Episode 44
The three-judicial trial is a symbol of judicial fairness, and its results are often related to the fate of countless lives.This time, Hai Rui, as a representative of the Ministry of Justice, tried a major case with a fair and impartial attitude.The cause of the case was that the son insulted his father, which was considered a crime of disrespect at the time. Hai Rui mercilessly sentenced him to death by hanging, and decided to execute him in the autumn.Another person involved in the case, Wang Yongji, was sentenced to eighty canes and three thousand miles of exile because he had no father and formed a clique for personal gain.
Hai Rui's sentence demonstrated his impartiality and the majesty of the Ming Dynasty's law.In the Ming Dynasty, there were two types of executions: "Jue Jue" and "Autumn Jue".The former refers to immediate execution with a tick of the ink pen. This method is mostly used for criminals who have committed the most heinous crimes.The latter executed criminals on the day of Beginning of Autumn. This practice not only reflected the ancients' respect for time order, but also gave the prisoners a certain buffer time.Hai Rui's decision chose the latter, which is not only respect for the law, but also consideration of human nature.
Behind this seemingly fair verdict lies Emperor Jiajing's power game.After Hai Rui came to power, Huang Jin was deprived of his position as the chief eunuch Bingbi of the Supervisor of Ceremonies and was instead working as an errand beside Emperor Jiajing.This change not only changed Huang Jin's fate, but also affected the political structure of the entire court.Huang Jin accompanied Emperor Jiajing day and night, effectively becoming Emperor Jiajing's eyes and ears in the court, which made it extremely difficult for other officials to meet Emperor Jiajing.This high degree of concentration of power allowed Emperor Jiajing to firmly control the power of the court.
At the same time, Hai Rui's family was also facing huge changes.Haimu insisted on taking Haizhu, who was seven months pregnant, back to her hometown. This decision not only made Li Shizhen feel helpless, but also made people worry about Haizhu's safety.
