Chapter 8

Bianliang City, Kaifeng Prefecture.

The moment the drum for redressing grievances was struck, the commoners all came to watch.

Standing outside the yamen, when people heard who Zhang Cheng wanted to sue, they immediately gasped.

Because this was the current Imperial Son-in-Law Chen Shimei; he actually abandoned his wife and children, and even sent killers to kill them...

Just as the commoners outside were discussing, Bao Zheng also knew that this matter could no longer be suppressed.

However, since he was Bao Qingtian, Bao Zheng didn't intend to let this matter pass as if it hadn't happened.

"Where is Zhan Zhao!"

Patting the gavel, Bao Zheng immediately became serious.

"Reporting to my lord, Zhan Zhao is here!"

Stepping forward and bowing, Zhan Zhao immediately became serious.

"Bring the Imperial Son-in-Law Chen Shimei here for questioning!"

After giving the order, Bao Zheng looked at the confession in his hand, and light gradually appeared in his eyes.

Because Bao Zheng didn't believe it based solely on the words of Zhang Cheng and Qin Xianglian, but there was also a confession from Chen Shimei's house general, Han Qi, here, so Bao Zheng had to believe this matter!

Princess Mansion, in the courtyard.

Chen Shimei was waiting for Han Qi to return to report, but there was no news for a long time, which couldn't help but make him feel panicked.

But just at this moment, the princess walked over with the support of a maid.

"Is my husband troubled by something?"

Asking Chen Shimei, the princess asked quite curiously.

Because she could feel that Chen Shimei was in a somewhat absent-minded state.

"It's nothing, just feeling a bit troubled recently!"

Hearing the princess's words, Chen Shimei hurriedly explained.

However, in the next second, a servant outside the door stepped forward and said, "Princess, Imperial Son-in-Law, the yamen runners from Kaifeng Prefecture have come, wanting to invite the Imperial Son-in-Law for questioning!"

"Imperial Son-in-Law?"

Speaking in disbelief, the princess turned her head in confusion.

But upon hearing this sentence, Chen Shimei felt a burst of panic in his heart, because he knew his affairs had been exposed.

"Madam, save me, save me, Madam!"

Pulling the princess's hand, a look of fear immediately appeared on Chen Shimei's face.

"Husband, what is this all about? Tell me!"

Looking at Chen Shimei, the princess couldn't help but become anxious.

Because Kaifeng was Bao Zheng's territory; if he generally invited someone for questioning, don't doubt it, it was definitely not a good thing!

"Madam, it's like this..."

Just as Chen Shimei told his story, the princess said in a panic, "How can you still have a wife!"

"That was a match made by a matchmaker; I have always loved you, don't you know that, Madam?"

Pulling the princess's hand, Chen Shimei could be said to have displayed "deep affection" to the fullest.

Hearing Chen Shimei say this, the princess pursed her lips and said, "You go first, I will enter the palace to find my mother to decide for you!"

Looking at Chen Shimei, the princess could only go to call for help first.

After all, even if she was a princess, she had no power at all in the face of Bao Heizi!

And in the entire Northern Song Dynasty, there were definitely no more than one and a half people who could pressure Bao Zheng.

Emperor Renzong Zhao Zhen was impossible; after all, if Bao Heizi's stubborn temper flared up, he really dared to spray Zhao Zhen.

But in some aspects, if Zhao Zhen pleaded for mercy, he could also make Bao Zheng show mercy.

And the other half was the Empress Dowager.

After all, because of the case of the civet cat for the crown prince, Zhao Zhen felt that he had wronged the Empress Dowager, so there was some guilt involved.

Inside the harem.

When the Empress Dowager learned that her daughter requested an audience, she immediately summoned her in.

Looking at her mother, the princess immediately cried and told the story, but she described Qin Xianglian as a "greedy" person.

Learning that Chen Shimei actually had another wife, the Empress Dowager was very angry, but seeing her daughter like the Imperial Son-in-Law so much, a look of hesitation also flickered in her eyes.

Because Chen Shimei had deceived the royal family.

