Tang Dynasty Prison Administration

Chapter 131: The Azure Dragon Case

Li Zheng glared at Cui Lingyu and roared, "Cui Lingyu, you are the legitimate daughter of Cui Lin of the Boling Cui Clan! Don't you know how much humiliation his words have caused my daughter?"

Cui Lingyu rebuked, "Li Zheng, don't think that just because you're the military governor of Jiangnan you can be so disrespectful. Wearing armor and carrying a weapon, you openly attacked a fourth-rank official of the imperial court. This is murder, a crime of treason! Put down your weapon now! Do you want me to order the Imperial Guards to arrest you and imprison you?"

Faced with Cui Lingyu's words, Li Zheng was furious but still tried to step forward. The Imperial Guards simply surrounded him but did not dare to actually take him down.

It should be noted that Li Zheng is a man who has made many military achievements and is currently the military governor of Jiangnan. He is not someone that the Jinwu Guards would dare to forcibly arrest!

Cui Lingyu reprimanded again, "Li Zheng, put down your weapon! Yesterday, Minister Su went to the palace overnight and discussed this case with the Emperor, the Three Departments, and the Prime Minister. It was the Emperor who ordered Minister Su to post the notice. Your recklessness shows that you disregard the Emperor. Do you really intend to rebel?"

Li Zheng, after being reprimanded by Cui Lingyu, began to ponder, but still felt angry. He glared at Cui Lingyu and shouted, "Cui Lingyu, he is your future husband, of course you will speak up for him!"

"If you have any objections, go to the palace to see the Emperor and ask him. Do not continue your rampage here, otherwise, according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, do you want your whole family to be buried with you?"

Faced with Cui Lingyu's words, Li Zheng hesitated and stood still, not daring to move.

In fact, killing a high-ranking official of the fourth rank in the imperial court would at most be considered murder, and would not constitute treason. However, Cui Lingyu had to say such things at this moment in order to intimidate Li Zheng, this fierce general on the battlefield!

Just then, a man walked in from outside. Seeing the scene, he simply coughed and said, "Governor Li, put down your weapons. Do not continue such reckless behavior, or the Emperor will truly condemn you!"

Li Zheng looked at the newcomer and saw that it was none other than Zhang Jiuling.

Li Zheng looked at Zhang Jiuling, but said nothing. Zhang Jiuling glanced at the crowd of onlookers outside the gate and said softly, "Brother Li, think about how big the impact is. If others in the court find out, are you really going to harm your child?"

"But..."

"Alright!" Zhang Jiuling said, "Last night, Minister Su entered the palace and discussed matters with us for a long time in the inner hall. Since the final decision was made by the Emperor, you should stop targeting Minister Su. He was simply doing his duty and wasn't targeting you!"

As he spoke, Zhang Jiuling stepped forward to Li Zheng, reached out and snatched the sword from Li Zheng's hand. Su Wen breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

Seeing this, the Imperial Guards withdrew their spears and made way for the two of them. Zhang Jiuling then grabbed Li Zheng's arm and walked towards the door.

After seeing Li Zheng leave, Cui Lingyu breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't been at Su Wen's residence last night, but had been at home, filled with worry. It wasn't until her father, Cui Lin, returned late at night that she learned through conversation that Su Wen had such a bold plan.

After Zhang Jiuling led Li Zheng away from the mansion, the Imperial Guards bowed and took their leave.

Cui Lingyu looked at Su Wen, still somewhat angry. She glared at him, then deliberately lowered her voice and said, "Su Lang, why didn't you tell me about this?"

Su Wen hesitated for a moment, wanting to speak, but Cui Lingyu turned and walked towards the door, saying, "Hurry up and go back to your room to tidy up. Look at you, so rude!"

Su Wen hurriedly went back to her room, thankfully she was used to sleeping in baggy pants.

There were no underwear in the Tang Dynasty, only open-crotch pants. Su Wen had thought about making one himself, but it looked extremely strange when he wore it. The main problem was that there was no elastic band, and cowhide was very expensive. Moreover, it didn't feel as loose and free as an elastic band; it was very tight.

So Su Wen wore the lantern pants as underwear, which was actually a way of taking advantage of the situation!

After being chased by Li Zheng, he was indeed in a sorry state, but who could have known that Li Zheng would be so reckless.

After Su Wen finished tidying up, he went outside and saw Cui Lingyu still sitting angrily in the pavilion, waiting for him.

As Su Wengang reached the pavilion, Cui Lingyu glared at him and said, "Why didn't you consult me ​​before entering the palace late last night?"

Before Su Wen could speak, Cui Lingyu asked with a hint of accusation, "Does Master Su think I've annoyed you? Or do you feel I haven't considered your feelings in my actions? Or do you think I, a woman, am unworthy to discuss matters with you?"

Upon hearing this, Su Wen was completely bewildered, not knowing what to say. The three questions in a row left Su Wen utterly speechless!

Seeing that Su Wen hadn't said anything, Cui Lingyu got up to leave. At that moment, Su Wen had a sudden inspiration and blurted out, "I love you!"

Upon hearing this, Cui Lingyu was stunned for a moment. Cui Bi, standing beside her, turned away shyly. Su Wen, without any hesitation, stepped forward and embraced Cui Lingyu tightly, whispering in her ear, "I like you very much. I was rash yesterday. I suddenly had a change of heart, so I went to the palace to discuss this matter with the Emperor, and that's why I couldn't tell you. I'm sorry!"

When Su Wen said that, Cui Lingyu's mind went completely blank, and she had no idea what she should do.

Su Wen continued, "In this world, I will never love anyone else but you. I will love you for ten thousand years!"

Upon hearing this, Cui Lingyu's face, which had been somewhat angry, instantly softened into a smile as she hugged Su Wen.

Cui Bi kept her back turned, occasionally stealing a glance.

On the other hand, Su Wen breathed a sigh of relief, feeling grateful: "Master, thank you for your guidance!"

After a short while, Cui Bi, seeing that the two had been embracing tightly for a while, said, "Miss, Mr. Su, it's getting late, it's time to eat, otherwise the food will get cold and we'll have to reheat it!"

Su Wen and Cui Lingyu then realized what was happening. Cui Lingyu reverted to her usual gentle demeanor and said, "Su Lang, let's eat!"

Afterwards, Su Wen ordered Cheng Nianci to secretly monitor the illusion troupe.

After being taken away by Zhang Jiuling, Li Zheng did not cause any more trouble for Su Wen. However, Su Wen guessed that Zhang Jiuling must have told Li Zheng about the matter.

Time flies, the years are like a shuttle.

Before we knew it, it was the day of the emperor's birthday. The entire city of Chang'an was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the streets were bustling with activity, as if everyone was celebrating.

The emperor attached great importance to his birthday. Except for the year when the retired emperor passed away, he celebrated it every year. Later, he even designated the fifth day of the eighth lunar month as the "Qianqiu Festival". Everyone in the country could take a three-day holiday and did not have to attend court. There were people on the streets who would distribute candy to passersby, and there were also places where pastries were distributed for free.

Even in many places in Chang'an County and Wannian County, there are free stages for the people to watch, including magic troupes, acrobatic troupes, as well as dance, songs, and so on, which can be described as having everything!

All officials in Chang'an, regardless of rank, could go to Xingqing Palace to celebrate the emperor's birthday. At night, fireworks and firecrackers would be set off throughout Chang'an, and Kongming lanterns would be released to make wishes.