[Comprehensive film and television] Like a spring breeze

The morning of August [-]th.

At this time, Emperor Liang had just got up and washed up with the service of Concubine Jing, the Imperial Teacher and the Crown Prince happened to meet outside the palace and came together, hearing the news that the Crown Prince and the Imperial Advisor had come in to say hello, with smile lines on his face, he hurriedly ordered someone to announce it.

After the meal, Emperor Liang asked about a few court affairs, and Xiao Jingyan had expected him to ask, so he answered very smoothly and thoughtfully, which satisfied Emperor Liang, praised him a few words, and ordered someone to play chess with him. .

The national teacher chatted with Concubine Jing for a long time.Seeing that it was getting late, Gao Zhan elongated his voice "Get up---drive---", the four people with the highest status in Daliang rode in two walking chariots, and Cuihua shook, calmly Xu Di went to the Hall of Martial Arts.

In order to successfully hold the emperor's birthday ceremony, the furnishings in the Wuying Hall have been newly decorated.

People who are eligible to enter the palace set up their seats according to their ranks. The clan males are headed by King Ji, who occupy the first step on the right side of the hall, while the female family members are surrounded by a low golden screen in an independent area on the left front of the throne. The ranks are separated from the left and right, and the lower the rank, the farther away from the throne. Officials of the fifth rank and below can only withdraw after prostrating outside the hall, and are not eligible to participate in the next banquet.

Since singing and dancing are not allowed, there is no need to leave too much space in the hall. The Ministry of Rituals deliberately arranged for everyone to sit relatively tightly, and only spread a ten-foot-square brocade carpet at a place three feet away from the steps in front of the throne, for the presentation in the middle of the ceremony. Psalmists stand there and chant.

For the Ministry of Rituals, these are things that have been done well. There are systems and routines for procedures, rules, and hall layouts, and there are no difficulties except for trivial matters.

But a few days before the birthday ceremony, this set of errands, which can be completed step by step with eyes closed, suddenly changed, because a person was temporarily added to the list of participants.As a guest of the Great Liang, Mei Changsu could not be compared with any other people in the palace. He was not a clan, nor did he have a clear rank and official position, so he was not easy to be placed among the courtiers of the royal family. He personally said that he would invite him, but His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was beside him and specially told him to "take good care of him", so it was absolutely impossible to get him to sit in the corner of the hall. For this reason, the members of the Ministry of Rituals were exhausted and couldn't think of a solution. The way, anxious to burn out.

Who would have thought that on the day of the birthday ceremony, this knot would unravel by itself. Before Mei Changsu, who had just stepped up the steps, had time to say a word to the ceremonial officer who came to guide him, Mu Qing jumped up and greeted him with a smile on his face. It looked like a flower was blooming, and he looked very familiar, and insisted on pulling him to sit with him.

The book of the Ministry of Rites was originally serious.Seeing it right now, he vaguely dismissed Mei Changsu as someone from the Mu Palace, since he and Mu Qing sat at the same table anyway.Don't crowd others, it's close to the throne.It doesn't show any grievances, but everyone is happy.

The golden bell rang nine times, and Xiao Jingyan helped Emperor Liang go up the golden steps to his seat. His footing was firm. After the national teacher took his seat, his eyes quickly scanned every corner of the hall.

Seeing Mei Changsu sitting next to Mu Qing with a smile, and Princess Liyang's expression calm, he was a little relieved and officially started.

Except for the reduction of singing and dancing and musical performances, the procedure of the ceremony is not much different from previous years, that is, the relatives and important officials kowtowed and saluted in batches, offered congratulatory speeches, and the emperor rewarded them one by one.Afterwards, the ceremonial official announced the opening of the banquet, and waited for the emperor to order chopsticks, and the three cups of wine were full, and the national teacher prayed for the emperor.

Then the crown prince will lead the clan's favored officials who are qualified to present gifts, one by one, to present their carefully selected and prepared birthday gifts in public.

