prince inherits the destiny, which is different from ordinary people. He has the spirit of words, and the general situation is fine. If the heart is obsessed, the oath must be fulfilled!

Prince, whether he is the future emperor needed by the people of Da'an, you will know today!

The atmosphere was cold and frozen, but the servants did not dare to move.The people above fight, and it's not their turn to talk to the people below, they just obey and do things.A team of eight yamen servants, and the four palace guards brought by the prince, immediately rushed eastward with the target.

The people respected the prince, and the atmosphere was tense, and most of them were frightened and fearful, but they were not inquisitive.The fog is too heavy, the end of the street cannot be seen from the street, and no one wants to see all the trajectory of the arrow with their own eyes, but there are many of them, and they are all acquaintances in the neighborhood. As they stand in a row on this street, they can confirm each other !

How the arrow came from the prince's hand, where it passed through, and whether it could hit it, they know everything!

One person moved, and many people moved. Seeing that the prince was not unhappy, everyone immediately followed suit.Soon, this street, from the Ministry of Justice to the five hundred steps away, was full of shops on the inner, third and outer floors.

There are so many of us Luoyang people!

Changjun Wang, who came to watch the fun with Yue Wang in the teahouse, gnawed on the fruit and was very curious: "Can he really hit it?"

"He's dreaming!" King Yue sneered, "Don't mention the layers of fog and the blurred vision, do you know how far a good archer in the army can shoot?"

King Chang blinked: "Piercing Yang with a hundred steps...so a hundred steps?"

"Hundred paces can accurately hit the target, which is a superb archery skill. 150 paces is a good shot. The best marksman in the army can only grasp the range of [-] paces. No more. Want to go further , need the environment to help, luck to help, now five hundred steps... that stupid prince is crazy, smashing the jar!"

King Yue patted his younger brother's head: "We are precious, don't pay attention to him."

Prince Chang's lips had an evil smile: "But I just like to see people make a fool of themselves..."

……

Those who want to see the prince's trial are not only Yue Wang brothers, but Luoyang people, big and small families, high officials and small officials, all occupy their positions and wait eagerly.

Yin Zimo was very curious, and poked Fu Rongsen's face: "It's so foggy, how do you aim? By luck?"

Fu Rongsen pinched his mischievous hand: "The distance of five hundred steps is not as simple as aiming secretly..."

Rong Yanbin embraced the newest beauty in his arms, and cursed in his heart: I don't believe that the prince really has the protection of a dragon, and everything goes smoothly!

The members of the Cai family and Rong Yanbin were at odds with each other, wishing they could make that long-eyed arrow and hit the target with one arrow, so that the crown prince could properly handle the case, get rid of that Deng's wife, and by the way, Rong Jia Gan's punishment!

Zhang Song and Zhao Ji stood behind the prince so early, his heart beat faster, "pound thump thump—" subconsciously began to pray, this arrow will surely hit!

Wang Shibaniang clenched her fists and blushed, she must win!

The Wang family who accompanied her were all curious: "Eighteen Niang doesn't know the prince, why are you working so hard?"

"You don't understand, even though you don't know each other, I just think the prince is kind!"

Hiding among the common people, Peng Chuanyi ordered Uncle Zhong, subconsciously gathered his clothes, touched the things in his arms, whether the young master is alive or dead, it depends on this, the prince, please be sure to shoot!

……

There are all kinds of people hidden in the crowd, even assassins, and the palace guards that only the emperor can dispatch.Everyone concealed their appearance and figure, each with their own thoughts, waiting for the prince's arrow.

Soon, the yamen servant who placed the target ran back and said that it was set.

"very good."

Yang Xuan stood on the spot, closing his eyes and waiting quietly.

Suddenly, there was a thin bird song that no one noticed, and Yang Xuan opened his eyes suddenly, his brows were sharp, his toes pointed, he turned over, and jumped onto the roof of the criminal department!

Everyone couldn't help being in an uproar, the current crown prince actually has such good skills!

Before everyone could react, Yang Xuan had already adjusted his position, facing the east, leaning back slightly, and fully stretched the bowstring!

"Duh!"

The prince let out a low shout, and the arrow rushed out immediately, making a sharp sound piercing the air, and disappeared immediately, the bowstring trembled slightly, and it didn't stop for a long time...

Everyone stared at the sky together, watching the arrows quickly leave their field of vision, and they didn't know if it was an illusion. The mist seemed to be dispersed by the arrows, and the mist, like water vapor, gradually broke apart as if it had substance, and retreated slowly...

Everyone waited almost holding their breath.

The long time is like a lifetime, and the fast time is like the blink of an eye.

Suddenly a shout came from a distance: "I hit it! I hit it! I really hit it!"

The people in Luoyang ran faster than the Yamen servants who answered the question. They asked each other and ran to Yang Xuan one by one. They knelt down and kowtowed devoutly: "The prince is a thousand years old! The prince is the orthodox of my Daan. There are no taboos, offenders die!"

"Death to the offender!"

"Death to the offender!"

"Death to the offender!"

"Death to the offender!"

The voice of the people is loud, the sincerity of worship, and the strong willingness to support are unprecedented!

And somehow it was just such a coincidence, the thick fog that was still too thick just now suddenly dispersed, and after a while, the golden rays of the sun were exposed, and it didn't take a cup of tea before the fog would clear away!

