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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 221: Strengths
Chen Junbin bowed and said, "I have listened to Your Majesty's teachings and read the works of sages, understanding that the people are the foundation of the state. As a Prefect of a county, I have my responsibilities, and I must do my utmost to govern and bring peace to the people, so as not to betray Your Majesty's grace."
Li Jian Cheng nodded in approval and said, "The people are indeed the foundation of the state; well said. If all Prefects understood this principle and could implement the policies for calming the populace issued by the court, then I would have no worries and could govern the world with ease."
The eyes of the officials in the hall were fixed on Chen Junbin, who was likely to be promoted soon if nothing unexpected happened.
They noticed that his official robe had faded somewhat, and there were several inconspicuous patches on areas prone to wear, making him appear as if he were a poor official at first glance.
This made some officials who knew his background scoff; Chen Junbin was from the Chen family of Southern Chen. His father was Chen Boshang, known as Poyang Wang. The saying goes that a dead camel is bigger than a horse.
Moreover, during the Sui Dynasty, although he had lost royal status, he was still a Prefect in his own right. There was no way he could have fallen into such dire straits.
It seemed he had sacrificed his dignity just to gain Your Majesty's favor.
Li Jian Cheng also noticed Chen Junbin's somewhat shabby official robe but chose not to comment. Xingzhou had been plagued by Turkic invasions before the founding of the nation and later suffered from Liu Heita's rebellion.
The people were displaced, and the land lay barren. However, since Chen Junbin took office, everything had been improving. The people were settling down and cultivating the land; Hebei's performance was particularly outstanding under Xingzhou's governance. Li Jian Cheng had specifically ordered an investigation into this.
With such achievements in mind, whether Chen Junbin wore luxurious or shabby clothing did not concern Li Jian Cheng. After all, having such an attitude was better than having none at all.
Thus, he would promote him as deserved; rewarding and punishing fairly was also an important duty of the emperor.
He then pointed out several other Prefects who had performed well in their assessments, especially praising an old acquaintance from Liaodong who had followed him since then. This man was a typical warrior—skilled in archery and horseback riding—and while his knowledge was limited to basic literacy, he had surprisingly done very well in handling issues fairly and justly, always prioritizing the people's welfare. The Ministry of Personnel rated him above average for being fair-minded and diligent.
As for those who were unqualified, they wouldn't even make it to this hall; they had long been sent to the Ministry of Justice's prison.
Once he finished speaking, the emperor prepared to host a banquet. With so many local officials coming to pay their respects, Li Jian Cheng felt it inappropriate not to offer them a meal. However, in accordance with previous edicts, he decided to exclude alcoholic beverages from the feast and calculate meat dishes based on headcount.
At this moment, Wei Zheng, the Censor of the Court, suddenly stood up and said, "I have a suggestion!"
Li Jian Cheng exhaled deeply before replying, "Please speak your mind."
Wei Zheng bowed to the Emperor and said, "Confucius once said that a gentleman is reserved in speech but diligent in action. I believe Your Majesty has spoken much to your ministers and issued many edicts in recent days.
However, actions have been few; it seems you are quick to speak but slow to act, which contradicts the words of the Sage."
Although the officials from the Capital City were shocked, they had somewhat anticipated this. However, those who had long served in local positions could hardly bear it, feeling anxious and at a loss.
They had heard that His Majesty was open to counsel, but how could these court officials treat him this way? It was truly disrespectful!
Just after being praised by Li Jian Cheng, the Prefects could no longer contain themselves. Chen Junbin stepped forward and declared, "I wish to impeach Minister Wei for his disrespect towards the Sovereign Father. His pursuit of fame at the expense of our ruler is a betrayal; he must be severely punished!"
"I second that!"
"I second that."
Li Jian Cheng took a deep breath and waved his hand to signal the others to withdraw. "If what you say has merit, I shall heed your counsel and make changes."
Facing the accusations from the courtiers and the veiled threat in the Emperor's words, Wei Zheng's expression remained unchanged. "Since the founding of our nation, Your Majesty has often warned us to take lessons from the fall of Sui, to avoid extravagance and promote frugality, and to guard against arrogance and indulgence.
Yet today I see heavy timber being transported outside the western gate, purportedly for reconstructing palaces in Wugong County. I believe this is a clear contradiction between your words and actions. If Your Majesty proceeds with this, it will be difficult to set a good example for the world."
Even with great composure, Li Jian Cheng felt a surge of bloodlust rising within him. This was not an ordinary court meeting where one could simply speak freely; nearly all officials of rank five or above were present.
Hearing this, although some officials felt Wei Zheng was indeed at fault, they couldn't help but feel a bit disdainful towards the Emperor. After all this talk about restraint, wasn't His Majesty himself indulging in extravagant palace constructions?
Li Jian Cheng sensed the thoughts of his ministers. He suppressed his anger; while executing someone might establish authority, losing the hearts of his people would be irretrievable.
"So this is what it is; Wei Qing has misunderstood me."
Before Wei Zheng could respond, Pei Ji, the Left Minister of Rites, stepped forward and said, "Minister Wei has just returned from a southern inspection on imperial orders and has indeed misunderstood Your Majesty. I am aware of the circumstances regarding this matter. Last year when I entered the palace to pay my respects to the Retired Emperor, he mentioned that the main hall of Wugong's old residence had fallen into disrepair due to age and that rain was leaking through its roof damaging the main beams.
Upon hearing this, I felt sorrowful. After bidding farewell to the Empress Dowager, I was summoned by Your Majesty to Wende Hall for discussions and informed you of this matter.
I thought Your Majesty wished to show filial piety towards the Retired Emperor by making some repairs to the old residence. Minister Wei is merely replacing a main beam; surely repairing a roof should not be considered extravagant?"
Deputy Minister of Works Wang Gui stepped forward and said, "Indeed, Your Majesty has commanded that all expenses be drawn from the imperial treasury, strictly forbidding ministers from withdrawing funds from the Ministry of Civil Affairs."
This made the courtiers' gazes turn respectful once more. The matters concerning His Majesty must be recorded, and since it also involved the Left Chancellor and the Ministry of Works, it could not be fabricated. His Majesty was indeed frugal.
Wei Zheng bowed and said, "I have questioned Your Majesty without understanding the full picture; this is my fault, and I accept punishment."
"However, I must still advise Your Majesty. Even if only a brick or a tile is moved now, if word spreads throughout the realm, many will misunderstand Your Majesty's intentions, thinking that you are insincere. If Your Majesty wishes to reduce extravagance and practice frugality, then you must not give the people a chance to speak against you."
Li Jian Cheng spoke solemnly, "I am aware of how I live, as do all of you. I am willing to heed Wei Qing's words, but this matter concerns the sentiments of the Retired Emperor. As a son, I cannot turn a blind eye."
"The royal family resides in the capital, and the Retired Emperor's residence is spacious and grand; it is better not to disturb the construction."
Fang Xuanling hurriedly mediated, saying, "Minister Wei, Your Majesty governs with benevolence and filial piety. To alleviate a father's worries is also part of filial duty. As ministers, we too are subjects of the Retired Emperor and should possess loyalty and filial piety."
Wei Zheng insisted, "The Retired Emperor has experienced turmoil and understands the suffering of the common people. If Your Majesty wishes to implement new policies for great governance, the Retired Emperor would surely support what I have said upon learning of this matter."
Such words were intolerable to both the inner and outer courtiers. They rallied against Wei Zheng, waiting for His Majesty's nod to condemn him to eternal damnation. Not only would he lose his life in that moment, but his name would also be tarnished for generations to come.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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