"Mother, please, if I lose the Imperial Son-in-Law, I don't want to live anymore!"

Grabbing the Empress Dowager's hand, the princess's face was full of tears.

And looking at her daughter, the Empress Dowager could only choose to go to Kaifeng Prefecture, at least to save Chen Shimei's life.

As for money, they didn't care about that at all!

Inside Kaifeng Prefecture.

When Chen Shimei arrived, many commoners showed looks of disdain.

Because this was the person who topped the imperial examination and then abandoned his wife and children; it was simply too shameful.

"Qin Xianglian, I have already given you silver to go back, why are you doing this!"

Looking at Qin Xianglian angrily, Chen Shimei chose to fire the first shot.

After all, even if he had bought killers, he absolutely couldn't admit it; this was not something an Imperial Son-in-Law could bear!

"The Imperial Son-in-Law really has a good tongue; no wonder he could marry the princess, truly amazing!"

Looking at Chen Shimei with a smile, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but tease.

"Who are you?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Chen Shimei couldn't help but frown.

"Commoner is untalented, I am Qin Xianglian's advocate, and I have also met the Imperial Son-in-Law's house general, Han Qi!"

Bowing and speaking, Zhang Cheng sighed, "Originally a poor scholar, topping the imperial examination in the capital, marrying a princess, becoming an Imperial Son-in-Law, it should have been a good thing, but who would have thought that someone could be so heartless, even daring to harm his own children, failing to send killers, and even hitting back when arriving at the yamen. Why don't you rise with the wind and soar ninety thousand miles?"

Pointing at Chen Shimei, Zhang Cheng didn't give the other party any face at all.

"How dare you slander this Imperial Son-in-Law!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng in shock, Chen Shimei didn't expect that anyone would dare to point at his nose and scold him.

"Whether I am slandering the Imperial Son-in-Law, the commoners have eyes and ears, and the bright mirror hangs high in the hall! The rat has skin, man has no dignity; man has no dignity, why not die!"

Looking at Chen Shimei domineeringly, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but shout angrily.

"Good, well said!"

"The advocate is right! Such an Imperial Son-in-Law shouldn't be given any face!"

"This young man is really handsome!"

Just as the commoners outside were shouting, Chen Shimei's eyes had already turned blood-red.

"The Empress Dowager and the Princess have arrived!"

Just as Bao Zheng and Gongsun Ce were looking at Zhang Cheng in shock, watching him "debate" with Chen Shimei, a harsh voice sounded.

Turning to look, the princess was supporting the Empress Dowager as they walked in.

"Greetings to Mother!"

Hurriedly tidying his appearance and bowing, Chen Shimei knew his "reinforcements" had arrived.

"Minister Bao Zheng, Gongsun Ce, Zhan Zhao, greetings to the Empress Dowager..."

Just as the people in the yamen were bowing, Zhang Cheng also couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

Because he knew this matter was difficult to handle, but now, the pressure was all on Bao Zheng.

And if Bao Zheng couldn't guillotine Chen Shimei, then he, Zhang Mou, would have to change his vest!

Zhang Cheng: If the Song law can't protect Qin Xianglian, it can't protect you either!

Sima Yaozu: Cousin, stay calm, cousin!

HP: Wait, I'm familiar with this operation!

"Ministers, please rise!"

Raising her hand, the Empress Dowager sat down on a chair and then leaned on her dragon-headed cane, saying, "I came here this time just to see, to avoid anyone bullying my daughter!"

After saying this, the Empress Dowager looked at Bao Zheng meaningfully.

Facing the Empress Dowager's hint, Bao Zheng bowed and said, "Bao Zheng will definitely handle this impartially!"

"Not good, what should we do!"

Looking at everything before him anxiously, Situ Yaozu became worried.

Because the Empress Dowager had arrived, could his cousin still seek justice for Qin Xianglian?

"Don't worry, it's fine, Bao Qingtian will definitely be able to do it!"

Speaking firmly, Feng Suzhen believed in Bao Zheng very much.

And after listening to Feng Suzhen's words, Situ Yaozu gradually felt relieved.

(End of chapter)