Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, was known for his tenacity and decisiveness.
Zeng Bingzheng was a well-known ** in the court of the Ming Dynasty. He was known for his honesty and integrity, but ended up in the maelstrom of political battles over an unfortunate decision.
1. Farewell to Beijing: sadness and anger in my heart.
Zeng Bingzheng carried simple luggage on his back and staggered along the stone road leading to the city gate.
The bitter autumn wind blew his clothes, and seemed to blow away the glory and dignity of his life.
There was a deep reluctance and anger in his eyes. This is the bitterness of a Qing official who has dedicated his life to the imperial court, but was unfairly expelled from the capital on this bleak autumn day.
Zeng Bingzheng's footsteps seemed a little heavy, and every step seemed to be reliving his past.
He had vowed to bring integrity and integrity to the land, and his heart was filled with a dedication to ideals.
Now, however, it was all in vain. He was full of endless complaints about the traitors in the court who framed him and the misunderstanding of Ming Taizu about him. But in this complicated political situation, how can he, a clean official, stand alone?
He walked through the streets where the triumphal ceremony was held in his honor, and the people on both sides of the street looked at him with sympathy and awe. They used to be his people, living a stable life under his Qing ** rule.
Now, they can only silently watch this aggrieved Qing official leave their sight, full of grievances.
Zeng Bingzheng stopped at the city gate.
He glanced back at the capital behind him. It was a place he had struggled for most of his life, but now it was a place he could no longer set foot in.
He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the sadness and anger in his heart.
In this fateful moment, he knew he would never be able to go back to the place he once loved.
Outside the city gates, an old peasant passed by with a burden on his back. When he saw Zeng Bingzheng, he stopped, with surprise and respect in his eyes.
He stepped forward and whispered to Zeng Bingzheng: "Mr. Zeng, you have done so many good things for the people, we will all remember it." ”
Zeng Bingzheng smiled slightly, but his eyes were full of sadness: "Old man, I just did my duty as a courtier, there is no need for this." ”
The old peasant shook his head and said firmly: "Sir, you are innocent, and the people know it. ”
Thank you, father-in-law. Zeng Bingzheng said softly, with a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
Then, Zeng Bingzheng turned around and walked towards an unknown road.
His figure looked a little lonely and lonely in the autumn sun.
Although his heart was full of unwillingness and anger, he also understood that his power was too small to change the tragedy of this era.
2.Poverty: A Difficult Choice.
Zeng Bingzheng sat down in the dilapidated hotel, opening the worn-out money bag with trembling hands.
There were only a few pennies left in it, far from enough money for him to go home.
He was sad. Over the years, he has lived frugally as an official and has never had a trace of corruption.
Most of his salary is used for public welfare undertakings such as disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and bridge and road repair.
Now, facing the way home, he feels more desperate than ever.
In the dead of night, Zeng Bingzheng sat in the dim light, with his only possessions in front of him: a pile of frayed clothes and a few yellowed books.
His hands gently caressed the books, which were companions of his youth and witnesses of his learning and talent.
But now, the books and clothes seem to be the only consolation in his life.
His heart was deeply conflicted and struggling. He thought about how to raise money for the journey, but he didn't want to lose the last bit of dignity and self-esteem.
Thinking of this, Zeng Bingzheng couldn't help but sigh and felt a deep sense of powerlessness and sadness.
He remembered his days in the court, full of ideals, and vowed to intercede for the people and serve the country.
However, the reality is so cruel. His integrity and integrity did not bring him the respect and protection he deserved.
Zeng Bingzheng closed his eyes, trying to find a trace of comfort in his heart.
He recalled his days in officialdom, those just rulings, those moments when justice served the people.
He once believed that his efforts could bring about some change in the country.
But now, he has been forced to leave the land he loved so much.
Thinking of this, Zeng Bingzheng felt a deep sense of loss and loneliness.
He used to have so many dreams and hopes, but now, everything has come to naught. He felt like a lonely boat, drifting helplessly in the torrent of fate.
3. Selling women to survive: a helpless move.
Zeng Bingzheng's daughter Xiaoyun is only ten years old and innocent.
Her smile is like the warm sunshine of spring, which brings Zeng Bingzheng the only comfort in his life.
However, when Zeng Bingzheng stood in front of her, his heart full of pain and helplessness, Xiaoyun was still so carefree that she didn't know how her father's upcoming decision would change her fate.
That night, Zeng Bingzheng was walking on a country road with Xiaoyun.
They meet a passing businessman who takes a fancy to Xiaoyun's ingenuity and proposes to adopt her.
Zeng Bingzheng's pain in his heart reached the extreme, but he knew that if he didn't do it, the father and daughter would face an even more difficult situation.
He lowered his head and talked to the merchant. Xiaoyun pulled his clothes suspiciously and asked, "Dad, where are we going?" ”
Zeng Bingzheng smiled bitterly: "Xiaoyun, Dad has something, you can accompany this uncle for the time being." ”
A trace of doubt flashed in Xiaoyun's eyes: "Dad, can I come back to see you soon?" ”
Zeng Bingzheng was heartbroken, but he could only force a smile: "Of course, Xiaoyun, Dad will come to pick you up soon." ”
The merchant handed Zeng Bingzheng some silver coins as "alimony".
