The First Yamen of the Great Song Dynasty

Chapter 160

Zhao Huan's injury was no small matter. At a small scale, it would affect the official careers of all the officials in the court, and at a large scale, it would affect the common people and society of the world.

Without exception, everyone surrounded him. Gao Ming didn't want to go to see him. After all, in his heart, Huarong's safety came first.

But right now, the crown prince is injured, and the courtiers don't go to see him, but care about Hua Rong, and it's hard to explain under the eyes of everyone.

Gao Ming bit the bullet and stopped in front of Zhao Huan, instead of continuing to run towards Huarong, he just looked at Huarong from afar.

And Hua Rong also knew what Gao Ming was worried about, and shook his head slightly at him, indicating that he was fine.

Gao Ming comprehended, put Hua Rong's safety on hold for the time being, and surrounded the prince with the crowd who rushed over.

Someone leaned over and asked Zhao Huan who was trembling in pain, "Your Highness, where are you hurt?"

"My eyes..." Zhao Huan squeezed out the words between his teeth.

When everyone saw the bright red blood oozing from between his fingers and covered the skirt of his clothes, they all gasped in their hearts.

I'm afraid it's a serious injury.

At this time, more and more people gathered, three floors inside and three floors outside, someone shouted: "The imperial doctor is here! Make way!"

Polo is dangerous, so every time there is a game, there is an imperial doctor on call at any time, so they come in time.

When the imperial doctor arrived, the eunuch persuaded him, "Your Highness, take your hand away and show it to the doctor."

Zhao Huancai moved his hand away a little bit, and everyone turned pale with fright, including Gao Ming, who was stunned.

Did you read it wrong?Why does it feel like the eyeball is not where it should be? !

Seeing this, the imperial doctor knew that the matter was of great importance, and hurriedly said: "His Royal Highness, don't move, move to the palace for treatment!"

When the prince's injury could not be exposed to the public, someone took off his robe to cover the prince, and walked out of the stadium with his back on his back.

Zhao Ji didn't know exactly what happened in the arena, but seeing everyone's nervous expressions, he vaguely felt that something was wrong, maybe the prince was seriously injured.

Although he didn't want to see the prince, but after all it was his own son, he left the chair somewhat worried, stood up slowly, and asked the attendant beside him, "What's wrong?"

At this time, someone reported in a panic, "Officials, the polo hit His Highness the Crown Prince in the eye, and His Highness the Crown Prince was seriously injured."

Zhao Ji's heart trembled, he hurriedly left the seat, and followed in the direction where the prince was moving.

Gao Ming glanced back at Hua Rong to make sure that he was fine, so he followed the prince and his party.

Everyone was silent, and no matter what was in their hearts at this time, they couldn't easily say it out.

No one even dared to question how the prince was injured.

But all kinds of speculation have taken root in my heart.

Even Gao Ming was no exception, he waited outside the palace where the crown prince was being treated, waiting for news.

The other officials either kept their sleeves on their sleeves or bowed their heads, and they were all preoccupied.

Gao Ming is the confidant of King Yun, and when the crown prince is disabled, King Yun is the direct beneficiary.

Just now there are people from the Imperial City Division in Polo's hand, I am afraid that a whole set of conspiracy theories have already formed in everyone's minds.

Gao Ming diluted his sense of existence as much as possible, and waited without saying a word.

Only Zhao Ji, King Yun, King Su, and the imperial physicians were in the hall, even Cai Jing, Tong Guan, etc. were turned away, and naturally Gao Ming was not qualified to watch the prince's injury at close range.

In fact, even if there was, he didn't want to see it.

I'm afraid it's going to be a nightmare.

After waiting for another half an hour, several imperial doctors withdrew, and a group of people waiting outside the hall gathered around to inquire about the situation of the crown prince.

Facing the eager eyes, the imperial doctors kept silent until they could not escape without saying anything, one of them said: "I can't keep it."

There was a murmur and commotion among the crowd.

Needless to say, the ones that were not kept were of course the eyeballs.

It is a foregone conclusion that Prince Zhao Huan is disabled.

At the beginning, Zhao Ji, an official family, was able to ascend to the throne because of his elder brother Shen Wang Zhao Bi who had a serious eye disease. If Zhao Bi was a healthy person, the throne would be his.

