Chapter 332 Death of Wang Ziteng

Li Zhi issued an order to confiscate the Ningguo Mansion, which was like a thunderclap in the circle of nobles in the capital. The remaining four kings and eight dukes naturally sent people, eager to find Wang Ziteng to discuss countermeasures.

But even his sister, Mrs. Wang, could not open the door of the Wang family, so these people naturally returned empty-handed.

Chen Heng originally wanted to continue to watch the excitement for a few days, and he was also guessing how Wang Ziteng would deal with this crisis. Unfortunately, his father-in-law Lin Ruhai patted his forehead and urged his son-in-law and his family to hurry back to Songjiang.

"What's so exciting and interesting? Don't forget that you have the people of Songjiang on your shoulders." Lin Ruhai caught his son-in-law's weak spot in a few words.

Lin Ruhai was reluctant to give up the warm moment of family reunion, but now the capital is turbulent, and no one knows who will be the next unlucky one? Lin Ruhai was also afraid that his son-in-law would be used by someone with ulterior motives, trapped in it, and forced to make a choice.

Sometimes, the best way to face danger is not to stand up and fight it, but to avoid its edge and save yourself.

Chen Heng naturally understood what it meant to say "a gentleman should not stand under a dangerous wall", so he did not oppose Lin Ruhai's opinion.

On the day of departure, it rained a little in the morning. After noon, the sun appeared from the dense cumulonimbus clouds. At the post station outside the city, willows were swaying, and wild geese flying from the south were playing in the clear waves not far away.

Lin Ruhai was reluctant to leave his grandson, and the child did not leave his hands on the road from his home. Mother-in-law Jia Min did not come, not because she could not bear to see the departure, but because she was sick.

If she was really sick, it was definitely not an empty phrase to deal with the Jia family.

Jia Zhen and Jia Rong, father and son of Ningguo Mansion, were imprisoned in the Jinyi Mansion. Few people came out of this place intact.

Although she knew that her family was not doing well, Jia Min was still a member of the Jia family. She was powerless to change anything, so she had to hide her anger in her heart. In addition, the temperature has changed suddenly recently, so she must be sick.

Daiyu was very worried about Jia Min's health. When she got on the bus, she still reminded her father: "Dad, you and mom should take care of your health."

Lin Ruhai nodded, but his eyes were always on Sheng'er in his arms. The child was naughty and was pulling his beard just now. Lin Ruhai felt pain and laughed happily: "Don't worry about your mother, Dad will take good care of her. But you, you should behave like a mother in the future. Don't be so willful as you were in the past..."

Listening to the old father's advice, Lin Daiyu had to nod silently except for reluctance. After Lin Ruhai finished speaking, he realized that the two sides were about to part.

After a short silence, he picked up Sheng'er in his arms, put it next to his face and gently pressed it against his face, then handed his grandson to his daughter and continued to look at Chen Heng.

It happened that Chen Heng was also looking at Lin Ruhai, and the two father-in-law and son-in-law looked at each other and saw each other's appearance clearly. One had white hair on his temples, and the other was slowly approaching the best years of a man.

"I'll have to work hard for you in the future."

Lin Ruhai's rare frugality made Chen Heng understand the complex emotions. They had a casual chat last night, and Lin Ruhai had already thought about retiring.

'I have done this as an official, and I have given an explanation to the people of the world. Human power is limited, and I have to accept old age.' Lin Ruhai lamented that time flies, and he was essentially reluctant to separate from his flesh and blood.

The greater possibility is the influence of the Jia family. Even if they have been in the government for generations, they cannot escape the truth of prosperity and decline. Instead of continuing to work in the officialdom, it is better to return home early, spend more time with his wife and children, and watch his grandson grow up.

In a person's life, is it more important to make a name for oneself or to reunite with family? Chen Heng's answer is not clear yet, but Lin Ruhai may have gotten the answer he wants.

"Dad, take care of yourself."

Chen Heng didn't say much, and he had said a lot of things he should say recently. He is still young and has many things he wants to do. Even if you live your life again, it is difficult to understand the sigh of being over sixty.

Lin Jue knew that it was his turn to be admonished, so he simply came up eagerly. Lin Ruhai also understood him. He did not ask this child to bring honor to the family, but it would be good if he could follow the rules and live a peaceful life.

