In danger, he traveled through time to save her, and the black-bellied prince doted on her

The north wind blew southward from the high sky of Quhe, and blew into Sheng'an City along the thousands of miles of mountains and rivers, bringing with it a bloody storm. In the spring in Ziming Palace, the grass and trees were lush, and birds were circling in the garden. Faint sounds could be heard coming from afar.

Perhaps the cuckoo wanted to hear a story, so it landed on the ridge beast of the Xuanzheng Hall. Because of the emperor's roar inside the hall, a glazed tile on the roof of the hall trembled and fell, hitting the vermilion threshold with a shocking sound.

"Bang!" The palace maid Xiao He was frightened for a moment and picked up the tiles at lightning speed in an attempt to save her life, but was still killed by Emperor Hui's words, and blood splattered in front of the palace gate.

Xiao He died with her eyes open. Who could control the wind to blow off the tiles? Less than three months after the brutal and ruthless Emperor Ming abdicated, the new emperor, Emperor Hui, began to be cruel and stupid.

The Xuan Zheng Hall was quiet. Among the kneeling figures in dark green, crimson, and scarlet official robes, the face of a 19-year-old boy emerged. He had long eyebrows reaching his temples, and a pair of almond-shaped eyes that were tender yet firm.

This person is the Minister of Revenue Jiang Yanqing. After Cheng Yu's death, he was promoted to the position of Minister. The account books of the Ministry of Revenue are clear and orderly, and there has never been any corruption. However, he was impeached today. Jiang Yanqing said to Emperor Hui:

"Your Majesty, the land tax has just increased by 20%, and now it has increased by another 10%. How can the people afford it? Are you asking them to suppress their appetite?"

Before Emperor Hui could say anything, the eunuch Zhang Zhao standing on the right side of the dragon throne looked dissatisfied. It was he who impeached Jiang Yanqing for dereliction of duty. Because Jiang Yanqing could not bear to see the people bear heavy taxes, Emperor Hui ordered the collection of land taxes in February, but the national treasury was slow to receive the money, and the taxes that were collected with great difficulty were taken away by Zhou Sili, a disciple of Cui Hengling, and went into Cui's private household.

Zhang Zhao is trusted by Emperor Hui and has more power than Meng Songqing. He has long been in a group with Zhang Yanhe, Cui Hengling, and Zhou Sili. In order to gain power and embezzle, he has set his sights on the people and the Minister of Revenue:

"Jiang Yanqing, without silver, if war breaks out and the people suffer from famine, how can we get money to pay for military rations?"

Zhang Zhao looked at Emperor Hui respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, if Jiang Yanqing is not qualified to be the Minister of Revenue, it would be better to demote him to the position of Vice Minister and make Zhou Sili the Minister. I believe that the treasury will be filled quickly."

All the honest officials were terrified. Isn't this the second Cheng Yu? Cui Hengling is Lin Xiuyuan. Without a wise ruler, the people will suffer, the officialdom will be in chaos, and the world will be in turmoil.

Emperor Hui was not as smart, strategic, or ruthless as Emperor Ming. He only learned Emperor Ming's stupid behavior, and his eyes revealed his disregard for human life:

"Jiang Yanqing was lazy and disrespectful of my will. He was demoted and exiled to Lingnan. Zhou Sili is the Minister of Revenue. Within one month, I want to see the silver. Except for Sheng'an City, I will order the governors of all states to pay taxes as soon as possible."

The man was wearing a crimson official robe and had an extremely sinister face and eyes full of greed. He was Zhou Sili, originally a playboy who was allowed to enter the court because of his cousin, Empress Zhang.

Emperor Hui was previously afraid of the Queen's relatives becoming powerful, so he now uses this person. Zhou Sili is already the Minister of War, and has also become the Minister of Revenue. He said excitedly:

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will live up to your expectations."

Jiang Yanqing was previously framed by Cui Hengling and sentenced to fifty strokes of the cane. His health was deteriorating, but he insisted on attending court. He had been exiled by Emperor Hui, and wanted to make an effort for his brother Xie Chibei. Before the imperial guards took him away, he announced the news that Emperor Hui had received but was unwilling to discuss, and made a bet with his life public:

"Your Majesty, the prince of the Xique tribe asks our court to allow him to divorce Prince Xi. Prince Xi suppressed the rebellion of Qu He and saved the people of Youzhou from war. He is a meritorious minister. I hope Your Majesty will allow the two to divorce and let Prince Xi return to his country."

