met free Page 2088
Page 2088
Married daughters will not be held accountable.
The maternal lineage likely includes the great-grandfather and grandfather.
And their brothers and descendants.
And only blood relatives will be investigated.
Even their wives will not be implicated.
The wife's family likely includes her father-in-law, parents, brothers, and descendants.
Even my mother-in-law managed to escape unscathed.
(If the female relatives of the murdered were not within the scope of the execution, the usual practice was to send them to the brothel.)
This is far less damaging than executing nine generations of one's family.
If it means the extermination of nine generations of one's family.
All distant relatives must be included.
Not only will the mother-in-law not be able to escape,
He even wanted to kill his mother-in-law's parents, brothers, and nephews!
But people are used to the benevolence of the old Song Dynasty.
Even the extermination of three clans would not be acceptable.
I heard the emperor is serious this time.
Numerous ministers submitted memorials to the emperor.
Even Zhang Gen pleaded for leniency in private.
Nothing more than the feeling of shared grief over the death of a rabbit, or the sorrow of seeing one's own kind suffer!
Zhao Yuan pointed to a pile of documents on the table and said to Wen Huanzhang,
"These are all memorials opposing the execution of entire clans,"
"Several ministers have yet to put pen to paper,"
"But he offered advice indirectly in private."
Wen Huanzhang chuckled and said, "I also have people on my side who are trying to persuade me."
"They were afraid that their descendants would also get into big trouble."
.....
Main Hall
"Let's not talk about others,"
Why are you getting involved in this?
Zhao Yuan stared at Chen Dong.
His expression showed slight displeasure.
Chen Dong, on the contrary, straightened his back even more.
"As a subject, it is my duty to speak frankly and honestly to my ruler,"
"Otherwise, that would be disloyal and unjust."
Zhao Yuan said, "You know about the paper money of the previous dynasty,"
"Why is nobody using it anymore?"
"First, the old Song dynasty lost the trust of the people,"
"Issuing new money indiscriminately while refusing to accept old money."
"Secondly, there are many counterfeiters,"
"The old Song Dynasty court did not deal with it severely."
"And old Song Dynasty copper coins,"
"Coins with tin and lead were everywhere,"
"Not only does it harm the poor,"
"And it caused grain prices to skyrocket."
Chen Dong retorted, "Why should three families be implicated when one person breaks the law?"
"Even if it involves three clans,"
"Exile the entire clan,"
"Why exterminate them all?"
"My memorial to the throne was not for my own benefit,"
"I just don't want the Ming Dynasty to abuse its power."
Chen Dong's actions were truly selfless.
He had already offended many ministers.
They relied entirely on Zhao Yuan's support.
He didn't need to get involved in the counterfeit silver dollar case.
This is neither a way to improve relations with the ministers,
There is also a very high chance of offending the emperor.
In the end, he ended up pleasing neither side!
"Ugh!"
Zhao Yuan sighed, "If you hadn't tried to persuade me, I might have been able to change my mind."
"If you come to persuade me, the Gao family of Kaifeng will be exterminated along with their entire clan!"
"Why is that?" Chen Dong asked.
"Because even you don't really care about counterfeit silver coins,"
Seeing that Chen Dong was about to open his mouth to explain, Zhao Yuan quickly raised his hand and said,
"There's no need to argue; you'll definitely say you understand the pros and cons,"
"It would be sufficient to say that their property was confiscated and they were exiled."
"From now on, we can do as you say,"
"But this time we absolutely cannot let them off lightly."
"Just one sentence, and all the ministers must know it,"
"The Ming Dynasty is not the same as the old Song Dynasty!"
Chen Dong remained stubborn and opinionated.
"In my opinion, we should strictly enforce the law and discipline."
"Since the Great Ming Code has not yet been fully compiled,"
“Many cases should be handled in accordance with the Song Dynasty Criminal Code.”
"Specific cases can be handled at the discretion of the authorities."
"But there may be severe punishment or pardon,"
"Only by being reasonable and measured can one win the hearts of the people."
"Then let's talk about Gao Shizuo's wife's family,"
“They knew nothing about this case,”
"Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, it has always upheld propriety and the law,"
"Such an unexpected calamity, and they're going to be wiped out?"
"Not only will it fail to win over the public,"
"It will cause widespread panic!"
"Your Majesty, I suggest that if Your Majesty insists on exterminating the entire clan,"
"Only the paternal clan of Gao Shizuo needs to be executed,"
"Both the mother's and wife's families should be spared."
"And then there are the Wang and Wei families,"
"They were not involved in making counterfeit money,"
“Exiling the entire clan would be enough to intimidate the world.”
"Not to mention exterminating three generations of their families, even the original families of the Wang and Wei families need not be exterminated."
Zhao Yuan did not immediately express his opinion.
Instead, after careful consideration, he gave an ambiguous answer.
"I understand. You can go back to the Inspectorate."
"I resign!"
Chen Dong bowed and withdrew.
The matter of exterminating three clans
It's like stirring up a hornet's nest.
As public opinion fermented...
Ministers who submitted memorials to remonstrate with the emperor
The number has exceeded one hundred.
However, the more this is the case,
Zhao Yuanyue cannot compromise!
This could eliminate even more former Song dynasty nobles;
Secondly, it can consolidate the emperor's authority;
Thirdly, it can change ingrained perceptions.
The awareness that it is forbidden to privately mint coins should be deeply ingrained in people's minds.
Of course, it's also necessary to give the officials a way out.
When wielding the butcher's knife, cut slightly off-center.
……
Regular meetings.
Officials of the fifth rank and above
Divided into left and right shifts,
He sat facing the emperor.
The remaining officials stood neatly at the back.
Beside the throne, there is also a gilded hammer-shaped pendulum clock.
Chapter 1847 Qin Hui Speaks
After discussing some routine government affairs, Zhao Yuan said,
"Recently, many ministers have submitted memorials regarding the counterfeit silver dollar case,"
"Let's have a proper discussion about this today in the Daqing Hall."
"Anyone who has something to say, please speak freely."