"Listen to your brother-in-law." Lin Ruhai warned. Once he stepped down, Chen Heng would be the only one left in the Lin family, and he would also be Lin Jue's biggest support in the future.

"Yes."

Lin Jue did not expect his father to let him go so easily, and he could not help but feel a little secretly happy in his heart. Fearing that his father would see through his thoughts, Lin Jue turned his head and helped his sister and nephew get on the carriage.

Under the pavilion in the slightly warm breeze, Chen Heng, dressed in green, saluted Lin Ruhai again and again, and then got on the carriage under the other party's urging.

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This time when Chen Heng returned to Songjiang, considering that he would catch Tanchun and Xiangyun on the way, the family simply changed to take the land route. They walked on the road for three days and finally saw the two near the border of Shandong.

Tanchun and Xiangyun wanted to go south all the way. If Chen Heng hadn't asked the guards of Jinyi Mansion to help, how could these two girls wait here in an orderly manner.

Seeing that they were caught by their own family, Tanchun thought that Jia Zheng had asked her cousin's family to arrest them. Daiyu knew that the two people would be a little worried, so she calmed their nervousness with a few words.

But when they learned that Ningguo Mansion was raided, they were still shocked and stood up from their seats. After all, it was the place where they were born and raised. After knowing this situation, both of them burst into tears.

Chen Heng did not interfere in the family affairs here. First, there was a difference between men and women, and second, he believed that his wife's ability was enough to handle this matter.

They rested here for a night, and I don't know how Daiyu persuaded them. As expected, Tanchun and Xiangyun had no intention of going home, and they continued to accompany them south.

The state affairs of Songjiang Prefecture are on the right track. Chen Heng also deliberately considered the adaptability of the officials in each department. Therefore, they walked slowly on this return trip.

As early as the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Shandong was a famous place in the world. There are many scenic spots and historical sites in the territory, and Daiyu rarely has the opportunity to go out for fun after marrying her. Chen Heng used to be obsessed with official duties, but now he couldn't help but accompany his wife on all walks. After half a month, they finally arrived in Yangzhou City.

As usual, they went back to see the elders of the Chen family, enjoyed a moment of family warmth, and showed some filial piety before the couple set out to continue their journey south.

After passing Yangzhou, it's not far from Songjiang. It is now possible to take a boat here. Although Daiyu is not good at swimming, she loves to go sightseeing by boat.

Her good mood also affected Chen Heng and Chen Sheng. The father and son were often amused by Daiyu's laughter, which added a bit of color to the scenery during the journey.

Such a happy time made the family seem reluctant to leave when they saw Songjiang City so close at hand.

Stay with the one you love for the rest of your life. The simple but real feeling of happiness made Chen Heng suddenly understand Lin Ruhai's actions. He turned his head sharply in the swaying carriage and looked at his wife and children who were playing beside him.

"Sheng'er, we will be home soon."

Lin Daiyu was holding her son's little hand and playing with it in her palm. This brat himself smiled heartlessly.

Noticing her husband's gaze, Lin Daiyu blinked and looked at Chen Heng. She said nothing, only a pair of smart eyes filled with confusion.

Chen Heng shook his head noncommittally and just stared at Daiyu's light brown eyes with nostalgia. In those eyes full of joy, what was reflected in the arc was his own figure.

"Ha." Chen Heng chuckled quite proudly.

"Why are you laughing so hard?" Lin Daiyu showed the coquettishness of a young girl.

"I won't tell you..." Chen Heng deliberately tried to keep things secret.

"You said it or not."

"I won't tell you."

We passed Jixianmen noisily, and it was a long way from here to the government office. But Chen Heng still insisted on getting off the car and walking, wanting to see Songjiang City after being away for more than a month.

Tanchun and Xiangyun didn't dare to get out of the car, but they raised the curtain to take a look. In the huge Songjiang City, there are many scenes of girls going out and having fun. For a moment, they ignored the restrictions of etiquette and got out of the car to play.

They walked around the streets and were quickly attracted by the bustle of Songjiang City. This place is already crowded with merchants from all over the world, and there are many strange things. There are so many novel-looking foreign merchants and objects shipped from Southeast Asia that it is dizzying to see.

Both of them are bold and outspoken people. When they see something novel, they will inevitably ask their cousin-in-law about its origin. Chen Heng knew some of them, but he didn't recognize some of them.