Now Zhao Ji's favorite son will also succeed to the throne because of his elder brother's eye disease, it seems that there is a certain number in the dark.

After the imperial doctors were released, the ministers who were waiting for them whispered in pairs from time to time.

Gao Qiu glanced at his son, as if to say, what do you think?

Gao Ming raised his eyebrows, what can I think?The prince will lose at least one eye, so it is impossible to be an emperor.

Gao Qiu closed his eyes, and King Yun was going to be the heir apparent.

At this time, the door of the palace was opened from the inside, first Zhao Ji stepped out, followed by King Yun and King Su.

Everyone bowed their heads when they saw it, and held their breath.

"The prince is sleeping peacefully, you all go back to rest too." Zhao Ji said.

Only then did everyone dare to step back and leave.

Gao Ming quietly looked at King Yun, and saw that his brows were slightly frowned, as if he was worried, and he couldn't tell whether it was true or false.

Regardless of whether it was his handwriting or not, any words and actions he said at this time would attract speculation.

Zhao Ji left straight away, and Zhao Kai followed, wondering what the father and son would talk about.

The Tian family father and son left just like that, and the others turned their attention to Gao Ming's face.

Gao Ming thought to himself, what do you see me doing?I'm also confused, okay, I don't know more than you!

"Father, let's go back too." Gao Ming whispered, speaking his first words since the prince was injured.

But Gao Qiu just nodded silently and left with his son.

Sitting on the carriage back home, the father and son looked at each other and said almost in unison: "What's going on?"

After a pause, they all asked again: "Did you see who hit the polo in the prince's eyes?"

Gao Ming first shook his head and said: "I didn't notice, Hua Rong fell down at that time, I was looking at him all the time."

Gao Qiu said: "Me too. At that time, Huarong's people were on their backs, and I didn't care about looking at others."

"Hua Rong might have seen it." Gao Ming said sincerely, "I don't know if he is hurt or not."

Although it seemed that there was no serious injury at the scene just now, who knows if it is really not hurt, or it is still holding on.

Gao Ming wished he could skip the time on the road and get home immediately.

When they returned to the mansion, Hua Rong was already waiting for them.

Apart from a few scratches on the face, there seemed to be no major injuries.

As soon as Gao Ming saw him, he took a few steps to him, grabbed his shoulder and looked him up and down, "Are you okay?"

Hua Rong shook his shoulders, "Skin injuries plus a little fall, it doesn't matter." Fu Er whispered next to Gao Ming's ear, "Why don't we go back to the room for a checkup?"

Still thinking about joking, it seems that there is nothing wrong, Gao Ming said with a smile: "It must be checked, and I ran away from you."

At this time, Gao Qiu also approached, seeing that Hua Rong was fine, he asked, "Did you see what happened just now? Who played the polo that injured the prince?"

He thought that Hua Rong could notice something, so he heard Hua Rong shake his head and said: "I was on the way to grab the ball, and I was knocked down by a horse rushing by, and I didn't see what happened. I saw everyone running towards the prince. Is the prince's injury serious?"

With the speed of the polo, it cannot be made to hit the flesh, which can range from trauma to the flesh, to severe injuries to the muscles and bones.

Huarong judged that since the crown prince was covering such a fragile part as his face, the situation would not be optimistic.

Gao Ming said truthfully: "The imperial doctor said that the eyeballs should not be kept."

"One, or both..." Hua Rong said: "However, even if one is not enough, if one eye is blind, the burden on the other eye will increase, and it will not work soon. If it is a job that does not use eyes It’s okay, but as the crown prince, you must read a lot...I’m afraid..."

Both Gao Qiu and Gao Ming nodded, agreeing with Hua Rong's words very much.

The prince must make room.

Gao Ming suddenly thought of those two guys from Wanyan's family, "How are Wanyan Zongjun and Wanyan Zongqiang? It seems that Zong Qiang took the initiative to drag his brother off the horse. The polo field is so hard, so they didn't fall and become disabled, right?"

Hua Rong said: "I don't see anything wrong, you can move freely."

