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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 231: The Charges
The news of Prince Qin voluntarily accepting punishment quickly spread, prompting many to recall the incident. Numerous individuals felt sympathy for Prince Qin, questioning why he should be punished after such a significant victory.
In relation to this matter, Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao immediately set off for the palace to plead on behalf of Prince Qin.
Meanwhile, Li Jian Cheng had already met with the Deputy Minister of Justice. After listening to the report, he was somewhat surprised but considered it a good thing.
"Prince Qin is respectful of the law, which brings me great comfort. Therefore, I decree that half of his punishment with the cane be waived."
The Deputy Minister of Justice hurriedly took his leave, fearing that any delay on his part might result in Prince Qin receiving additional lashes, which would be a serious offense.
Once he departed, Li Jian Cheng turned to Li Wei, who had already become the head of the Eunuch Department, overseeing the Imperial Garden, palace affairs, eunuchs, internal servants, and various other departments.
Unlike other court officials whose appointments required careful consideration by the emperor to maintain stability in the court, the Eunuch Department operated differently; Li Wei had full authority over promotions and appointments.
"Yesterday, Chief Changsun Wuji from the Supreme Court visited Prince Qin at his residence," Li Jian Cheng remarked.
Li Jian Cheng nodded at this information, realizing it was likely Changsun Wuji's idea. He found it quite satisfactory and timely; however, it would mean some discomfort for Prince Qin.
Originally, there were no plans to promote Changsun Wuji in these years, but his proactive gesture had sparked some thoughts of advancement in Li Jian Cheng's mind.
However, he quickly suppressed those thoughts. It was essential to observe whether familial ties or career prospects were more important to him before deciding how to utilize him.
"Your Majesty, Duke of Jiyin and New Calendar Duke request an audience."
Li Jian Cheng replied, "Tell them that I have already waived half of Prince Qin's punishment. If that is their reason for coming, there is no need for them to meet with me. Let them return home to recuperate. Also, send two jars of medicinal wine as a gift to both Dukes of Longxi."
"Understood."
At the palace gates, Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao bowed in gratitude while holding two jars of medicinal wine as they headed toward Ganlu Palace.
After handing the medicinal wine to a servant behind him, Dan Xiongxin said to Qin Shubao, "The emperor's intention seems clear; he cannot fully waive the punishment. Let us head directly to the Ministry of Justice."
Qin Shubao coughed twice. His complexion was still not very good, but compared to before, there was a noticeable hint of color returning to his face, indicating he was recovering well.
"Alright, I brought my special healing ointment, at least it's a token of my goodwill."
Although they had nearly lost their lives due to Li Shimin's relentless pursuit, the two generals held no grudges. This was because Qin Wang always led his soldiers from the front, not pushing them into danger for personal glory.
At that moment, the Deputy Minister of Justice rushed back, panting heavily. He hadn't run particularly fast himself, but his servant had already returned ahead of him with the news.
However, it seemed there was still some commotion regarding the execution.
The Deputy Minister of Justice leaned against the wall as he entered, and upon seeing another strike fall, he quickly shouted, "Hey! Hey! Stop! Stop..."
Even though the Minister of Rites was present, the executioners dared not ignore the Deputy Minister. They raised their staffs high but did not bring them down immediately.
"How many strikes has it been? His Majesty has decreed to reduce it by half; fifty strikes will suffice."
The Minister of Justice replied, "Seventy-eight strikes have already been given."
"What?" The Deputy Minister nearly spat blood in frustration and hurriedly explained, "I specifically ordered Zhao Da to report this. Where has that damned beast run off to? I must see him punished!"
"Sir... I'm right here."
"Goodness, you..."
Li Shimin, lying on Xingtai, took a few deep breaths and said, "Enough. It is I who will administer the full punishment. A mistake is a mistake; His Majesty may show leniency due to our bond, but I cannot use that as an excuse to evade justice.
Once the execution is complete, I will explain everything to His Majesty. You all continue!"
The Deputy Minister of Justice looked awkwardly at the Minister of Rites, who said nothing more and simply ordered them to proceed.
The executioners were careful; the blows were becoming lighter with each strike. Fifty and one hundred were not too different; there was no need to offend Qin Wang.
After a while, Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao finally arrived, causing another stir. However, the news quickly spread throughout Chang'an, and Qin Wang's reputation soared.
Li Jian Cheng was even more pleased upon hearing this. The second son had always been sensible and reliable. He had endured the punishment, and losing fifty was of little consequence, while gaining fifty would bring him great renown.
He ordered someone to intercept Qin Wang, who was coming to plead for forgiveness. After all, not accepting the emperor's goodwill was a form of wrongdoing; both thunder and rain could not be refused.
...
Wei Zheng looked at the memorial in his hand with surprise. He had thought it would take a long time to gather evidence against King Qi, but it was already prepared, with witnesses and physical evidence all in place.
Bingzhou Deputy Governor Wang An said, "Duke Wei may not know, but King Qi is truly arrogant. Not only ordinary citizens but even court officials have suffered humiliation at his hands."
Wei Zheng snorted coldly, "Then why did the Deputy not report this to the court earlier? Why wait until now?"
Wang An sighed, "I certainly thought about it, but King Qi's status is too noble. I am not as loyal and outspoken as Duke Wei. Alas, I feel ashamed."
Wei Zheng ordered his subordinates to put away the already signed documents but did not respond to Wang An's words.
He was indeed loyal, but he was no mere scholar; his lifelong studies had made him adept at political maneuvering.
He had long sensed that something was amiss with King Qi. The local officials could have reported him long ago but chose instead to conceal the matter, dragging it out until now.
In Capital City, it was actually the current Chancellor who brought this issue to light. The conspiracies involved were almost entirely devoid of any intention to hide.
However, it remained a fact that King Qi had caused trouble in the region. Wei Zheng had no intention of backing down simply because this matter involved conspiracy.
Underhanded tactics were unworthy of serious consideration; as long as His Majesty acted with integrity, no schemes were worth mentioning and would only backfire on those who plotted them.
"Duke Wei, King Qi has recently sent people to carry out many tasks; some citizens may have already met with misfortune."
Wei Zheng frowned. "Wang Shaoyin, I will report you to His Majesty."
Wang An clasped his hands towards Chang'an. "I have no face to eat the emperor's salary without merit. There is no need for Duke Wei to report me; I have already submitted a letter of apology to His Majesty and await his punishment."
Wei Zheng asked, "What are the names of those under King Qi? Where are they now?"
"Wang An" spoke without reservation and reminded, "King Qi has not yet left the city. Duke Wei, it would be better to wait a moment to avoid any conflict that might affect His Majesty's entrusted matters."
"Wei Zheng" stood up and said, "No need for Wang Shaoyin to worry."
"Wang An" cupped his hands and replied, "There is one more thing. I know I am guilty for failing to advise King Qi and for not reporting to the court in time. I am willing to accept punishment for myself.
However, King Qi is fierce, and his family is numerous, making succession difficult. I ask Duke Wei not to inform King Qi that I have gathered evidence against him."
A gentleman can be deceived by reason. "Wei Zheng" nodded after a moment of silence and then led his men directly to the Qi Wang Mansion.
After he left, several other officials stepped forward and laughed, "Wei Zheng's reputation is well-deserved."
"This temperament of his certainly stands in stark contrast to King Qi's. I wonder if King Qi will resort to violence against him."
"Hmph, if that were truly the case, it would be wonderful. We would see if His Majesty can be as merciless as he is with his ministers."
"Hahaha."
…………
(End of Chapter)
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