However, they were soon attracted by a group of people rushing back and forth on the street. Most of these people wore yellow or red armbands on their arms and were running around with things in their hands.

"Brother-in-law, what do they do?"

Tanchun has a sharp eye and Xiangyun has a sweet mouth. When the two curious babies asked, Chen Heng was in trouble.

When he left with Daiyu, there was no such group of people in the city. But how could such fresh changes occur in just one month?

"They are a running gang."

Liu Xianglian came out to answer. The news of Chen Heng's entry into the city had been sent back early to spread the news. After Liu Xianglian received the news, she immediately rushed over to continue her guard duty.

He was also a little curious about the two extra sisters-in-law beside the adults. Chen Heng gave a brief introduction and asked about the origin of the running gang.

Liu Xianglian knew clearly and hurriedly explained: "It's all done by merchants in the city. We have frequent contacts with Yang, Su and Hangzhou. These helpers travel around the three places, helping deliver small items and making a little fortune along the way. "

When Chen Heng heard this, he realized that this was just a superficial version of logistics. He couldn't help but secretly admire the wisdom of the working people. Sure enough, there are still many smart people in the world. As long as a gap is opened for them, a group of people will naturally try their best to widen the gap.

After hearing Liu Xianglian's explanation, she also learned that Huang and Hong represented two different chambers of commerce and were competing for business from each other. Chen Heng smiled and said no more.

On the other hand, Jia Tanchun and Shi Xiangyun didn't know what they were thinking of, so they quietly looked at Liu Xianglian and whispered.

Liu Xianglian has learned martial arts and has very good ears. Instead, he listened half-heartedly to what they said, and immediately said angrily: "I'm not a prostitute in the opera garden."

Tanchun didn't expect that Liu Xianglian would overhear her whisper, and she quickly showed a shy expression. But she wanted to be strong, so she still held up her slender neck, resisted Liu Xianglian's glance, and continued to play by herself.

Chen Heng ignored the little awkwardness of these people and continued to walk around the city. He found a very interesting place. All the shops in the city hung notice boards at their doors, eager to recruit people who knew arithmetic and literacy.

Thinking of his conversation with Wei Yinghong in the capital, Chen Heng suddenly felt that the common people would spontaneously find a way out. Sooner or later, whether the prince of the imperial court is willing to admit it or not, it will be the general trend to put arithmetic on the provincial examination and the general examination.

No matter how hard you work, you will gain. Sooner or later, the seeds you plant will take root and sprout, and grow into a big tree in the sky.

Thinking of this, Chen Heng felt good and took his family directly to a noodle stall to finish everyone's lunch here.

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Around early May, Wang Ziteng, who had been staying in the mansion for a long time, finally couldn't bear the pressure. On the eve of a morning meeting, he washed up and put on his official robe quite seriously, came to the Meridian Gate again, and accompanied the civil and military officials to wait for the summons from the palace.

All the officials in front of the palace gate that day were very curious about Wang Ziteng's behavior. Most of them were speculating that Wang Ziteng would resign. After all, there was a precedent of Gu Zaiyong. As long as they were willing to bow their heads, His Majesty would still have a way out for them.

Everyone thought so, but Wang Ziteng was unexpected. He directly made a suggestion in the court and wanted to ask for permission to inspect the border.

He was the chief officer of the Five Military Commandery and had this power. But at the time when the court had just put down the rebellion of King Beijing, this opinion became very intriguing.

However, the border was where Li Zhi started his career, and General Zhang, a relative of his, had guarded it for him for more than ten years. Li Zhi did not stop Wang Ziteng's request, and even issued an imperial decree for Wang Ziteng to take him on the road.

Mrs. Wang of Rongguo Mansion learned that her brother had appeared. She didn't care about her illness and took her sister out and rushed to her mother's house again.

This time, she finally got in.

But her brother didn't take care of these two sisters after all.

After Wang Ziteng left the court, he rode his horse out of the palace.

Mrs. Wang was disappointed, so she had to pull Wang Ziteng's wife and kept asking her brother if he had any words to ask his sister-in-law to convey before he left.

Perhaps she was annoyed, Wang's sister-in-law pushed Mrs. Wang and scolded her angrily: "You are always thinking about your family's things. Can you think about your brother? Think about the difficulties of our family? If you can have a better relationship with the third lady of the Jia family, how can we not even have a helper to talk to."

