Ji Xiaolan: Kill Qianlong at the beginning

Emperor Gai Zhang said, "Is Heshen's neck healed?"

He Shen was pretending to be so, his neck was not crooked at all, he smiled and said, "I don't know how I got here when I said this."

Emperor Gai Zhang laughed heartily and said, "Heshen, there is no joking between the emperor and his subjects. You can't joke around."

He Shen immediately said seriously: "I am not joking. I have failed the scholars of Jiangnan and the grace of the emperor. How can I not accept this severe punishment?"

Emperor Gai Zhang nodded, looked at He Shen and said: "You asked for punishment yourself, but you said it yourself, no one will plead for you."

Mo Li smiled and nodded, then suddenly knelt down, "Your Majesty, I plead for mercy on behalf of Lord He."

Emperor Gai Zhang looked at him and said, "Mo Li should plead for He Shen."

"Yes." Mo Li said seriously, "Uh...but Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand me. What I mean is that the death penalty for Heshang cannot be avoided. The key is how he dies. He just mentioned beheading, but I think that's inappropriate. The country has just started the special imperial examination, and killing ministers and seeing blood is unlucky. So I ask that he be allowed to commit suicide. Suicide is the best way. Drinking poisoned wine or hanging with white silk are all fine. Grant him an intact body."

After all, Mo Li and Heshen have been friends since childhood. Now that his childhood friend is in trouble, how can Mo Li stand idly by? Therefore, he pleads for Heshen and leaves his body intact.

Emperor Gai Zhang laughed heartily and said, "Mo Li, you truly are He Shen's good friend."

Mo Li said, "Your Majesty, when it comes to loyalty, I am not as good as Heshang. Sometimes I even argue with Your Majesty. I should learn more from Heshang. After all, we have been friends since childhood. He is in trouble now, so how can I not say a few good words for him?"

Emperor Gai Zhang said solemnly, "I tell you, there is no need to plead for mercy. Heshen's crime is unforgivable. Stand up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Mo Li slowly stood up.

He Shen's face was filled with despair as he said, "Your Majesty, I acknowledge my guilt."

At this time, the kneeling Minde said: "Your Majesty, everything is instructed by Heshen. We are just waiting for his orders."

He Shen said, "Your Majesty, don't listen to his nonsense. I didn't do that."

Mo Lixin wondered how He Shen could die. If he died, it would be meaningless. He knelt down again and said, "Your Majesty, I once again plead for Lord He. According to my investigation, Lord Minde was the mastermind behind the Jiangnan imperial examination fraud, followed by Zhao Wenlong and Zuo Shankui. Lord He was merely a tip-off to them to confuse the public. If there is any movement on Your Majesty's side, Lord He will inform them immediately and try his best to speak well of Minde and others in front of Your Majesty. That's all."

Oh?

Emperor Gai Zhang was stunned.

He Shen was so moved by Mo Li's defense that he shed tears. He said, "Your Majesty, everything Lord Mo said is true. I hope Your Majesty will understand."

Emperor Gai Zhang said, "Okay, I understand. Actually, I didn't come here for the imperial examination in Jiangnan. I was concerned about the rebellion in Jinchuan. Jiangnan is the place where Jinchuan supplies food and fodder. I came here to supervise the food and fodder supply to the front line. Once the army's food and fodder are gone, I will naturally leave."

Mo Li said, "Your Majesty, the Jinchuan thief is nothing more than an ant trying to shake a tree. It is not worth your while. However, the Jiangnan Imperial Examination is related to the confidence of scholars in the country. Your Majesty must stay."

Emperor Gai Zhang was stunned again and asked, "What do you mean by that, Mo Li? Is there anything else you want to investigate?"

Mo Li said, "Of course there is. I request that the Emperor temporarily detain Min De and the others. As for He, he has done nothing wrong to begin with. I request that the Emperor dismiss him and retain his post."

He Shen said, "Master Mo's words make sense."

Emperor Gai Zhang thought for a moment and said, "Okay, Mo Li, I'll do as you say. Come, take Min De, Zhao Wenlong, and Zuo Shankui away." Immediately, soldiers came in and dragged the three away. The three of them cried out in unison, protesting their injustice.

The Emperor asked Heshen to stand up. Heshen did so. The Emperor said, "Heshen, I will observe you for a while. If you don't repent, don't blame me for being rude to you."

Heshen said yes repeatedly.