dognovel Chapter 1879
Chapter 1879
Chapter 1879
Song Yuanjiu knelt at Xiao Yunde's feet, his forehead on the ground, "Your Majesty, I deserve death. Jiang Zhongxin and I are from the same hometown. We hit it off when we met in the early years and became sworn brothers."
Xiao Yunde's gaze fell heavily on the other person's head and he listened quietly.
"Later, he rose through the ranks to become a garrison general at the border, and I, in the capital, also rose rapidly..."
Xiao Yunde remembered, "You are the first number one scholar since I ascended the throne."
Song Yuanjiu choked up, recalling the scene at the Qionglin Banquet that year when the new emperor personally pinned flowers on his head.
He was the top scholar in the imperial examination and was highly appreciated by the powerful people in the capital. He even became the object of their scramble to win over.
Song Yuanjiu had not been dazzled by the gold-embossed name cards for a long time. He returned to his hometown and brought his mother to the capital, and married his childhood sweetheart in a grand ceremony.
On that night when the candles were lit, he held his wife's hand and said, "The splendor of the capital city cannot compare to your smile."
When the news spread, the powerful finally gave up their thoughts.
Later, Song Yuanjiu was able to take the position of Minister of Zongzheng Temple, which was just the result of the power struggle between Empress Dowager Jiqing and Emperor Mingde.
This official position seems to be of high rank, but it has no real power and is of no use.
But he was able to get in touch with Emperor Mingde and knew many secrets of the imperial family.
"The Queen Mother tried to win me over several times, but I rejected her every time." Song Yuanjiu is upright and does not want to take sides.
Emperor Mingde knew this was true. Empress Dowager Jiqing had indeed tried to win over many court officials but failed, and Song Yuanjiu was one of them.
Unexpectedly, the Queen Mother failed to win over Song Yuanjiu, but instead dragged Jiang Zhongxin into the water.
"Jiang Zhongxin also came to persuade me to join his side. I advised him not to be foolish and to be loyal to the emperor. He advised me to be a good man who knows practical matters and should seek real power as soon as possible. He sent me the first sum of silver, 50,000 taels, but I refused."
Xiao Yunde didn't say anything.
Song Yuanjiu added, "After several years of back and forth testing, I received the first payment of 100,000 taels of silver. Your Majesty, I have no real power and cannot do more evil. I can only pass on some insignificant news."
Xiao Yunde finally spoke, "So, you still chose a team."
Song Yuanjiu cried, "I have no choice but to take sides, but my heart is with you."
Xiao Yunde was not confused by him, "You still haven't told me how Jiang Zhongxin and the Queen Mother coerced you into standing against your conscience?"
Song Yuanjiu's veins suddenly popped up on the back of his hand. "Forgive me for not being able to speak. I am willing to die to apologize. I only hope that the Supreme Emperor will treat my wife, children and mother well and allow them to return to their hometown to live, considering that I have never betrayed you."
......
Blood foamed at the corners of Jiang Zhongxin's mouth. "The Queen Mother wanted Yuan Jiu to join the camp because he had the opportunity to get close to Emperor Mingde, and he was upright, so Emperor Mingde trusted him. The Queen Mother meant that even if you raise an army for a thousand days, you will have to use it one day. She sent me to test and persuade him. I didn't succeed..."
He failed and was very embarrassed, which made the Queen Mother angry, and she blamed him for not being able to handle even the smallest things properly.
He had to prove himself, to take a stand.
"I have Yuanjiu under my control." The chains on Jiang Zhongxin's hands and feet made a crackling sound with his rapid breathing. "Yuanjiu is filial and almost obeys his mother in everything. But there is only one thing in his life. He disobeyed his mother."
When Song Yuanjiu won the first place in the imperial examination, all the dignitaries in the capital were vying to marry their daughters to him. But this silly scholar was determined to marry his cousin who was waiting for him in the countryside.
Song Yuanjiu is nostalgic and grateful.
"His cousin would rather starve herself than save half a piece of hard steamed bun for him to eat. She was always worried that Yuan Jiu didn't eat enough and that studying would ruin his health."
Shi Anxia suddenly understood that perhaps the reason lies with this "cousin".
Jiang Zhongxin was breathing heavily. The candlelight flickered in the torture room, making the bloodstains on Jiang Zhongxin's face look particularly hideous.