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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 230: Execution
Hearing the words of Wang An and the others, Li Yuanji let out a slight sigh of relief. With their intervention, most matters could be covered up, and the remaining trivial issues of personal conduct could not trouble a prince like him.
In his view, since Wang An and the others had taken the initiative to inform him of this matter, they were clearly trying to curry favor with him. A few promises would allow them to get what they wanted, which was not a bad situation.
Thus, he unreservedly instructed them to handle certain matters. At this juncture, while it was fine to deal harshly with ordinary citizens, he could not exert too much pressure on officials who had suffered under his tyranny.
Court officials, though not as noble as a prince, were not individuals he could kill at will.
Wang An and the others accepted their orders and left. Li Yuanji suppressed his headache and instructed those around him: "Use threats or inducements as you see fit; make sure those citizens keep quiet and leave Bingzhou before Wei Zheng arrives.
If anyone is uncooperative, deal with them yourselves. If you can't even manage this small task, I will have you killed first!"
"Understood."
In truth, there was no need for King Qi to threaten them; they were all complicit in these matters. If the court pursued the issue, they would certainly not escape blame.
They hurriedly dispersed. Standing outside the hall, Li Yuanji watched as the servants cautiously removed the mourning decorations. His greatest fear was ominous signs, especially at such a time!
In the following days, King Qi did not leave the city to hunt, which astonished those in town who were unaware of the situation. Those who knew were simply waiting to see his misfortune.
No one believed King Qi would face severe consequences; after all, with such a noble status throughout history, as long as one was not guilty of treason, any crimes committed would only result in minor punishments and warnings.
Soon enough, Wei Zheng and the Prince of Chu arrived. Li Yuanji graciously went out of the city to welcome them and respectfully received the imperial edict summoning him back to the capital.
After proclaiming the edict, Wei Zheng bluntly said to King Qi: "Since your intent is clear, Your Highness may return to Chang'an now."
Li Yuanji smiled and replied: "I have long heard of Duke Wei's great reputation; indeed, your authority is impressive. However, I must arrange for my guards before we can depart."
As he spoke, he glanced at a tall and handsome young man standing nearby. Every time he saw him, Li Yuanji couldn't help but feel anger; why was it that his own appearance was so lacking compared to even a mere illegitimate son?
"Li Zhiyun, it's been a while since we last met."
Li Zhiyun, only a few months younger than Li Yuanji, appeared quite refined. However, upon seeing the fear flash in his eyes, he respectfully bowed and greeted, "Greetings, Brother."
The three of them entered the city amidst a throng of attendants. Li Yuanji mentioned that a welcoming banquet had been prepared, but Wei Zheng directly refused and headed straight to the government office after entering the city, leaving no face for Li Yuanji.
Li Yuanji glared at his retreating figure with murderous intent, vowing to take revenge once he got through this.
Upon returning to Qi Wang Mansion, Li Yuanji immediately pulled Li Zhiyun aside and asked, "What did the Emperor and Father say?"
Li Zhiyun quietly inquired, "Did you really do those things, Fourth Brother?"
Li Yuanji frowned and decisively replied, "Pei Ji exaggerated and slandered me."
Li Zhiyun understood his brother well and simply nodded in agreement. "That's good. Although Doctor Wei has a bad temper, he is fair-minded and will surely clear your name."
Li Yuanji didn't care whether Li Zhiyun believed him; he continued to press for answers.
Li Zhiyun waved his hand. "I don't know what His Majesty and Father think either. I haven't been appointed yet and cannot attend court to participate in politics. After receiving the imperial edict at the mansion, I rushed here with Doctor Wei and did not see His Majesty or Father."
Useless! Li Yuanji cursed inwardly. Fortunately, he had not expected much from him. He casually arranged for a few people to accompany him for food and drink while he immediately sent someone to investigate whom Wei Zheng had met.
...
In Chang'an's Qin Wang Mansion, Li Shimin, whose injuries had mostly healed, was conversing with his brother-in-law, Changsun Wuji, who held an official position just below the fifth rank at under thirty years old—a promising future indeed.
After all, his father was an old acquaintance of the current Emperor, and his sister was Consort Qin.
"King Qi will likely find it hard to settle this matter; I just wonder how His Majesty will handle it."
Li Shimin had no brotherly affection for the Fourth Son and coldly remarked, "The Emperor has severely punished Li Youliang, who is a senior member of the Royal Family. Yuanji should at least be stripped of his official position and title."
Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment before suddenly saying, "Your Highness, you still owe one hundred Imperial Staff."
Li Shimin was somewhat taken aback; one couldn't just promote oneself by targeting a brother-in-law.
The atmosphere in the Court was not good, with a prevailing trend of impeachment. Many had turned their sights on the Royal Family, as they stood to gain the most. For instance, the officials who had impeached Li Youliang had been promoted several ranks and were close to becoming Deputy Minister of Justice.
"This... General Shan and General Qin are fine now, and the Emperor hasn't mentioned it again..."
One hundred Imperial Staff—though he knew it was impossible for them to kill him, enduring pain and suffering was unavoidable. Li Shimin wasn't afraid of wounds from battle but was genuinely concerned about being held down and spanked by a few minor officials.
Changsun Wuji continued, "Logically, no one should bring this up, especially since you have significant achievements in driving back the Turkic forces. However, if King Qi truly faces trouble, this matter will undoubtedly be dragged into it.
At that time, Your Highness would be in a passive position. Rather than losing face together, it would be better to help thoroughly bring down King Qi."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin felt somewhat tempted but instinctively touched his backside.
"Alright, I will go to my brother tomorrow to accept my punishment."
"The decree has already been issued. Your Highness should go directly to the Ministry of Justice; that may be what His Majesty wants to see.
Otherwise, it would be inappropriate for His Majesty to directly order punishment on his own flesh and blood, yet it would also be improper to exempt him from punishment."
Li Shimin complied and instructed his servants to prepare Gold Ointment quickly.
"Brother, please draft a memorial for me. As I accept my punishment tomorrow, Yuanji cannot use this as an excuse."
"Understood."
Early the next morning, Qin Wang went directly to the Ministry of Justice. There was no court meeting that day, and the Minister of Justice was present. Upon facing Qin Wang's proactive request for punishment, he was taken aback.
Qin Wang had acted somewhat recklessly, but since no serious harm had been done, everyone tacitly agreed to let the matter pass.
The imperial decree clearly stated that Qin Wang could only receive punishment after his injuries had healed, but whether he was truly healed was not something Qin Wang could decide on his own.
However, since he was already there, it would be unreasonable to turn him away; doing so would contradict the imperial order. Thus, the Minister of Justice had no choice but to quickly arrange for skilled executioners and instructed the deputy minister to promptly report to His Majesty.
Li Shimin hesitated a bit before arriving but felt bold once he got there, casually wandering around the Ministry of Justice offices.
"Your Highness, why go through this?"
Li Shimin smiled and replied, "The law does not favor the noble, and the rope does not bend for the guilty. Though I am a prince, I must face punishment for my wrongdoings. How can one evade national law because of their birth?"
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but admire Li Shimin. Qin Wang truly was remarkable; no wonder he was the most trusted brother of His Majesty.
Thus, they no longer hesitated and directly invited Qin Wang to face his punishment. After Li Shimin stamped his foot in determination, he strode forward, and soon cries of pain echoed through the halls.
…………
(End of Chapter)
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