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Chapter 232: Gu Quan
After laughing, Wang An, the Deputy Governor of Bingzhou, instructed his subordinates, "Send some officials to bolster Duke Wei's presence. We can't spend all this time and still not be able to enter the Qi Wang Mansion."
His confidant immediately went to make arrangements. An official tentatively asked, "Has the Prince really apologized to His Majesty?"
Wang An glanced at him and said, "Of course. Regardless, I cannot escape the blame for being privy to information without reporting it. Wei Zheng will certainly impeach him, and His Majesty will not let it go either. So why not resign on his own terms and save face?"
"Ah, what a pity! With the Prince's achievements, he could have moved into the central government in a few years and accomplished great things."
Wang An stroked his beard and smiled, "I was born into wealth and do not lack for this meager salary from the court. I have a carefree nature and enjoy the pleasures of rural life. I only entered public service out of necessity for my family; it was never my desire.
Now that I can extricate myself, I can follow Master Wuliu's example—picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence while gazing at the southern mountains. How delightful that would be!"
"The Prince has great vision; it's just that we do not know who will succeed the nobles in court. We must do our utmost to assist and preserve the legacy of our families in Bingzhou."
Wang An did not hold back in expressing goodwill towards the families of Bingzhou: "My nephew is currently at the National Academy. His ability to discern classics and his talents are outstanding; his future is limitless—far beyond what I can compare."
The others readily offered words of praise; the Wang family's foundation was not something they could match, and their ambitions were similar.
To them, a fourth-rank Minor Official was already considered a high position, but for the Wang family, it was merely a gamble—one they would not regret losing.
Clearly, this time, the Wang family had reached an understanding with the Left Chancellor, who represented the Retired Emperor and the Noble Families of Guanlong. Moreover, in this impeachment matter concerning King Qi, he might also represent the Royal Family.
With the Left Chancellor's assurance, this noble from the Wang family would not face oppression due to his background. Positions of fourth rank or higher were what the Wang family truly needed.
The Deputy Governor of Bingzhou did not care much about this; they were already a noble family in Bingzhou. Whether or not they had this Minor Official would not shake their influence in Bingzhou.
Wei Zheng headed straight for Qi Wang Mansion, not bothering to drive away the increasing number of officials behind him. The fact that King Qi was guilty was undeniable, and he was here on imperial orders to investigate this matter. As long as the others did not interfere with his duties, that was all that mattered.
As for who would benefit or who had ulterior motives, he did not care; they were all just petty clowns.
Upon arriving at the entrance of Qi Wang Mansion, he saw the Imperial Guards standing solemnly, coldly watching them. Some of the timid officials began to stop and tried to hide behind others, but unfortunately, they all had the same idea. Soon, they found themselves more than twenty steps away from Wei Zheng and his group, who showed no signs of stopping.
At a glance, it appeared as if Wei Zheng was surrounded. The mansion's military officer, Zhang Xia, sternly addressed Wei Zheng: "King Qi is hosting a banquet for the Prince of Chu and will not meet with outsiders. Please leave!"
Wei Zheng looked at him and said, "I do not wish to see King Qi; I only need a few people."
"Hah, this is Qi Wang Mansion. If you want to take anyone away, you must first ask King Qi for permission."
Wei Zheng shook his head. "This is the territory of the Tang Dynasty; Bingzhou is not King Qi's fief. I am here on official orders to summon a few individuals. If you dare to obstruct me, it would be considered defying imperial orders and breaking the law, which is punishable by death.
Immediately summon Zhang Xia, Li Runyu, Wan Lun, and others!"
"You..."
At this moment, Li Yuanji stood inside the mansion. He could hear everything happening outside clearly and was nearly grinding his teeth in frustration.
"What a bold Wang An, daring to deceive me!"
According to plan, Wei Zheng should have been facing obstacles at the official offices by now. Yet here he was, fully aware of whom he intended to arrest.
Li Yuanji's fists tightened and then loosened again before clenching tightly. Since Wang An had decided to betray him, it was likely that he had already handed over evidence implicating the officials of Bingzhou to Wei Zheng.
A group of dozens was present, and with just one word from him, these people would die in Bingzhou. When faced with robbers and danger, there was always a way to meet one's end.
However, he was somewhat hesitant. He looked down on the second brother and even more so on the third and fifth brothers, but he still held a sense of awe for the eldest brother, especially after the eldest ascended to the throne.
Yang Clan spoke from behind her husband: "The Imperial Envoy has died in Bingzhou. Regardless of whether it was your Highness who did it or not, the court will first hold you accountable, and then send someone else to investigate thoroughly. I urge your Highness to think carefully."
Li Yuanji turned around and pointed at the gate: "Whoever wants to harm me, I will make them die first. Without solid evidence, who can do anything to me?"
"Your Highness might be able to kill Wei Zheng, but can you eliminate all the officials in Bingzhou?"
Li Yuanji let out a breath but still forced himself to step forward and slapped Yang Clan to the ground: "It is not your place to teach me a lesson!"
Yang Clan endured the pain and got back up. She did not cry or turn away; she simply continued to persuade him: "Your Highness is the closest kin of His Majesty; you will surely be granted leniency. Please do not be stubborn."
Li Yuanji sneered: "What? Are you afraid that if I die, you won't be able to enjoy wealth as Consort Qi?"
After saying this, he ignored the princess and ordered the servant to open the gate. Zhang Xia led a group of Imperial Guards to quickly salute and step aside.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Wei Zheng was clearly unafraid of threats, and they did not dare act against the Imperial Envoy representing the emperor.
Li Yuanji invited Wei Zheng into the mansion, but Wei Zheng naturally refused without hesitation. However, Li Yuanji insisted repeatedly and promised that once Wei Zheng entered, he would hand over those few people for interrogation.
Wei Zheng frowned as he stepped into Qi Wang Mansion and was then led by King Qi to a secluded room where they sat facing each other on wooden benches.
Li Yuanji suddenly clasped his hands in front of his chest and lowered his head until his forehead touched his hands: "I ask Duke Wei to consider the greater situation."
Wei Zheng frowned and returned the gesture according to etiquette: "Your Highness, there is no such greater situation; you are certainly not part of it. If we must speak of it, punishing the Royal Family's officials for their misdeeds is what truly matters at this moment."
"Perhaps Wang An has handed over all the evidence of my crimes to you."
Wei Zheng remained silent, and Li Yuanji nodded knowingly. "Isn't it more dangerous that the current Left Chancellor and the local Deputy Prefect are in collusion than my own absurdity?
I still have some self-awareness; this is not directed at me, but at my elder brother and the Emperor. If I am severely punished, the Retired Emperor will surely be dissatisfied, and the people will criticize the Emperor for being ungrateful and harsh towards his brother.
If I am not punished, then the Noble Families will be even more pleased, and the people will still criticize the Emperor. Is this what Duke Wei wants to see?"
Wei Zheng's expression did not change, but he pondered for a moment. Li Yuanji seized the opportunity: "The crimes I have committed can be reported to you in secret, Duke Wei. Whatever punishment the Emperor decides, I will have no objections.
This way, it preserves the overall situation and spares the Emperor from difficulty. I will also be punished for my mistakes and will not escape unscathed. It is a win-win situation; I ask Duke Wei to consider this carefully!"
Li Yuanji stared intently at Wei Zheng. As long as he agreed, this matter could be resolved. At most, he would just stay in Chang'an for a few more years and lose some salary.
In a few years, he could still be sent out to govern a region, enjoying wealth and power without constraints.
………………
(End of Chapter)
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