Emperor Hui trusts Li Yuanyang, but receives a request for divorce. If Mu Jinan and Xie Chibei return, will the court not listen to these two people?

Emperor Hui's sinister intentions were exposed by Jiang Yanqing. He wanted to ask why he knew about this, but he remembered that the Imperial Counselors could read the memorials, so he suppressed his anger:

"Jiang Yanqing, Li Yuanyang has been a hostage for many years. I ordered Mu Jinan to garrison Quhe to prevent Li Yuanyang from rebelling again."

Meng Songqing had been Emperor Hui's teacher for so long, but he had never realized that Xie Xu was such a fool. He was in a trance for a moment, anxious for the people, and his loud voice reached Emperor Hui's heart:

"Your Majesty, Jiang Yanqing is an honest and loyal official. Why should he be exiled for his advice and suggestions? You have only been on the throne for four months and the land tax has been increased by 30%. This move has lost the support of the people. Please withdraw your order."

"Zhou Sili is a dissolute man who has formed a clique for personal gain and has close ties with the King of Zhao. He has moved the land tax to Cui Hengling's private residence. There are witnesses and evidence. Your Majesty, please conduct a thorough investigation."

Cui Hengling was startled, not knowing what evidence had fallen into someone else's hands. He had been an official for a long time and had developed a calm mentality: "Your Majesty, I have never been corrupt. Since there is a witness, I am willing to go to the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice to prove my innocence."

Zhang Zhao immediately understood Cui Hengling's intention and said, "Your Majesty, Lu Zhongyu from the Ministry of Justice is upright and just, so let him preside over this case."

Emperor Hui took the opportunity to get rid of Jiang Yanqing in order to cut off Xie Chi's retreat to the north.

Lu Zhongyu is the legitimate son of Lu Shengji, and is from the same family as Lu Shenghe in the imperial court. Lu and Cui support each other, and Emperor Hui still needs the support of the nobles. He knows the situation clearly, but he does not hesitate:

"Just as Eunuch Zhang said, Jiang Yanqing will be exiled to Lingnan. If he dares to plead for mercy again, the entire Jiang family will be exiled."

Jiang Yanqing felt ashamed to threaten a woman in the name of peace. If all loyal ministers were treated like this, who would be willing to serve? His father Jiang Xiaobai had just been sent to Qizhou, and someone was eager to frame him. Why should he work for this tyrant? He took off his official hat and waited for the imperial guards to escort him out of the palace.

Meng Songqing wanted to change the subject to save Jiang Yanqing, but was silenced by Emperor Hui and the eunuchs. All the officials knew that Lu Zhongyu was ordered to investigate the case, and understood that Emperor Hui wanted to get rid of Jiang Yanqing, so they did not dare to plead for mercy.

A man in a dark green brocade robe walked up to the hall. He was about 22 years old. He had a graceful figure, a handsome face, and a pair of charming fox eyes. He looked like a sick beauty. This man was Xu Yibing. He spoke with a pinched throat:

"Your Majesty, King Xi sent people to hold the divorce letter and passed through Youzhou, Yanji, Luoyu, Heying, Puzi, Sheng'an and other eleven states, loudly announcing his divorce. The people of Changying Street all gathered to see the divorce letter written by King Xi and stamped with the king's seal. It has been posted for three days. The whole world is discussing this matter. I hope Your Majesty will allow them to divorce."

Xu Yibing was an innocent citizen rescued from the Imperial Temple by Xian Yu, one of Xie Chibei's loyal followers. His father was trampled to death by the cavalry that was sending Yangmei. He wanted to seek revenge on Cheng Yu, but he had no chance. Cheng Yu was eventually killed by Mu Jinan. He was grateful in his heart and gave advice at the risk of his life.

Xu Yibing stayed in the Prince of Jin's Mansion for a long time. When the palace was selecting musicians, he had an excellent singing voice and was chosen to enter the palace. He often sang for Emperor Hui. Emperor Hui took pity on him and made Xu Yibing the head of the Ministry of Revenue.

Emperor Hui looked at Xu Yibing coldly. It was a mistake to allow him to have the opportunity to stand in the court. He actually dared to speak about this matter in public. All the officials were waiting to see the show. He was in a dilemma and looked angry:

"Eleven cities? Are you putting me in a position of power and letting the people discuss government affairs? Who came up with this idea? It's so outrageous and unreasonable?"

Xue Zecheng felt that Emperor Hui was plotting against Mu Jinan. Why couldn't Mu Jinan force Emperor Hui into a dilemma? Eleven Cities was simply venting its anger. He raised his eyes and said:

"Your Majesty, Prince Xi was defeated by the princess and felt humiliated, so he refused to stay with the princess. You should grant his wish and allow them to divorce."