Gao Ming said: "It's fine if they are not disabled. If they are also disabled, it's hard to ask for an explanation. It's because they didn't play well that the horses collided with each other."

Gao Qiu said: "The matter is of great importance. Whether you want to seek an explanation from Jin Guo people depends on the attitude of the officials."

The three of them exchanged their views again, and seeing that there was no new information and viewpoints, they each went back to rest.

Gao Lian went to see the child, while Gao Ming and Hua Rong went back to the room to check the injury.

"Are you on your medication?"

"No, the imperial doctors have all gone to the prince's side, so there is no need to worry about us, and there is no need for medicine for this minor injury. It is normal to have bumps and bumps on weekdays."

Gao Ming looked at the scratch on Huarong's brow bone and grinned, "It hurts just looking at it."

"It doesn't hurt. It's not as painful as the old lady's beating." Hua Rong said.

Okay, the old lady is more scary.But Gao Ming still felt that it would be safer to take the medicine, "I'll get someone to bring some medicine for you." He said, getting up.

"No need!" Hua Rong grabbed him and pushed him back to sit on the bed, "No need. You just blow it off for me."

"The immortal energy I spit out can still heal the wound?" Gao Ming laughed, but he still knelt down on the bed and let Hua Rong gently blow the wound.

Hua Rong raised his head and pointed to his lips, "It hurts here too."

Gao Ming smiled and said, "Your hook for kisses is also straight, right?"

Hua Rong hooked Gao Ming's neck and kissed him, "You have to bite the straight hook." The two of them fell on the bed.

Gao Ming found that Huarong's physical fitness passed the test without any hindrance, except that when he was sweating, the scratch on the brow bone was a little painful, and he would frown. Other than that, it was the same as usual.

Then the two embraced and fell asleep. After all, whether it is sports or other activities, it is very tiring.

Maybe it was because of going to bed early, Gao Ming woke up and found that it was still dark outside, when he turned over, Hua Rong asked, "Are you awake?"

"Yeah, how can a person like me who spends all his time worrying about family and country affairs sleep in?" Gao Ming laughed.

Hua Rong chuckled, "I believe it."

"I'm serious, my mind was messed up all night, and I had several dreams about polo."

Hua Rong embraced him inside to give him a sense of security, "You are called thinking day by day and dreaming at night. But, having said that, do you think it was the handiwork of King Yun? Besides me, there are imperial guards If they are entrusted by King Yun, they only need to find the right time to hit the polo in the face of the prince. The infighting among the Jin people happened to bring a good opportunity, and they were caught by this person."

"But is it really King Yun?" Gao Ming struggled for a moment, and then said, "Yes, it is, anyway, things have happened. The crown prince is disabled, and the throne must belong to King Yun, even if someone present sees who is playing polo Those who hurt the prince will not say it, isn't this an enemy of the future emperor, no one would be that stupid."

This kind of thing will not be done by someone like Hua Rong who has already lost his status. If something goes wrong, it will not be easy to end.

The more unremarkable it is, the more likely it is the real murderer.

In fact, other than Prince Su and Hua Rong, the seven people started to investigate, and there must be some clues.

The key is who will investigate, Zhao Kai is the head of the Imperial City Department, should he investigate himself?

Hua Rong said: "I'm afraid even the prince himself has to admit this dumb loss. After all, there is no real evidence, and even King Genyun can't do it. It is a foregone conclusion that he will be deposed, and he will have to live on his younger brother's breath in the future. He will not You want to offend the future emperor."

"Being a prince of Taiping is not necessarily a bad thing." Gao Ming thought to himself, at least he would not do such things as open the gates of the city by engaging in feudal superstition and take the initiative to run to the Jin army camp as a hostage as an emperor.

He was unable to inherit the throne because of his physical disability, and he could win some sympathy, which was better than being deposed by Zhao Kai's other crimes.

However, this polo case will definitely become one of the research topics of future historians.

It is estimated that many conjectures will be derived.

Hua Rong speculated: "The more I think about it, the more suspicious King Yun is. It should be that after you instigated him last time to seize the heir, he has been waiting for an opportunity, and finally waited for the perfect opportunity of the polo match, with a fatal blow. However, in this way Very good, or don't make a move, and once you make a move, you will beat your opponent so that there is no room for retaliation."