Zeng Bingzheng's hand as he took the silver coin trembled slightly. He felt as if he was selling his soul.
He watched as the merchant took Xiaoyun away.
Xiaoyun turned around and beckoned to him, his eyes full of doubts and expectations.
Zeng Bingzheng's heart was filled with endless pain and self-blame.
He knew that this decision would leave a deep shadow on Xiaoyun's life, but in this desperate situation, he had no choice.
The figures of the merchant and Xiaoyun gradually disappeared, and Zeng Bingzheng stood alone, tears falling quietly.
He felt like a lonely soul abandoned in the desert, helpless.
It was as if his heart had been pierced by a sharp knife, and every breath was filled with pain.
Zeng Bingzheng stood there for a long time, until the sky was completely dark.
He felt as if his soul was empty with Xiaoyun's departure.
He held the coins and felt like hot coals, burning his hands.
It was late at night, and Zeng Bingzheng was walking alone on the way back to the hotel.
His heart was filled with confusion and despair, and he felt incomparably afraid of the future.
He knew that even if he used the silver coins to pay for the fare home, his heart would not be at peace.
His life, his faith, and even his soul were irreparably damaged by this decision.
4.Notoriety: A misunderstanding of the imperial court.
The news of Zeng Bingzheng's sale of his daughter soon spread throughout the capital like wings.
The traitors manipulated behind the scenes, exaggerated Zeng Bingzheng's behavior, and smeared his reputation.
Zeng Bingzheng in their mouths is no longer an honest and honest **, but has become a morally corrupt beast.
These untruths spread all over the streets of the capital, and even reached the depths of the palace.
When Ming Taizu heard the news, his anger was like a prairie fire, and he couldn't suppress it.
He couldn't believe that the Qing official he once admired had made such a reckless move.
In a fit of rage, he ordered Zeng Bingzheng to be immediately escorted back to the capital to personally interrogate the truth of the matter.
When Zeng Bingzheng learned the news on the road, he only felt at a loss.
His heart was filled with confusion and helplessness. What was originally a desperate act to raise money to go home was maliciously misinterpreted and turned into a crime. He felt as if he had fallen into a trap from which he could not escape.
On his way back to Beijing, Zeng Bingzheng encountered ridicule and contempt from the people.
They only heard rumors, but never learned the truth of the matter. Zeng Bingzheng lowered his head, not daring to look directly at those accusatory eyes.
His heart was filled with pain and self-blame, but more importantly, he was disappointed in the world.
5. Tragic ending: castration.
Zeng Bingzheng was tied up by Wuhua and dragged helplessly into the courtroom.
His steps were heavy, and every step seemed to be stepping on his own dignity and honor.
In the court, the eyes of the ministers pierced him like sharp swords, full of accusation and contempt.
In these gazes, Zeng Bingzheng felt unprecedented loneliness and coldness.
In the face of the emperor's anger, Zeng Bingzheng felt speechless.
He used to be one of the most respected ** in the court, but now he is the target of public criticism.
He knew that no matter what he said, he could not change the judgment that had been formed in the hearts of the emperor and all the people.
In their eyes, he had become an unpardonable sinner.
The emperor's voice echoed in the court, full of anger and disappointment: "Zeng Bingzheng, your actions have humiliated the court and ruined the reputation of officialdom, how can I tolerate you continuing to go unpunished?" You can be sentenced to a palace sentence. ”
Zeng Bingzheng wanted to open his mouth to defend himself, but the words choked in his throat, and finally turned into a silent sigh. His gaze swept across the hall, but he could not find any sympathy or understanding.
He was well aware that at this moment, no one noticed his innocence and integrity.
Outside the court, the autumn breeze blew through the empty courtyard with a bit of coolness, as if also lamenting this tragedy.
Zeng Bingzheng was roughly dragged out of the courtroom by guards, and his body left long marks on the ground.
His eyes were filled with despair and helplessness. He knew that his fate was sealed, and he could not escape this tragic ending that was intertwined with misunderstandings and frame-ups.
When Zeng Bingzheng was dragged to the execution ground, his heart was full of confusion and doubt about the world.
He was once full of ideals and hoped to contribute to the country and the people, but he did not expect his end to be so tragic.
In his heart, there is both anger towards the person who framed him, and helplessness at his fate.
On the execution ground, Zeng Bingzheng was tied to a pillar, and a group of people watched around him.
Their eyes are full of curiosity and indifference, and the tragic ending of the once ** seems to be just a drama in their daily lives.
Zeng Bingzheng closed his eyes, and his heart swelled with thoughts and worries about his daughter.
He didn't know what Xiaoyun's situation was at this time, but he only hoped that she could live a safe and happy life.
He also thought about his own life, from a young man with ideals and ambitions, to becoming a misunderstood and framed prisoner. The trajectory of his life made him feel extremely ironic and sad.
Reference: "Records of Ming Taizu".