"How is it possible... how is it possible!" King Yue fell on the chair, not believing it at all. Could it be that the crown prince is really protected by dragon energy?Otherwise, why would the mist dissipate if the arrow could hit it?

No, he didn't believe it, it must be something that guy did, there can't be any dragon spirit!Throughout the ages, there have been many history of seizing the throne, and those who can climb to that position have the dragon spirit. Before sitting on it, everyone is the same, and no one is better than the other!

calm down……

As soon as the fog cleared, the people became even more crazy, kowtowing to Yang Xuan 'bang bang', they were so excited that they all shed tears.Since ancient times, no matter whether the court is in prosperity or decline, ordinary people like them are the only ones who have lived the hardest life.More than anyone else, they yearn for a wise king who will be ordered by heaven to rejuvenate the society and seek the well-being of everyone!

All the big and small aristocratic families, the assassins and the imperial guards spies were also dumbfounded. They never knew that things could be played like this, and they could still play successfully!

This is more than a desperate bet, it is more than luck, this is the way of heaven!

In the teahouse, Lan Qiao held his face in his hands and looked at his master adoringly: "Master, you are really amazing!" How did he know that the fog can disperse, and how did the prince be able to hit the target when he couldn't see everything!

Cui Mata smiled and said nothing.

When the fog rises and when it dissipates, there is no need for supernatural powers. He has heard of it before.As for how to hit the target when you can't see it, of course it depends on his good and bad ability to perceive.

Perhaps this most auspicious moment, the angle, the height, the wind, and even the prince's luck are all added to it. As long as Yang Xuan follows the standard, he will surely succeed!

The fog cleared, and the field of vision reappeared. When he saw the criminal corridor again, Cui Yu became more calm: "Let's watch the trial."

……

Everything went well, and the prince sat in court to try the case, and he never stopped it.

Yang Xuan sat under the plaque of 'Mirror Hanging High', slapped the gavel, and said calmly, "Bring the plaintiff and the defendant to court!"

Peng Chuanyi was taken out of the prison with shackles on his hands and feet, and he described it as very haggard; Deng's still plain clothes and black hair, soft and weak, with a trace of stubbornness in his beautiful face.Comparing the hatchback, Peng Chuanyi looks even more pitiful.

Those who have seen the previous interrogation can't help but sigh.At that time, Mrs. Deng was not much different from what she is now. Peng Chuanyi was skinny and still dressed neatly, like a son-in-law. But see you today... Mrs. Deng is still beautiful, and still has a pitiful temperament, but there is something hidden in her brows and eyes. The complacent feeling is more obvious.But Peng Chuanyi was thin and out of shape, numb and numb, which made people feel a lot of emotion.

People's mentality is always more sympathetic to the weak. Today, both sides only showed their faces, but they haven't spoken yet. The bias of the masses has come out.

Yang Xuan saw all this in his eyes, and then patted the gavel: "The details of this case file, I have read it alone, and now it is clear. The first of this case is the dispute between the wife and concubine, and the second is the death of the head of the family, Peng Ping. The most important thing is to observe the fate of human life, but the murder case has a cause, all of which are caused by disputes, so I ask the disputes first to determine the motive of the murder, do you two have any objections?"

"The grassroots dare not." Peng Chuanyi bowed his head.

"I don't dare." Mrs. Deng then bowed her head.

Yang Xuan quickly said: "Peng Chuanyi, you said that you had a very hard time when you were young, and you hated your biological father Peng Ping and Deng Shi very much, but your biological mother strictly disciplined you and forbade you to go astray, but is that so?"

When Xu Shi heard the birth mother, Peng Chuanyi's voice trembled a little: "His Royal Highness, let me tell you! The grass-roots mother's virtue, beauty, words and deeds are all exemplary women. Whether she was filial to her parents and elders, served her in-laws, or later independently supported and educated the grass-roots, everyone praises her." ! Caomin's ancestral home, everyone can prove it! Caomin is really wronged, with a mother like this, how dare Caomin ruin his reputation and kill his father with his own hands!"

Peng Chuanyi burst into tears, and told all about his childhood experience and his adult ambitions, how he and his biological mother suffered, how Deng urged his father to treat him badly, he dared not forget his biological mother's teachings, and never wanted more...

"Your Highness doesn't know that the grass-roots mother was kind to Mrs. Deng. When Mrs. Deng's family was the poorest, she helped her many times...but this is how Mrs. Deng repaid her!"

……

Peng Chuanyi's words pierced his heart and lungs, and everyone in the audience was moved.What to say, this is a poor child.

The hall was quiet, Yang Xuan asked Deng Shi again: "Do you have any objection to what he said?"

Deng's eyes flickered slightly, and her red lips parted and closed: "In front of Your Highness, I dare not lie. I don't know how the righteous son and sister have lived for many years, and my husband has never let me control..."

"In other words, do you think his words may be true?"

"This..." Deng Yingying kowtowed, "I don't dare to say it. The prince is wise, so he must have a bottom line."

Yang Xuan's eyebrows were slightly pressed, and his voice was cold and stern: "Indeed, no one can doubt the facts...Left and right, bring witnesses to the court!"

When the yamen servants brought dozens of neighbors and villagers around the Peng family's ancestral home - there were many familiar faces inside, Deng was immediately stunned, where did this group of people come from!Didn't her father promise to help her block the news of the old house and not let anyone get involved in the case?

The ancestral house... the ancestral house that no one would think of at all... the ancestral house that has not been checked by any government...

Why are these people here!