Chapter 134 The struggle of Liu Jizu, Marquis of Yihui, and the cruelty of Emperor Hongwu.

Fengyang is the residence of Liu Jizu, Marquis of Yihui.

"Marquis Yihui, can you ask your son to go with us?"

Jinyiwei Lu Feng rushed to Fengyang at full speed at night. Before dawn, he had already arrived at the residence of Marquis Yihui. He looked at Liu Jizu and said softly.

"Who is your Excellency?"

Liu Jizu was obviously a little confused, so he asked.

Although Yihui Hou was a marquis, he was not included in the court's deployment, and he was also born into a powerful landlord family.

Even though he could understand the general situation of the court, he only had a superficial understanding and was unable to enter the real core group.

So although Liu Jizu understood the horror of the Embroidered Uniform Guards, he was not terrified from the bottom of his heart.

"Co-director of the Imperial Guard, third-rank official of the imperial court, Lu Feng."

Lu Feng took off the token from his waist, held it high, and spoke in a calm voice.

"It turned out to be Lord Lu in person."

Upon hearing this, Liu Jizu smiled and bowed.

He himself was a marquis, so naturally he did not need to kowtow to a third-rank official.

However, this third-rank minister of the Jinyiwei should not be underestimated by Liu Jizu.

Besides, Marquis Yihui was, after all, a gift from the imperial court, and he was a Marquis of Grace, not a Marquis of Merit.

Then Liu Jizu had to be careful in dealing with the Jinyiwei. After all, the Jinyiwei represented not only the imperial court but also the royal family.

In particular, the most powerful King Qin was the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"There is no need to do that. I have official business to attend to. Please allow your son to go with me."

Lu Feng's attitude remained indifferent, as if he was not moved by it.

"Lord Lu, I wonder what mistake my son made?"

"Why did you bother to send a Jinyi satellite to Fengyang at night?"

Although Liu Jizu's face darkened, it was only for a moment before he concealed it. He then looked at Lu Feng with a smile on his face.

"Your son's fault, don't you know about it as a father?"

Lu Feng looked at Liu Jizu with a smile.

After hearing this, Liu Jizu also understood that it was nothing more than the death of Hu Weiyong's son.

Because apart from Hu Tong's death, Liu Jizu couldn't think of what other trouble his son would get into?

We actually had the Imperial Guards to take action.

"Lord Lu, the son of Prime Minister Hu was an accident, and we have both reconciled. For this, I have even offered three thousand strings of treasure notes to settle the matter. Isn't that enough?"

Liu Jizu thought about it, then looked at Lu Feng and spoke.

It is an indisputable fact that the collision between Hu Weiyong's son Hu Tong and Liu Jingzu's son was indeed an accidental one.

Therefore, even if the matter was brought to the attention of the emperor, the life of Liu Jizu's son would not be in jeopardy.

Moreover, Liu Jizu has already made compensation, what else does Hu Weiyong want to do?
Do you really want to offend Liu Jizu, the benevolent marquis, to death?
Although he was a first-rank official in the imperial court, Liu Jizu was also the Marquis of Yihui, and had done favors for the current emperor.

How can you hold on to this matter just because your son died?
"Your Majesty, it's really easy to say. The one who died was not your son. Of course you can solve the problem by spending money."

"But Lord Zhengde's son died. If it was your son who died, Lord Zhengde would give you three thousand strings of cash. Would you be willing to settle the matter?"

Lu Feng glanced at Liu Jizu and sneered.

After all, Hu Weiyong was the Right Prime Minister of the Secretariat, and he also had the responsibility of assisting the country, and was a minister of the first rank.

He was recently conferred the title of Earl Zhengde, how could he suffer such a great humiliation?

So he wanted to use three thousand strings of precious silver to pay for this life, but he was afraid that this amount of silver would not even be enough to hold a funeral.

How could Hu Weiyong give up?

What's more, if Liu Jizu's son had only committed this minor offense, the imperial court would not have to make a big fuss about it.

Moreover, as the commander-in-chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lu Feng naturally knew the secret, but he just didn't want to fall out with Liu Jizu, the Marquis of Yihui.

"Mr. Zhengde?"

A hint of doubt flashed in Liu Jizu's eyes.

When did the imperial court have a new Earl of Zhengde?

But in another moment, Liu Jizu's pupils shrank again.

There is almost no need to guess, it must be the right prime minister Hu Weiyong who was conferred the title.

Although he was only granted the title of Earl, how could it be so easy to obtain the titles of Duke, Marquis, and Earl in the Ming Dynasty?

So, that damn little bastard, I’m afraid he really made a big mess this time.

"Prime Minister Hu has made great contributions to the country. Your Majesty has granted him the title of Earl of Zhengde to honor his achievements."