Generally speaking, the whole hall is relatively solemn during worship.But when it comes to presenting the birthday ceremony.The atmosphere in the hall has basically turned brisk, waiting for all the gifts to be displayed in public one by one.

Confident courtiers would go to ask for orders, stand on the brocade carpet in the hall, recite their own hymns, win praises with wonderful words or funny jokes, and win the attention of the superiors.

According to previous experience, there will be one or two people who stand out on this brocade carpet every year, so everyone is eating and drinking while waiting for who will make a big splash here this year.

It's just that this year is particularly strange, not to mention that the national teacher attended this year in full attire, dressed meticulously according to the ancestral precepts, showing the national teacher's prestige.Furthermore, the several princes and nobles present all had their own concerns and their expressions were dignified.

The national teacher sitting on top clearly saw that the downcast Princess Liyang straightened the cuffs of the plain thin shirt, and brushed back the black cloud veil that was half hanging on the side of her face. Her face was pale, but Her eyes were serious, and not long after meeting Xiao Jingyan's gaze secretly, she slowly stood up.

The national teacher's heart sank, and Su Bai's hands subconsciously clenched the hem of the skirt, she knew that what was supposed to come had finally come.

Faced with the gloomy gaze of the emperor's brother, Princess Liyang gritted her teeth, the timidity in her chest became lighter, and her voice became clearer, "13 years ago, Xie Yu conspired with Xia Jiang to make a scholar imitate Chi Yan The handwriting of the vanguard general Nie Feng, forged the informant letter, framed Lin Shuai for rebellion, deceived the monarch, and finally caused a big case, this is the crime..." With just such a sentence, the entire Wuying Hall was drenched in boiling oil Like a spoonful of cold water, the pot exploded in an instant.

Emperor Liang's complexion also changed, and he suddenly turned his head to look at the national teacher. The national teacher lowered his eyes and shook his head slightly to show that he didn't know each other. ...are you crazy?"

"In order to make a false accusation. Xie Yu secretly sealed the Juehun Valley with fire, drove Nie Feng's troops into a desperate situation, and wiped out the entire army. He also blamed Lin Shuai. This is the second crime." Princess Liyang ignored her surroundings completely. Despite the interference, he still said loudly, "Xie Yu took advantage of being in the army to know the frontline battle situation and Chi Yan's dynamics, and lied that Commander Lin wanted to send troops to the capital. When the Yan army and the invading Yu army were exhausted in the bloody battle, they did not announce the decree, did not surrender, and deliberately massacred [-] loyal souls in Meiling. Afterwards, they falsely claimed that the victim had rebelled against the decree, and had to accept it. The land is wiped out. There are three crimes..."

"Shut up! Shut up!" Emperor Liang finally couldn't listen anymore, his whole body was shaking like chaff, and hissed loudly. "Come here! Drag her down to me! Drag her down!"

Several imperial guards in the hall looked at each other for a while, then walked over hesitantly.Just reached out and touched the clothes of Princess Liyang.As soon as she grabbed her, she immediately showed an expression that she didn't dare to force her hand.stay aside.

"After the Meiling massacre, Xia Jiang and Xie Yu used the gold seal and private seal of Marshal Lin they had handed over to them to forge the correspondence, falsely accusing that King Qi was behind Chi Yan's treason, with the intention of forcing the palace to usurp the throne, causing King Qi to suffer injustice. , the whole family was destroyed, this is four crimes," Princess Liyang knew that she couldn't stop at this time, and she didn't even look at the imperial warriors beside her. Relying on the military power and power with Xia Jiang, he blocked all channels for grievances. Anyone who knew a little about the inside story and did not lose his conscience and intended to report it was cut off one by one. All the confessions were written by Xie Yu himself, and there is absolutely no falsehood. After reading his handwriting, my sister was inexplicably shocked and restless day and night, so I made the first report to the imperial court, and I hope that your majesty will clarify the grievances, follow the laws of heaven, and decree to retry the case of Chi Yan. To be loyal to the soul and the hearts of the people. If you are allowed to, even if the younger sister dies... you can rest in peace."

