Red Mansion: After being expelled from the family, I was granted the title of Marquis of Mobei

Chapter 25 Ah, not breaking the law? ?

Jia She was so frightened by Emperor Yongping's scolding that he knelt down instantly.

"I was just anxious for a moment. Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Please forgive me."

Emperor Yongping was too lazy to pay attention to Jia She. He looked at Sheng Hong and said calmly.

"Sheng Qing, get up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After Sheng Hong stood up, Mrs. Jia beside him said.

"Your Majesty, as far as I know, the Marquis of Guanjun is the son-in-law of Lord Sheng. Would it be unfair to let Lord Sheng interpret the law? Could you please step aside and let one of the attendant scholars interpret the law instead?"

Emperor Yongping said calmly.

"The Great Zhou Law is right there. If Mr. Sheng's interpretation of the Great Zhou Law is biased, I believe you can all see it."

"And I also believe that Mr. Sheng will fulfill his duties as a tutor and will not distort the laws of the Great Zhou for personal reasons. Mr. Sheng, is that right?"

Sheng Hong nodded quickly and said.

"Your Majesty is wise and wise. I am a subject first, and then a father-in-law. How can I sacrifice public service for personal gain? Your Majesty and Madam Jia, please rest assured."

Seeing that Emperor Yongping and Sheng Hong were singing the same tune, Mrs. Jia had no choice but to agree reluctantly.

Emperor Yongping then briefly explained the matter of filing a complaint to the emperor to Sheng Hong, and then looked at Sheng Hong and said.

"Sheng Qing, does the Great Zhou law stipulate that filing a complaint to the emperor will result in thirty strokes of the cane?"

Sheng Hong said after a moment of thought.

"Your Majesty, the Great Zhou Code clearly states that anyone filing a complaint with the Emperor must first strike the drum for hearing the case and receive thirty strokes of the cane before asking Your Majesty to administer justice."

"Also, the Marquis of Guanjun still lacks understanding of the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Madam Jia's direct complaint to the Emperor is an overstepping of the bounds of justice."

"According to the Great Zhou laws, if a case occurs in the Divine Capital, it must first be reported to the Jingzhao Yin. If the Jingzhao Yin cannot handle it, then it can be reported to the Ministry of Justice, the Dali Temple, and other departments."

"If even the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court are unable to hear the case, we will report it to Your Majesty and he will make the final decision."

"For someone like Madam Jia, who disregarded the Jingzhao Yin, the Ministry of Justice, and the Dali Temple, and directly requested an audience with His Majesty to appeal, this is indeed a bit too much."

"If everyone were like the old lady, coming directly to Your Majesty to seek justice when something happened at home, then Your Majesty wouldn't have to worry about state affairs every day and could only focus on hearing cases."

"In this case, what is the point of the court's judicial department?"

After Sheng Hong said this, Mrs. Jia's face turned dark. She never thought that Jia Jue would be so shameless and start talking to her about judicial procedures.

Normally, when the powerful and influential people got into a dispute, either someone would mediate or they would fight with fists. No one played it like Jia Jue did.

Prince Beijing, who was standing by, saw Sheng Hong depriving the Rongguo Mansion of the power to file a complaint with the emperor with just a few words, and hurriedly looked at Emperor Yongping, bowed and said.

"Your Majesty, the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty do have such provisions, but legal principles are nothing more than human nature."

"Whether it's the Jingzhao Yin or the Ministry of Justice or the Dali Temple, what can they do to the Guanjun Hou?"

"The Minister of Justice is only of the second rank. Asking him to judge the Marquis of Guanjun is tantamount to forcing someone to do something against his will."

"That is why the Rongguo Mansion had no choice but to appeal to Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will understand."

Jia Jue said calmly after hearing this.

"Legal principles are nothing more than human feelings, but human feelings cannot override the law."

"Also, Prince Beijing, you came here with Madam Jia, but I don't know your identity. Are you also one of the plaintiffs?"

"If that is the case, Your Majesty, I request that Your Majesty, in accordance with the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, also punish the Prince of Beijing with thirty strokes of the cane for the crime of violating the law."

Prince Beijing was stunned when he heard this. Hey, you’re not done yet, are you?

Prince Beijing waved his hands repeatedly and said.

"Marquis Guanjun, I simply cannot bear your arrogant behavior, so I'm here with Madam Jia to seek justice."

Jia Jue looked at Prince Beijing meaningfully and said.

"With His Majesty here, why do you need to be the one to administer justice? Or do you, Prince Beijing, have a hidden agenda, thinking His Majesty will be unfair?"

When Prince Beijing heard this, his face turned pale and he quickly shook his head and said.

"I'm not, I didn't, don't talk nonsense."

"Your Majesty, I have absolutely no such intention."

Emperor Yongping, who was sitting on the throne, felt amused when he saw Prince Beijing helpless in front of Jia Jue. What level are you at to dare to get involved in such matters?