"So, my Lord, please don't make things difficult for me and let your son go with us."

"As long as the investigation is true, the court will handle it according to the law. However, if the Marquis obstructs and prevents the Jinyiwei from arresting people for interrogation."

"Execute first and report later. This is a special permission granted by the emperor. Even if they are nobles, they can be arrested and interrogated first."

Lu Feng showed the Jinyiwei badge again and said in a cold voice.

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole courtyard fell into silence, and even the slightest breathing sound could be heard clearly.

There were even many people whose foreheads were covered with cold sweat.

But it was snowing heavily at this time, so it was definitely scary.

But unlike everyone else's reaction, Liu Jizu's face darkened and he said, "Lord Lu, are you threatening me?"

"Marquis Yihui, please don't misunderstand me. The crime the court wants to investigate is not the death of Prime Minister Hu's son."

"But the illegal activities your son has committed in Fengyang have been made public in the court, and it is impossible to conceal it."

"Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince are extremely furious."

"If the Marquis insists, even if I cannot arrest him today, when the court comes to question him, he will no longer be the Marquis's son."

Lu Feng said with a playful smile on his face.

Unconsciously, Lu Feng's address had changed from "my humble servant" to "this official".

This also shows that the court's attitude is firm and cannot be shaken at all.

Furthermore, the son broke the law and the father covered it up.

However, out of consideration for Marquis En's favor and before the dust settled, the court gave Liu Jizu a chance as a way of repaying the favor.

But if Liu Jizu still doesn't know what's good for him, then this favor has actually been repaid enough.

All that remains is to handle the case according to the law, arresting those who should be arrested and killing those who should be killed.

They ransacked their homes and exterminated their families, leaving no one behind.

Of course, this was not what Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao meant, but what Zhu Yuanzhang meant.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang was no longer in power and had handed over all court affairs to Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao, Zhu Yuanzhang never closed his eyes.

So Zhu Yuanzhang gave Liu Jizu a chance, which was to hand over the evildoer and then confess his crime to the Jinyiwei.

In that case, Zhu Yuanzhang would also keep Liu Jizu's title of Enhou.

But if Liu Jizu still does his own thing without any scruples.

There is no need to demote him to Yihuibo.

Simply executing the entire family can have a deterrent effect.

Moreover, when necessary, Lu Feng can make his own decision to wipe out the entire family first and then report to the emperor.

This was also within the scope of Zhu Yuanzhang's tacit approval.

"Your Majesty really has no mercy at all." Upon hearing this, Liu Jizu's face turned pale again, but he still gritted his teeth and said.

"My Lord, you are able to enjoy the glory today and be ranked as the Marquis of Grace. This is a unique grace in the Ming Dynasty."

"But you don't think about serving the country, but instead keep it secret. Do you think you are worthy of the kindness that the Ming Dynasty has shown you?"

"Your Majesty's favor to you?"

"You must understand that the Ming Dynasty has already repaid the debt of gratitude, and His Majesty has also given you enough respect."

"So I hope you will not be ungrateful and leave yourself a way out."

Lu Feng raised his head again and spoke softly.

Everything that should be said and shouldn’t be said has been said at this moment.

What if Liu Jizu, Marquis of Yihui, still can’t understand?
That was God's will for its destruction. Neither Zhu Yuanzhang nor the Ming Dynasty could be blamed.

After all, this opportunity only comes once, and whether he can seize it depends only on Liu Jizu.

At this, Liu Jizu was shocked again, and he understood what it meant to be powerless to reverse the situation.

Besides, how could he possibly compete with the imperial court by himself?

After all, what Zhu Yuanzhang gave can also be taken back.

This kindness will also run out one day.

Take today for example. Could it be that just based on this tiny bit of favor, you want to morally blackmail Zhu Yuanzhang for his whole life?

This is impossible and unrealistic.

Therefore, if the Liu family wants to preserve its fortune, they have no choice but to hand over their son. Otherwise, they will be annihilated in the wrath of thunder, and there will be no chance of recovery.

"Master Lu, will my son die?"

After a long silence, Liu Jizu asked again.

There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Even at this point, Liu Jizu was still trying to find a way out for his son. This was already hopeless and unforgivable.

"The Royal Guards are already collecting evidence in Fengyang. I don't know whether your son can survive."

“But if it is those evil deeds of his, and the evidence is clear, then your son is a son, and the son of the people is not a son.”

"If the court indulges him, will this be fair to the people?"

"He raped and robbed people, raped other people's wives and daughters, and committed all kinds of evil. Why do you think the court will let him go?"

Lu Feng looked at Liu Jizu, who was already beyond cure, and chuckled again, "And if the evidence is irrefutable, I'm afraid you will be held accountable. After all, if it weren't for your power, how could your son get away with it?"

"I understand."