Tears rolled down the eyes of Princess Liyang, she spread her sleeves and bowed down, touching her forehead to the ground.This slowly kowtowed head was like a heavy hammer, hitting the chests of everyone in the hall.

Although the words were concise and without exaggeration, the truth she confessed today is really shocking. Anyone who has a little sense of right and wrong and conscience in their hearts will more or less be aroused with some grief and indignation.

Amidst the uproar in the hall, Shi Yuanqing, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, stood up first, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, what the eldest princess said is horrifying, and Xie Yu's handwriting proves it. , It is not enough to secure the hearts of the court and the people. Please allow your Majesty to approve his performance, and appoint fair ministers to re-examine the Chi Yan case from now on, find out the truth, and show your majesty's wisdom and virtue!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhongshu Ling Liu Cheng, Cheng Gelao, Shen Zhui, Cai Quan and others all came out one after another, and they all said loudly: "The words of Shi Shangshu are very true, and I agree with you!" I was a little excited, and these were all important courtiers. As soon as they stood up, a large number of them immediately followed, and even King Ji, who had always been idle, slowly got up, his eyes were slightly red, and said: "Your brother thought that the ministers The request is very reasonable, please allow your majesty."

"You... even you..." Emperor Liang's slack cheeks trembled, he coughed several times, his whole body couldn't sit still, he leaned over the imperial case, and knocked a cup of fragrant tea on the ground. He said, "What are you guys? Are you forcing me? Xie Yuren is already dead, and he is still talking about whether he is guilty or not. It's just a handwritten letter. It's hard to distinguish the authenticity. Isn't it a big deal to mobilize people like this? Give it all." I back down... back down..."

"Your Majesty," Cai Quan took a step forward, raised his head and said, "The truth of this matter is not only about what crimes Xie Yu deserves, but more importantly, it is to convince the world of the imperial court's handling. Whether you are wronged or not, you will know after investigation. If this is overwritten, it will cause controversy everywhere, the common people will be alienated from morality, and the officers and men will be worried and chilled. Those who will be hurt are His Majesty's name and the stability of Liangjiang and Jiangshan. Please accept the advice of your ministers and others, and allow the case of Chi Yan to be re-examined!"

"My minister!" Yan Hou interjected coldly, "The Eldest Princess made the first report in public. What she said is clear about the past, the facts are clear, and there is nothing absurd. According to the situation and the law, her report should be approved and the case filed. Re-examination. I really don't understand why Your Majesty is hesitant?" His words pierced Emperor Liang's heart like a knife, and he was so angry that he was speechless.

At this moment, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who had been watching coldly and silently, finally stood up in front of everyone's eyes, and his body wrapped in the dragon embroidered robe slightly tilted towards the old emperor, showing his weakness and old age. Show a dazzling majesty and strength.

"My sons and ministers seconded."

Just four simple words like this, but with the energy of thunderbolt and lightning, it landed with a sound, instantly crushing Emperor Liang's last defense and persistence.

After the crown prince made a clear statement, the remaining courtiers who were still waiting and watching suddenly bowed down like the wind blowing wheat waves, shouting the word "secondary proposal" in a hurry.

Even King Yu and King Huai flinched for a moment, then said something in a low voice, and stood in the queue of remonstrance.

In the whole hall, there is only one national teacher and one Daliang Keqing left in the same place, watching all this with eyes as cold as ice and snow.

If it was just the commotion of the ministers, Emperor Liang still had some confidence to overwhelm them, but facing Xiao Jingyan's fierce gaze at this moment, he began to feel a little flustered.

Because he understands his son's feelings for King Qi and Lin, when he was at an absolute disadvantage, he would argue vigorously regardless of gains and losses, but now that conclusive evidence has emerged, Xiao Jingyan is of course unwilling to let it go.