Emperor Yongping said after a moment of thought.

"Prince Beijing, since you are neither the plaintiff nor the defendant, please withdraw."

"Your Majesty, minister,"

Before Prince Beijing could finish his words, Emperor Yongping snorted coldly.

"Why, do you really think I'm unfair?"

As soon as these words came out, Prince Beijing hurriedly bowed his head and said.

"I dare not die, I will take my leave, I will take my leave."

After saying this, Prince Beijing left the hall in shame.

When Old Lady Jia saw that Prince Beijing was sent away in a few words, her heart skipped a beat.

Before she could think about it, Emperor Yongping looked at Old Lady Jia and said.

"Old Madam, it's not that I don't want to hear this case, but the laws of the Great Zhou are very strict. If you appeal further and file a complaint with the emperor, you will be punished with at least sixty strokes of the cane."

"How could the old lady, who is so old, endure this?"

"Madam, why don't you go back and report the case to the Jingzhao Yin and have it examined step by step?"

When Mrs. Jia heard this, she was immediately upset. What was going on? She had come here with such great fanfare, but if she left in such a whimper, it would be so embarrassing.

This loss of face is really unacceptable, said Mrs. Jia with determination.

"Your Majesty, since the Great Zhou law stipulates so, then I have nothing to say. I am willing to accept the court caning. I ask Your Majesty to judge this case and restore justice to my Rongguo Mansion."

Emperor Yongping said this just now because he wanted Old Lady Jia to give up.

If Mrs. Jia had just passed away like this, this matter would most likely have been left unresolved.

But who would have thought that Old Lady Jia would actually insist on it and resort to the tactics of taking advantage of her seniority.

Old Lady Jia was over seventy years old. If she was really beaten to death with sixty strokes of the cane for filing a complaint with the emperor, Emperor Yongping would also have a bad reputation.

Seeing that Emperor Yongping was in a difficult situation, Jia Jue looked at Emperor Yongping and said.

"Your Majesty, since Madam Jia is determined to file a complaint, but her health cannot withstand sixty strokes of the cane."

"Then in my humble opinion, we can let the old lady's sons and grandsons be punished."

"This son and grandson took the punishment for the old lady. It can be considered as filial piety."

Jia She had his head lowered, but when he heard what Jia Jue said, he couldn't help but raise his head.

Good guy, you are so mean. If you can't beat the old lady, you beat me.

After hearing what Jia Jue said, Emperor Yongping nodded slightly and looked at Jia Jue with satisfaction. I helped you to get out of trouble, and you didn't make it difficult for me. This is the mutual affection between the monarch and his subject.

Emperor Yongping then spoke. "What the Marquis of Guanjun said makes sense. As the saying goes, a son pays for his father's debts, so naturally, a son can also bear the punishment of his mother."

"Madam, what do you think?"

Mrs. Jia said without hesitation.

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. Now, let me receive the caning."

Jia She's eyes widened, he wanted to speak but didn't dare. At this moment, he wished that Jia Lian beside him had not been beaten unconscious, so that Jia Lian could take the sixty strokes of the cane for him.

But Jia Lian was beaten unconscious. No matter how selfish Jia She was, he could not bring himself to let Jia Lian, who had been beaten unconscious, take the sixty strokes of the cane for him.

Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, Emperor Yongping immediately spoke.

"Come, take Jia She out for execution."

"The slaves obey the order."

Xia Shouzhong immediately arranged for two guards to take Jia She out of the hall. Soon after, a series of screams like a pig being slaughtered were heard.

After being beaten with the stick more than ten times, Jia She was beaten unconscious.

Xia Shouzhong was also ruthless and ordered the young eunuchs to beat the remaining forty or so sticks with a crackling sound.

After the execution, Jia She's lower body was covered in blood and flesh, and it was unbearable to look at.

Then Xia Shouzhong returned to the hall and reported.

"Your Majesty, the execution is complete. Lord Jia has been beaten unconscious."

Emperor Yongping said indifferently.

"Send him to the Imperial Hospital for quick bandaging."

Old Lady Jia in the hall had a very gloomy face at this time. She came to file a complaint with the emperor, but not only was her enemy unharmed, but her own son was beaten half to death. Old Lady Jia was extremely angry.

"Your Majesty, now that the caning is complete, Your Majesty may begin the trial."

"The Marquis of Guanjun hijacked the Rongguo Mansion's wedding procession in broad daylight, before the eyes of the public, and even carried the bridal sedan back to his own mansion. The evidence is irrefutable. Your Majesty, please seek justice for the Rongguo Mansion."

Emperor Yongping thought for a moment and then looked at Jia Jue and said.

"Marquis Guanjun, is what Madam Jia said true?"

Originally, Emperor Yongping thought that as long as Jia Jue was vague about his words, made up some excuses, and then tried to smooth things over, the matter would be over.