Being scolded by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Wang really gave up. With the help of Aunt Xue, Mrs. Wang, who had lost all hope, had just returned home. After only one night, her condition worsened a lot.

Fortunately, Jia Zheng invited the imperial physician early, and Yuanchun sent medicine from the palace from time to time, so that Mrs. Wang's condition was stabilized.

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At the end of July, the Mid-Autumn Festival was not far away. Wang Ziteng, who had inspected the border, had already set out on his way back to Beijing. After months of living in the open air, this man looked quite tired.

But Wang Ziteng was also a hero, and he could still remain calm at this moment.

He had thought things through clearly during this trip.

Rather than continuing to waste time in the court, it would be better to retreat bravely and fight for a chance for Yuanchun's child.

The royal family has been ruthless since ancient times. Don't think that His Majesty still trusts the prince now.

After ten or twenty years, when the same generation has been exhausted to death, how can you know that there will be no chance for yourself?

Wang Ziteng has lived a life of luxury all his life, and he is confident that he will live longer than others. He also believes that no one will be able to stand in front of his family.

What does temporary success or failure mean? He wants to see who will take over the country of Dayong.

With a group of servants and guards, Wang Ziteng prepared his resignation documents while heading towards the capital.

You should bow your head when you should, and you should wag your tail and beg for mercy from Li Zhi.

As long as you are alive, there is hope for a comeback...

Before falling off the horse, this was the last thought that flashed through Wang Ziteng's mind.

Feeling the severe pain in his abdomen, Wang Ziteng said to the deputy general who was running up, "Poison, it's poison. Save me... Doctor..."

"Sir, sir!" The deputy general, who reacted quickly, helped Wang Ziteng up from the ground and shouted anxiously.

After seeing the other party spitting blood, he leaned close to Wang Ziteng's ear and whispered, "Sir, someone asked me to bring you a message. You have lived too long."

"You..." The pain in his abdomen was unbearable, and Wang Ziteng grabbed the deputy general's collar.

He wanted to force the other party to ask who poisoned him.

Is it your majesty? Or the kid named Zhang? Or the four kings and eight dukes? Who could it be?

Seeing Wang Ziteng finally died, the deputy general finally turned around and shouted to the guards who had just woken up from a dream: "My lord... My lord is dead!!!"

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Chen Heng received the news of Wang Ziteng's death at Xue Ke's wedding banquet. Xue Ke's wedding banquet was held in Yangzhou, and it only took a few days to go back and forth from Songjiang. Given the friendship between the two, Chen Heng would naturally not miss Xue Ke's life event.

When Yangzhou prefect Zhang Shangxian relayed this to Chen Heng, the latter also sighed. As soon as Wang Ziteng arrived, the Rongguo Mansion family became less important.

The official statement was that Wang Ziteng had been running around for months and had been tired for many years.

Zhang Shangxian himself did not believe this reason. When he was a Jinshi in his early years, he met Wang Ziteng. The other party's figure was quite majestic and had the demeanor of a military general.

How could such a person die suddenly because of fatigue?

Zhang Shangxian wanted to find out the inside story, not only to see if Chen Heng had any inside information, but also to get closer to Chen Heng.

Songjiang prefect Liu Yanzhang was ready to submit his retirement documents, and the next Songjiang prefect must be Chen Heng.

Seeing that he was the scholar under his rule, his official position would be equal to his own. At this moment, it was inevitable to get closer to each other.

How could Chen Heng know the inside story, but he could guess who the real murderer was.

The identity of the person who poisoned was no longer important at this moment.

What really killed Wang Ziteng was not the poison, but the power and wealth he had been seeking.

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At the end of August, with Wang Ziteng's death. The officials headed by the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple finally knocked on the door of Rongguo Mansion.

Jia She, who was the first to be imprisoned, cursed Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang before he was taken away.

He knew that he was doomed, so how could he not vent all the resentment in his heart?

But he really didn't need to worry. The next day after Jia She left, he didn't know what he confessed in prison. The police came again and took Jia Zheng's family away.

The cells of the two brothers were close to each other, so they had enough time to continue accusing each other.

As the whole family was imprisoned, the servants in the mansion bullied Yingchun and Xichun for being young and ignorant, and stole antique ornaments from the house.

Xue Baochai had just given birth to a daughter for Baoyu. When she heard the news, she was still in the house in confinement. She couldn't say a word and fainted in the exclamation of Aunt Xue.