If you don't suppress this son, you won't be able to stabilize the current chaotic and out-of-control situation.

But after thinking about it for a while, Emperor Liang suddenly realized that he no longer has anything important in his hands, which can govern a prince who has achieved great achievements in the country.

For the cold-natured old emperor, Xiao Jingyan's unexpected growth was far more shocking and unacceptable than the truth revealed by Princess Liyang just now, so he gritted his teeth and wandered around the hall, wanting to Find some support.

Veteran ministers, new ministers, the imperial family, the harem... Everyone couldn't see the expression he wanted. Even the gentle and docile Concubine Jing's eyes were so bright that he couldn't look directly at it.

The only one who still has power, yes, and her.

"Master, tell me!!!"

Mu Yanshan raised her eyes, and walked down slowly with her skirt lifted. Every step was on the hearts of Emperor Liang and the courtiers. Now, with only one word from her, it is up to her to decide whether or not to try the case.

I saw Mu Yanshan stepping down from the honorable position, walking straight past the courtiers step by step, and leaving the hall, she was still so beautiful and dignified, like the top of a mountain that people looked up to.

"Your Majesty, let's check..."

Occupying the supreme position and claiming to be lonely for decades, Emperor Liang didn't really taste the feeling of being alone and helpless until now.

More importantly, he is no longer able to veto all objections as forcefully and rudely as he did back then, but the signal sent to him by the state teacher's actions today has also become a decisive factor in his determination.

After a lot of chatter, with the departure of the national teacher, the hall gradually became quiet, but the power of silence contained in this quietness made the emperor feel more stressed than the chaotic shouting just now.

Because this is obviously not an impulse.

It's not just the officials who just drift with the crowd and calm down.Still all stood in the position of admonition, and no one showed any intention of retreating.

Emperor Liang knew that since the matter had developed to this extent, no matter how long the stalemate lasted, there would always be only one outcome.

"I... will play what the ministers..."

The old emperor spat out these words weakly.

Xiao Jingyan's heart was suddenly agitated, but he immediately controlled himself, did not show it, and just glanced at Cai Quan quickly.

"Since Your Majesty has given permission to retry the Chi Yan case, please invite the presiding judge to be judged as well?" Minister of the Ministry of Punishments bowed respectfully.

"National affairs are not discussed on this occasion," Emperor Liang refused softly, "...the presiding judge will be decided at another date."

"Your Majesty, this matter is too important to delay. Since today is already like this, why change the date?" Zhongshu Ling Liu Cheng continued, "The old minister just thought about it. The selection of the presiding judge is very important. He must be respected, loyal and selfless. It is only wise and meticulous. I am afraid that it is difficult for one person to take on this important task, so it is better to choose a few more. It is better to co-chair the trial." "Master Liu's words are very true,"

Shen Zhui immediately said, "I recommend Prince Ji."

"I recommend Yanhou!" Mu Qing's voice was still loud.

Facing the voices of recommendation one after another, Emperor Liang closed his astringent eyes forcefully.

In fact, it doesn't matter who will be the presiding judge. As long as Xiao Jingyan is still there, the future outcome of Chi Yan's case will be clearly visible. Even as the Ninth Five-Year Honorable himself, I am afraid that he will be powerless to stop it now.

In the end, Ji Wang, Yan Hou and Dali Temple Zhengqing Ye Shizhen became the candidates with the highest approval rate for the presiding officer. Emperor Liang gave in amid the sudden feeling of fatigue in his heart, and agreed to all of them.

When the three shouldering the heavy responsibility knelt down to receive the order, Xiao Jingyan, who had been holding it steady all this time, suddenly felt a burning sensation in his throat, and involuntarily turned his gaze to Mei Changsu.

Mei Changsu remained silent. In the court hall, which was boiling like a pot of boiling water, he was as quiet as if he didn't exist.