Since ancient times, the most harmful thing in the battle for the crown prince is the indecision, the constant murder of each other and pulling people to stand in line, leading to political turmoil.

Zhao Kai was straightforward this time and saved a lot of trouble.

"Anyway, it's time to change the prince." Gao Ming lay half-lying, resting his head on one hand to look at Hua Rong, "Oh, I'm afraid that the official's health will be great, and King Yun has been the prince for 40 years. The veteran of the team."

King Yun can do something to the prince, but he will definitely not do anything illegal to his father.

I can only exercise my body and live longer than his father and wait for succession.

"You have a lot to worry about." Hua Rong smiled and nodded Gao Ming's nose.

"It's been said that I have devoted myself to the country." Gao Ming deliberately pretended to sigh, "Don't you?"

"No, I'm quite energetic." Hua Rong laughed.

Gao Ming understood it, seeing that it was still early outside the tent, he knew that this morning would be a rough one.

—

The nine people who participated in the polo match yesterday except for the prince were all called into the palace by Zhao Ji and questioned on the spot.

Besides them, the Prime Minister Cai Jing was also there.

Gao Ming, as the secretary of the imperial city, was also one of the audience, so he was also called over for questioning.

The corners of Zhao Ji's mouth were tense, and his eyes swept over their faces one by one, "How did that ball fly to the prince's face? Who among you hit it?"

Who can bear the crime of murdering the crown prince, everyone hurriedly said: "Please be careful with the officials, the crown prince is injured and I don't care about it."

Zhao Ji asked each of them one by one, "You didn't hit it, so did you see who hit it?"

The answer is no without exception, and they all ask three questions.

But Zhao Ji didn't get angry when faced with such a situation, and his tone was quite normal, "Then when you went back yesterday, did you tell others about what happened on the field?"

These people were similar, they all said no, they were too tired, they went to sleep when they got home, and when they opened their eyes, it was time to enter the palace for a face-to-face.

"Okay, you guys go back." Zhao Ji said: "Gao Ming stay."

After everyone else retreated, Zhao Ji asked Gao Ming again, "Did you see who hit the prince?"

Gao Ming told the truth, "The butler forgives the sin. At that time, I saw the Wanyan family members fall off the horse. I was attracted by them, and I didn't have time to look elsewhere."

Zhao Ji felt that this reason was acceptable. In fact, everyone, including him, went to see the Yan family and never noticed the prince.

He stroked his beard and said: "You are in charge of the Imperial City Department, and you are usually the best at listening and investigating. From what you have seen, is there anyone behind the prince's injury?"

Gao Ming thought to himself that this hook is so straight, which fish would be fooled? If he is crazy, he would say it was man-made, so why not charge Zhao Kai with a crime, "According to what I saw, I'm afraid...it was an accident."

Cai Jingdao, who is best at guessing Zhao Ji's thoughts, said: "I also think that the people of the Kingdom of Jin started internal strife, which caused other people to turn their backs on their backs in order to avoid them. It is not certain which horse kicked the polo. But no matter what. , the people of the Kingdom of Jin cannot absolve themselves of the blame."

Cai Jing deserved to be the roundworm in Zhao Ji's stomach, he knew exactly what the emperor was thinking.

The emperor didn't believe that King Yun did it at all, and he didn't even want to have anything to do with King Yun. It was either King Yun's fault or someone else's fault, and it was best not to be a native of this country.

Zhao Ji also thought it was very good to ask Jin Guoren to be responsible for the prince.

He talked with his precious son, King Yun yesterday, and King Yun expressed great concern about the prince's injury, whether it was worrying about the prince's health, or worrying about the rumors outside.

Looking at his son's innocent appearance, Zhao Ji is convinced that all this has nothing to do with him.

He didn't want to make people suspect King Yun, the best way was to divert attention and shift the responsibility for the prince's injury to the Jin people.

Cai Jing's words were exactly to his liking.

Zhao Ji then said to Gao Ming: "Go and negotiate with them and let them know that you have done a good job!"

Zhao Ji was actually not very angry, he was still worried about how to dethrone the crown prince, and the people of the Kingdom of Jin helped him just right.