Emperor Hui was thinking about how to break this situation. The divorce letter was written by Li Yuanyang, and everyone in the world knew about it. The people would definitely discuss him.

Zhang Zhao, an eunuch beside him, relied on the emperor's favor and spoke out his inner thoughts, which shocked many court officials:

"Your Majesty, Prince Xi still has the Mu clan and the Nangong clan. She would not have the courage to do this. If this is the plan, it must be done by Prince Jin. As a prince, he has been stranded in a foreign tribe for many months. I wonder if he has second thoughts and colluded with foreign tribes to commit treason?"

"There are still many orphans in the Jin Palace. With them as leverage, the Jin Prince dares not take the Xi Prince back to the city. Please ask Your Majesty to order Xue Zecheng to escort the orphans to the palace."

The hall was in an uproar. Not long after Pei Yun's death, Zhang Zhao appeared on the scene and framed court officials for embezzling land taxes. They were in cahoots with each other and now even used the orphans as a threat.

Meng Songqing stood still and staggered. Due to his old age, he could not stand the chill of spring. He had been suffering from cold for many days, and was already sweating and having chills, which triggered his cough. He had to listen to such cruel and inhumane words, and he could not help but feel angry:

"Zhang Zhao, how dare you come up with such a treacherous plan and put Your Majesty in an unjust position?"

Zhang Zhao wanted to get rid of Meng Taifu, who was the most trusted tutor of Emperor Hui. He already had military power, so it was only a matter of time before he took control of the government. He was worried that he could not find any evidence against Meng Songqing, but today he had found something to hold against him. He narrowed his eyes and spoke impromptu:

"Your Majesty, the daughter of Master Meng is engaged to the King of Jin. Master Meng favors the King of Jin so much. The King of Jin is colluding with foreigners. Does Master Meng also want to commit treason?"

"Teacher Meng is old. If he is deceived by the King of Jin and commits treason, it will damage your reputation. After all, he is your teacher. It is better to let Master Meng retire and return home to recuperate."

When the pear blossoms fall to the Xuan Zheng Hall, they make a loud noise. The hearts of all the officials are beating nervously, all waiting for Emperor Hui to speak. If Emperor Hui listens to the treacherous people and even punishes his own teacher, it shows how cold-hearted he is.

Xu Yueshan's blood was splattered in the Golden Palace, Yuan Qinghe was framed, Jiang Yanqing was beaten with a stick and demoted, and so many things happened that all officials were disappointed with the dynasty and the emperor.

Emperor Hui's mind was filled with many years of memories. He was not favored back then and had no powerful maternal family to rely on. His first teacher soon abandoned him. Later, he met Meng Songqing and felt that this teacher was hardworking and had a sincere heart. He taught him the etiquette of a gentleman and the way of governing a country as a king. When he made a mistake in writing, Meng Songqing would patiently teach him step by step.

When Emperor Ming wanted to check his homework, he could not recite the Four Books and Five Classics. Meng Songqing would patiently answer his questions and stay in the palace until midnight, so that he could recite faster than before. Meng Songqing personally taught Emperor Hui archery, which was no worse than Mu Jinan's.

Emperor Hui and Meng Songqing had a relationship for more than 30 years. Emperor Ming never loved Xie Xu. In Xie Xu's heart, Meng Songqing was not only his teacher, but also like a father.

Before Emperor Hui became the crown prince, he was able to protect himself in the royal family, all thanks to Meng Songqing's careful teaching and planning. Meng Songqing spent more time on Xie Xu than on his own children. Meng Songqing's silver hair was all the result of his hard work in planning for Xie Xu.

This weak and guilty sentence struck a strong chord in the hearts of all officials. Emperor Hui did not dare to look directly at Meng Songqing:

"Taifu Meng has worked hard and made great contributions. He has recently suffered from a cough and has returned home to recuperate for a few years. Xue Zecheng will lead the imperial guards to the Prince of Jin's mansion and escort them into the palace."

The emperor was cold-hearted and ruthless, as expected. Meng Songqing never thought that the Emperor Hui, whom he had personally trained, not only failed to become a benevolent monarch, but also became a tyrant.

The students he taught wanted to kidnap orphans. Meng Songqing felt guilty towards those children. If he had known this would happen, he should not have supported Xie Xu. How ridiculous it was that Meng Songqing went from being an imperial teacher to being an executioner?