But as long as you observe carefully, you can find that his black and bottomless eyes have been staring at the old emperor with a hunched body on the imperial steps, as if he wanted to penetrate the decayed and weak shell, Pierce into his powerful, vicious and domineering past...

But Emperor Liang didn't feel the guest's gaze. He was trembling with his gray beard and hair, trying to escape from the hall that made him breathless.

The crown prince and the courtiers still bowed respectfully when he left, but the feeling in the heart of the supreme emperor is completely different from when he looked down on the courtiers before. This difference is deep down, the deeper it is felt, the more there are no words to describe it. .

When Mu Yanshan came, Emperor Liang who was lying on the couch still maintained the posture just now, but his breath became more and more disordered.

After a while, he started to stir, his head kept rolling back and forth on the pillow, his forehead was dripping with cold sweat, his hands scratched the air from time to time, and he murmured.

"Wake up Your Majesty, I'm having a nightmare again." Mu Yanshan gave a gentle order.

Gao Zhan quickly responded, got up, leaned over to the bed, and gently shook Emperor Liang's arm.

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty!!" After shouting more than a dozen times, Emperor Liang suddenly sat up as if shaken by something, staring blankly ahead, sweating profusely.

"Your Majesty." Mu Yanshan saluted respectfully.

"A group of them plotted against me today with ulterior motives, what about you? Why did you agree!"

"The truth is like this." Mu Yanshan's gaze pierced into Emperor Liang's heart as if tangible, "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, as long as you don't want to admit the facts revealed today, of course no one can force you You. But even the emperor, there are always some things that you can’t do, for example, you can’t influence the conclusions of the people’s conscience, you can’t change the comments of future generations, and you can’t stop those old people who come to you in dreams..."

"Stop talking!" Emperor Liang's complexion was sallow, his whole body was in a state of chaos, he held his forehead with both hands, he fell back with a loud cry, panting convulsively on the pillow.

"Your Majesty, in terms of loyalty and filial piety, Commander Lin is not unfaithful, and King Qi is not unfilial. The truth is, His Royal Highness has a sense of propriety. And... at the beginning, it was the master who made it happen under your instruction. Except you and me No one knows. Although the traces of the National Teacher's Mansion have been erased a few years ago, but now His Royal Highness wants to investigate, I will naturally show my feet and give him the result he wants. No matter how His Royal Highness investigates, he can only find out On the level of the teacher's mansion, you just need to bite to death if you are deceived by the national teacher."

Emperor Liang slowly let go of his hands covering his face, and looked at Concubine Jing fixedly: "Can you guarantee it?"

"Yes, I have to bear the cause and effect of this matter alone." Mu Yanshan kept a faint smile on her lips, but her eyelashes drooped so that people could not see her eyes clearly. One condition."

"Tell me..."

"Abolish the national teacher - since His Royal Highness prayed on the spot that the king does not need the national teacher, then the current prince does not need it either. The era of the national teacher has passed."

Emperor Liang weighed it blankly for a long time, and then fixed his eyes on Mu Yanshan's firm face for a long time, finally heaved a long sigh, and murmured: "...the matter has come to an end...it's up to you ... I won't say anything... As for the National Teacher's Mansion, you have to think about it yourself. After the matter is revealed, I will protect your life."

"Chen, thank you, Your Majesty." Mu Yanshan saluted respectfully, following the rules of etiquette, and then turned and left without hesitation.

"You are the most loyal person to me, even in this situation today, national teacher, I, thank you!" Emperor Liang said loudly as he watched her walking farther and farther away.This 13-year-old girl who ascended to the position of national teacher used her thin shoulders to support him.Even though he is old and fatuous, holding up the deposed prince and Yuwang, the two rebels, but under her iron fist, the political situation is still quite clear.He never thought that one day she would stand up and take the responsibility for his master and the emperor for the crimes that did not belong to her.

She, in the position of national teacher, has grown from a girl to a woman. As her master said, she is the best national teacher.