It's just that the crown prince is the heir apparent and is the foundation of a country. Injuries from playing basketball are related to the country's constitution, so we must show an attitude.

Second, completely characterize the prince's injury as an accident caused by Jin people, so as to avoid the breeding of conspiracy theories.

"Yes. I'm going to warn them now!" Gao Ming said.

"Cough, master the scale!" Zhao Ji reminded.

"Seeking justice" is one aspect, but don't raise it to the level of war.

"Yes, I understand." Gao Ming replied.

Gao Ming was ordered by the emperor to go out of the palace, and went to the mansion where Wanyan and the others lived non-stop to "excuse the teacher".

Wanyan didn't know the specific injury of Prince Zhao Huan, she thought it was just a muscle injury, and even said after seeing Gao Ming: "Yesterday's match is not counted, let's have a better match another day."

"Compared?" Gao Ming sneered, "Do you still want to lose one of our princes?"

Everyone in Wanyan looked at each other, among them Wanyan Xiyin said: "How do you say that?"

Gao Ming said angrily: "Because of your sudden internal strife and fight, the horses were unable to dodge in time, and made a mistake in a panic. The polo accidentally hit our prince in the eye, damaging one eye."

Gao Ming always talked to them in a pleasant manner, but suddenly his attitude was so tough that everyone in Wanyan realized the seriousness of the situation, "Are you blind?"

Gao Ming nodded sullenly, "What do you think we should do?"

Wanyan Zongjun lowered his eyes and thought for a while, "What does this have to do with us? We didn't hit it!"

"Without the two of you fighting together, how could others avoid you and cause the polo to accidentally fly and hit the prince!" Gao Ming said: "The prince is the foundation of a country and the future emperor! You should know about this Seriousness."

"Playing polo has casualties. Before playing polo, you should ignore life and death by default." Wanyan Xiyin said so.

Because of the seriousness of the matter, it is absolutely impossible to admit it.

Wanyan Zongqiang firmly shirked responsibility, after all, he was the main person responsible for this matter, "That is, if you are afraid of death, don't come up to play!"

"Your words are too ugly. You are completely shirking responsibility and have no sincerity." Gao Ming said, "Forget it, I can't talk to you. We will write directly to your emperor of the Great Jin Kingdom and see how he makes a decision!"

As soon as they heard that they were going to write a letter to his father, Wanyan Zongqiang and Zong Juan's expressions suddenly became serious, they feared nothing but his father Aguda.

"Don't write to him yet, let us meet the emperor of your country, and I will explain it face to face!" Wanyan Zong said strongly.

Wanyan Xiyin also said anxiously: "Whether this matter is our fault or not, it cannot be decided by you alone."

Zong Juan knew very well that this incident was brought back to the Kingdom of Jin. After careful investigation, it must be Zong Qiang who was more responsible, but anyway, he didn't want to be reprimanded by the people of Song Kingdom, "Whoever owned the polo at the time was responsible. Anyway, it has nothing to do with me and Zong Qiang, let alone playing basketball, we didn’t even ride horses.”

It's true, you two were fighting with your bare hands.

Zong Qiang insisted: "I want to see the emperor of your country, and make it clear in person!"

The other party asked to see the victim's parents, but Gao Ming had no reason to stop him, telling them to wait a while, and then went to the palace to report the matter to Zhao Ji.

Zhao Ji is more "bullying the weak and fearing the hard", with an erratic attitude.

Originally, they didn't plan what would happen to the Jin people, but when Gao Ming said that Prince Yan and the princes were afraid that the incident would be reported back to the Kingdom of Jin, they immediately came to their senses.

Zhao Ji snorted coldly: "I don't see you, just write to the Kingdom of Jin!"

If he wanted to talk to the dignified emperor of the Song Dynasty, he had to talk to the emperor of the Jin country, and he couldn't talk to the juniors who made mistakes.

He wanted to completely push the fault of the prince's injury to the Jin people.

Ask the Ministry of Rites to send a letter to Jin Guo, telling them to send someone to clarify the matter, otherwise they will cut off all ties with Jin Guo.

