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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 123: Entering the Net
Li Jian Cheng did not attend, but Li Hun and Li Min still met with a few others. They were only concerned that if they did not go, someone else might be pushed forward to take the blame.
With such thoughts in mind, they naturally could not settle on a pact of mutual assistance, but there was an understanding that if necessary, they would push the Duke of Tang and the Li Family out to take the fall. Li Yan's connections could also be tied to the Flood that submerged His Majesty's palace.
However, Yuwen Shu had already begun to make his move. Although he regretted not being able to drag Li Jian Cheng down with him, his main enemy remained Li Hun.
Last year, Yuwen Shu had been demoted to commoner status due to his failure in the campaign against Goguryeo, but just last month, he managed to persuade the emperor to issue a decree stating that "Yuwen Shu's failure was due to insufficient supplies, leading to the downfall of the royal army. The military officials failed in their logistics, which is not a crime worthy of punishment; thus, he should be reinstated and promoted to Chief of Staff Equivalent to the Three Departments."
Indeed, a defeated general was promoted instead, demonstrating Yuwen Shu's influence over the emperor.
Upon entering the palace and receiving permission to sit from the emperor, Yuwen Shu expressed his gratitude and began discussing the matter of the second campaign. First, he reported that supplies had been fully prepared, followed by updates on troop numbers.
The emperor had grown disillusioned with the Provincial Troops, as most were forcibly conscripted commoners who could hardly be considered elite and often wasted resources while dragging down morale.
Thus, the emperor established the Valiant Fruit Army, recruiting soldiers from various military units and among civilians. As the saying goes, those who know are not as good as those who enjoy it; those who enjoy it are not as good as those who are eager. Those who volunteered for military service were naturally ambitious individuals unafraid of life and death, making them far more capable than conscripted commoners.
"How many men are in the Valiant Fruit Army now?"
Yuwen Shu replied, "Your Majesty, we have recruited eighty thousand soldiers for the Valiant Fruit Army, mostly from Qin's Clan Members. Each one is brave and skilled in battle, all willing to serve you until death!"
Yang Guang was quite pleased because this indicated that Qin's Clan Members still recognized him as their Sovereign Father.
"Excellent! Let us exempt eighty thousand households from labor duties and taxes."
Yuwen Shu hesitated and said, "Exempting eighty thousand households from labor duties and taxes—would that be wise?"
Yang Guang waved his hand dismissively: "I am rich enough for all under heaven; why should I be stingy in rewarding loyal subjects?"
"Your Majesty is wise."
Yuwen Shu spoke for a while before bringing up the matter of the Peach and Plum Chapter. Yang Guang replied, "I recall that you and Li Hun are related by marriage, so I did not summon you for Consultation. Moreover, I believe this matter primarily concerns Li Min."
Yuwen Shu said earnestly, "In front of Your Majesty, I have always spoken freely. Although I have known Li Hun for a long time, I have recently heard that his interests have changed significantly. He often spends days and nights in secret conversations with Li Min and Shan Heng."
"I personally believe this is inappropriate. Li Hun is a high-ranking minister of the state, from a prominent family, and commands the Imperial Guards. It is not suitable for him to act this way. I urge Your Majesty to investigate!"
Yang Guang's expression turned cold. "Does he have dealings with Li Min?"
"I would never dare to deceive Your Majesty. Just yesterday, they gathered at the Out-of-City Villa; I do not know what they discussed."
Li Hun is the Right General of the Imperial Guards, commanding the Imperial Guards. If he has allied with the other Lis, then he could be dangerous.
"Then Li Yan and Li Jian Cheng must have been there as well."
Yuwen Shu wanted to say they had gone, but Li Yan and his son were in Filial Mourning at home and had not stepped out of their residence even once. There was no way to frame them.
"I have not heard anything."
Not having heard does not mean it did not happen. Indeed, the Emperor's brow furrowed even tighter, unable to suppress his murderous intent any longer. He ordered Yuwen Shu to lead men to capture them and imprison them.