Liu Jizu clenched his hands tightly under his sleeves and spoke word by word.

"Arrests."

Lu Feng waved his hand gently.

The Jinyiwei behind him swarmed out and rushed directly to the mansion of Marquis Yihui, showing no mercy to Liu Jizu at all.

Afterwards, Lu Feng looked at Liu Jizu, bowed, and stepped into the backyard of Yiyi Huihou.

When Liu Jizu looked at the scene before him, he felt powerless and filled with indignation.

"Don't worry, father. My second brother has been sent out of the house by my son. The Jinyiwei can't find him for the time being."

"But you must go to the capital, because only by begging His Majesty can you give my second brother a chance to live."

"As long as you can persuade them with emotion and reason, His Majesty will not make a big fuss out of our past friendship."

As for Liu Ying, who was standing next to Liu Jizu, he whispered into Liu Jizu's ear.

"But where is Hu Weiyong?"

When Liu Ying's voice rang out, Liu Jizu's eyes suddenly lit up, but a hint of worry flashed across his face.

Although Hu Weiyong is not a marquis now, he is still an earl of the Ming Dynasty and the right prime minister of the Secretariat. Therefore, as long as Hu Weiyong continues to pursue the matter, Zhu Yuanzhang will not agree no matter how he persuades him.

"silver."

"Hu Weiyong has more than one son, and this son's character is also full of evil."

"So Hu Weiyong shouldn't feel bad about his son's death. It's just that we didn't give him enough money to make him interested."

"The only way is to spend money to avoid disaster. After all, we can't afford to offend Hu Weiyong, let alone the imperial court."

A hint of contemplation flashed across Liu Ying's eyes.

"Then how much silver should we prepare for Hu Weiyong?"

Liu Jizu also nodded vigorously and continued to ask.

"Since 3,000 strings of banknotes are not enough, then 30,000 strings of banknotes will be enough to feed Hu Weiyong."

Liu Ying thought about it again and then spoke.

Thirty thousand strings of precious coins should be enough to buy the life of the son of the prime minister of the current dynasty, and he is already dead.

"Prepare more, prepare 50,000 strings of precious coins, and your father will go to the capital today to meet your majesty and Hu Weiyong."

There was a flash of pain in Liu Jizu's eyes, but he still made up his mind.

But is a son, especially a son who does all kinds of evil, really that important?

important.

Because this is an extremely important inheritance, an inheritance that cannot be given up.

After all, you have to understand that in ancient times, living to seventy years old was considered a long life, as the saying goes, "It is rare for a person to live to seventy years old."

Moreover, in ancient times, due to factors such as living conditions and medical levels, people's average life expectancy was generally short.

Therefore, the value of this son, especially in a powerful family, and the legitimate son, will be given more attention.

Moreover, it is necessary to expand and branch out, so as to maintain the prosperity of a family in the local area.

This is why both Liu Jizu and Hu Weiyong wanted to protect their sons from getting angry.

"Sir, we have searched everywhere, but we can't find Liu Qi."

In the backyard of Marquis Yihui's mansion, the Jinyiwei searched almost everywhere but couldn't find Liu Qi, so they all returned to Lu Feng and replied.

"How can such a big person run away?"

Hearing this, Lu Feng's eyes flashed with thought, and then he sneered again and said: "Even if the wanderer is not at home, he should be in Fengyang. If he is not even in Fengyang, then there is no need to keep the entire Yihui Marquis Mansion."

As he spoke, an extremely cold murderous intent poured out, making the already cold weather even worse.

"Your Majesty has issued an oral order. If Liu Qi is not present, the Yihui Marquisate will be implicated and the entire clan will be executed."

When Lu Feng's clear voice was heard, Liu Ying, who had just rushed to the backyard, instantly showed an indescribable look of horror in his eyes.

"Mr. Liu, His Majesty's instructions are very clear."

"You only have one stick of incense to spare. If I cannot see Liu Qi, I will execute the entire family of Liu Qi."

Lu Feng slowly turned around and looked at Liu Ying who had hurried over. He said softly, "Don't question the authenticity of this imperial decree. In my Ming Dynasty, no one dares to forge an imperial decree."

"I'm sending someone to look for him!"

Liu Ying's eyes were full of anxiety. He bowed quickly and then hurriedly retreated.

As for all the previous plans, such as seeking Zhu Yuanzhang's forgiveness and using silver to buy Liu Qi's life, they all became empty talk.

Now it seems that Zhu Yuanzhang was definitely prepared for both scenarios.

If Liu Qi is not handed over today, the entire Yihuihou Mansion will be executed without a single person left alive.

So at this point, the idiot Liu Qi would definitely not be able to be saved, otherwise his entire family would be implicated.

We still have to find it back quickly, and we only have time of one stick of incense.

(End of this chapter)