Gao Ming didn't know the content of the letter, but he guessed that the wording was very severe, because the Jin people responded very quickly and quickly sent people over to negotiate.

It's not someone else, an old acquaintance Wushu.

And his arrival was naturally received by Gao Ming, this time he didn't eat and drink so leisurely, but directly rode into the city of Tokyo, to the mansion where Wanyan lived.

"Fourth brother..." Wanyan Zongqiang's voice became quieter when he saw his fourth brother.

Gao Ming watched from the side with his arms folded, and saw Yan Zongbi yelled a Jurchen word, most likely a curse word, and then kicked Zong Qiang in the heart, kicking him a foot away.

This kick is too solid, although Gao Ming expected that Wu Shu would hit his younger brother who caused trouble, but he didn't expect that he would hit him so firmly, without adulteration at all.

Seeing this, Zong Juan subconsciously protected his heart, but Wu Shu didn't move according to plan, he slapped him in a circular motion and sent him flying.

This probably didn't relieve his anger, so he went up to aim at the two people's fists and kicks.

But Wanyan Zongjun was not willing to be beaten in his bones, besides, he and Zong Bi were separated by his mother, so after spitting blood, he rushed towards Wushu.

Zong Qiang saw that Zong Jun was going to beat his fourth brother, so he rushed over to stop Zong Jun.

In the end, he and Zong Juan continued to be beaten by the fourth brother.

Gao Ming frowned as he watched from the sidelines, his actions were a bit ruthless. However, there should be a hint of performing for the Song Dynasty.

Wu Shu wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked at the two younger brothers who were dying, and said to Gao Ming: "Please let me see your emperor, I have brought the sincerity of the emperor of the Great Jin Kingdom."

Gao Ming once again played the role of running errands, and entered the palace to pass the news to Zhao Ji.

This time, Zhao Ji did not refuse, and agreed to meet Wanyan Zongbi.

Because he represents Wanyan Aguda, the emperor of the Kingdom of Jin.

The place for the summoning was chosen after the morning court, and it was regarded as a business meeting.

All heavyweight officials were present, and it all depended on how Jin Guo planned to resolve this matter.

Wu Shu led the two younger brothers who had been severely beaten by him to appear in the hall.

Gao Ming judged from his injuries, after he left yesterday, Zong Juan and Zong Qiang should have been beaten again, and they suffered a lot.

Zhao Ji narrowed his eyes slightly, "I don't know how the emperor of your country plans to resolve this dispute?"

In fact, his request is not high, just compensation for some mink fur and ginseng antler.

The tone of Wushu Han's voice is a bit strange, but the meaning is very clear, "The sixth and eighth sons are ignorant, which caused the crown prince of your country to lose his eyes. In our Jurchen, if you damage someone else's things, you have to pay for the same one... "

Gao Ming had a bad premonition in his heart, could it be...

Just then Wu Shu continued to say: "If you lose your eyes, I will pay for your eyes. The prince of your country is a noble man, if he loses one, we will compensate you for three!" After finishing speaking, he raised his hand and scratched his right eye .

Wanyan Zongqiang and Wanyan Zongjun also followed suit.

Everyone was in an uproar.

This is truly an "eye for an eye".

Gao Ming saw blood flowing from their fingertips, and thought to himself, Wushu, please do your best, and quickly become a one-eyed golden Wushu.

"Stop! Tell them to stop!"

At the critical moment, Zhao Ji immediately ordered the left and right guards to stop the Jin people from picking their eyes and self-mutilation.

too bloody!

His education did not allow him to watch the three Jurchens gouging their eyes in public.

The left and right guards were a little further away, and Zhao Ji immediately said to Gao Ming who was the closest to the Jin people: "Gao Ming, hurry up and stop them!"

What to stop, really picky, there is one less disaster that can be fought.

If they are fake, it depends on how they end up.

Of course, the latter is most likely. Don't look at the bleeding, it's probably just scratching your eyelids with your nails.

But the emperor spoke, Gao Ming had to go, he shouted at Wushu: "The fourth prince has something to say, why is this so?!" He rushed towards him, then stepped on his left foot and fell to the ground. land.

I'm sorry, sorry, it's not that I don't want to block, but that I fell down and have nothing to do.