...
At this moment, Li Jian Cheng was reviewing a list. How could he not be involved in such a significant matter as the establishment of the Valiant Fruit Army? On the surface, Shen Guang and over a dozen members of the Li Clan had joined, but secretly there were many more.
Sima Dezhai, Gongsun Wuda, Yuwen Sa—these heroes from Guanzhong—and many branches of families like the Dou Family and Dugu Clan were all people he had cultivated connections with over many years, all now funneled into the Valiant Fruit Army.
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Such opportunities would be rare in the future, and the Valiant Fruit Army was directly under the Emperor's command. The newly established Imperial Guard Bureau was originally called the Left and Right Bodyguard Bureau, and it had been incredibly difficult to gain entry into the Bodyguard Bureau in the past.
In the evening, Li Jian Cheng received news that Li Hun and Li Min had been captured and imprisoned, with even their families not spared. The nobles of the Capital City were divided; some watched with interest while others were filled with concern.
Those who watched were fools, while those who worried understood well that if the Emperor were to punish them simply for a children's rhyme or a rumor, then the blade that fell upon the Li family today might one day turn against their own heads.
During the second meeting of the Celestial Empire, officials unanimously pleaded for their mercy. However, the more the Emperor saw this, the more convinced he became that Li Min and Li Hun indeed had popular support, as evidenced by so many high-ranking officials advocating for them.
Although the Emperor wanted to execute them outright, both Li Hun and Li Min came from families that had made significant contributions to the Sui Dynasty, making it difficult for him to unjustly condemn them.
Yang Guang's murderous intent grew stronger. He ordered his trusted Imperial Historian, Pei Yun, who had always been able to ease his worries, to handle this case. As long as they could find evidence of treasonous intent, he could have them killed.
Pei Yun accepted the task with a grim expression, feeling a chill run down his back. It was easy to serve as a blade for His Majesty, but ensuring a safe conclusion was another matter entirely.
The Ministry of Justice and officials from the Supreme Court petitioned for a joint review of the case, which was reasonable enough that the Emperor could not refuse.
After court adjourned, several officials subtly hinted to Pei Yun: "This matter involves many parties; we hope Pei Gong can handle it impartially!"
"Li Hun and Li Min should not be people who dare to rebel; Your Majesty should not easily trust the words of Sorcerers."
"Pei Gong, may I offer a word? The instigator surely has no future!"
Pei Ju could only clasp his hands in apology and assure them that he would act fairly.
The Emperor could kill him, but doing so would offend many powerful families, making survival difficult for him as well. It was simply a matter of navigating through perilous waters.
The news reached Duke Tang's Residence, and after discussions between Li Yan and his son, they decided to report the matter to the court. It was not enough to simply shrink back and protect themselves; they needed to show their stance, especially when other families were also making moves.
Pei Yun had been investigating for three days straight, exhausting himself to the point of looking haggard, yet he still found no solid evidence. This was because Li Min and Li Hun truly had no intention of rebellion.
Neither of them had the courage or capability for such a thing, and both held titles of nobility. According to the regulations regarding nobles, they could not be subjected to severe punishment.
However, the emperor was dissatisfied, and Pei Yun was unwilling to relent in his investigation. Having reached his position through the emperor's favor did not mean he wanted to be a solitary minister; his family would not allow him to make enemies of everyone.
...
"What a pity that Duke Tang's Residence did not get involved."
Yang Xuangan expressed his regret. "If only Li Yan were here, Li Jian Cheng is indeed a rare talent. More importantly, with him, we could connect with more families."
Li Mi shook his head. "Li Jian Cheng is not so easily manipulated. There's no need to feel too regretful; as long as things go smoothly, he will eventually be one of us."
"True enough. With the nobles on our side, I don't lack for just Li Jian Cheng."
Yang Xuangan was currently in an elevated state of mind, exuding an extraordinary demeanor. In the secret chamber filled with his confidants, they could not help but feel impressed, believing that a great undertaking was within reach.
...
(End of Chapter)
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