But I never expected that Jia Jue nodded and said indifferently.

"Yes, your majesty, it is true."

Seeing that Jia Jue actually admitted it, Emperor Yongping was a little embarrassed. You kid, you admitted it so rashly, how can I help you?

Old Mrs. Jia on the side hurriedly spoke.

"Your Majesty, you heard it all. He confessed everything he did and acted nonchalant. This shows how arrogant he is. Your Majesty, please punish him."

Jia Jue said calmly.

"Madam Jia, I'd like to ask, which law of the Great Zhou did I violate by kidnapping the bride?"

Old Mrs. Jia was stunned by the question, and then said.

"Marquis Guanjun, please stop making unreasonable demands. Isn't it illegal for you to kidnap the bride?"

Jia Jue said fearlessly.

"Who told you that kidnapping a bride is illegal? Which law in the Great Zhou Dynasty stipulates that kidnapping a bride is not allowed? Come, find it for me."

"If there is such a law in the Great Zhou Law, then this duke is willing to accept the punishment."

Emperor Yongping looked at Sheng Hong standing aside and said with some surprise.

"Sheng Qing, isn't there a law in the Great Zhou law regarding bride kidnapping?"

Sheng Hong thought for a moment and shook his head.

"Your Majesty, there is no law regarding bride kidnapping in the Great Zhou laws."

"In fact, things like bride kidnapping are very common among the people."

"I have served in Yangzhou for many years, and many clans have had cases of bride kidnapping. Although this behavior is immoral, there is no corresponding law in the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

"So generally when encountering cases like this, local officials can only mediate and intimidate people."

“In the end, it basically came to nothing.”

In fact, not to mention ancient times, even in the Republic of China, the kidnapping of brides was extremely common on Blue Star. The Shenbao even published news about the kidnapping of brides many times.

When Mrs. Jia heard this, she was so angry that she pointed at Sheng Hong and scolded him.

"You, you are talking nonsense. How can kidnapping a bride not be illegal? You are clearly deliberately protecting your son-in-law."

Sheng Hong said calmly.

"If you, Madam, do not believe what I say, you can ask any official who is familiar with the law."

"If it's different from what I said, I'm willing to let the old lady deal with it."

Seeing Sheng Hong's confident look, Mrs. Jia's heart sank. At this moment, she only felt that her nose was getting bigger, redder and rounder. If she went to the circus to play a clown, she wouldn't even need to wear makeup.

It turns out that after all the fuss he had made, not only was he embarrassed, but his son was also beaten half to death. In the end, kidnapping the bride was not illegal at all.

Then why did I make such a fuss? Was it just to embarrass myself?

At this time, Emperor Yongping was also stunned by Jia Jue's bold move. Good boy, no wonder he has been calm and composed from the beginning until now, it turns out that he has been prepared for it.

Emperor Yongping realized after a moment's thought that Jia Jue had come prepared and had thought of all the possibilities. He had also carefully studied the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty beforehand, all in order to make the Rongguo Mansion speechless and unable to speak out their grievances.

Emperor Yongping then looked at Old Lady Jia and said.

"Old Madam, it's not that I'm unwilling to make a decision for the Rongguo Mansion, but the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty don't stipulate a punishment for kidnapping a bride, so I can't resort to private punishment."

"Well, Marquis Guanjun, you should quickly apologize to the old lady. The old lady is magnanimous and will definitely forgive you considering your youth and ignorance."

After hearing this, Mrs. Jia was almost furious. She was trying to shut herself up.

Then Mrs. Jia said in annoyance.

"Your Majesty, even if the Great Zhou laws don't stipulate this, if kidnapping a bride is not illegal, then the bureaucrats and gentry will follow suit and harass the people. This will have a terrible impact. Your Majesty, please severely punish the Marquis of Guanjun to correct people's hearts."

Emperor Yongping nodded slightly and said.

"What the old lady said is not without reason. I will later order the Ministry of Justice to organize officials to improve the laws regarding bride kidnapping."

"However, the law does not apply to past events. To punish the Champion Marquis for this is truly unfair."

"How about this, Marquis Guanjun, you've really acted recklessly this time. I'll fine you five thousand taels of silver as a punishment for your actions. If you dare to act recklessly again, I will punish you severely."

Jia Jue said after bowing.

"Your Majesty, I will obey you and be careful with my words and actions from now on."

Just when Emperor Yongping was about to end this farce, Old Lady Jia suddenly realized something, then looked at Emperor Yongping and said.

"Your Majesty, even if kidnapping a bride is not against the law, then it is definitely against the law for the Champion Marquis to forcibly kidnap a commoner girl."

"Wang Xifeng is an official's wife, a woman of good family, and she is in love with my grandson. Yet, she was abducted back to the mansion by the Marquis of Guanjun. Your Majesty, please punish her severely according to the law."

(End of this chapter)