"Your Majesty, the military envoy Wang Jingchong is here and is waiting for the summons outside the palace!"
"Xuan!"
As soon as Wang Jingchong entered, Liu Chengyou put down the pen in his hand, raised his eyes and asked: "How is the investigation of Liu Baht's case going?"
"Return to your Majesty!" Wang Jingchong did not dare to neglect, and reported: "After a close investigation by the Xiangzhou Inspector, it has been initially confirmed that the crime impeached by the censor, Liu Zhu, is definitely true."
"Is there any evidence?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Wang Jingchong replied: "I have ordered the collection!"
During this period, the imperial censor was impeached, and Liu Zhu, the governor of Xiangzhou, abused his power in office, accepted bribes, used public affairs for personal gain, acted tyrannically, and disregarded human lives.
This incident caused a stir in the court. As early as when Liu Biao took office in Qingzhou, Yushi Zhongcheng Bian Guijian impeached him for his cruel intentions and indiscriminate punishment. However, at that time, when the country was initially settled, Liu Baht's usage was profound and very effective in stabilizing the place and reshaping order. Liu Chengyou did not deal with it, but instead reprimanded Bian Gui.
Later, Liu Chengyou moved towns and defenses to Jieduxing, and Liu Zhuping transferred Xiangzhou to serve as the commander of the German army. He has been in office for three years. Now, suddenly, the censor came again and brought up the old matter again, but this time, Liu Chengyou chose to stay in it. He just secretly ordered Wu Desi to investigate to show that he attached great importance to the matter.
In fact, sensitive people can feel that there is something unusual about Liu Baht's impeachment. In the previous period, Li Hui, the envoy of Heyang Festival, was impeached. After inspection, it was found that he had minor faults but not major crimes. He was transferred to Huaixi by imperial edict to know Luzhou Prefecture.
Now, there is another impeachment and another town festival. Unconsciously, those powerful vassal towns and regions that were rampant in the prefectures and counties were already under the authority of the central court and could be controlled at will.
In the hall, Liu Chengyou looked at Wang Jingchong with deep and calm eyes. He seemed to be thinking about something. After a long time, he ordered him: "I intend to ask you to take someone to go to Xiangzhou in person to investigate the Liu Baht case!"
After hearing the emperor's order, Wang Jingchong was so modest that he actually asked him, a military envoy, to take action in person. Thoughts flashed through his mind, and he recalled the incident where the emperor sent Li Shaoyou north to Hedong a few months ago. Suddenly feeling a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, a hint of joy appeared between his eyebrows.
"I dare to ask your majesty, after all, Liu Zhu is the governor of a town and has a high status. I am afraid that there will be many constraints during my trip to verify this. If there is an unexpected situation, what should I do?" Wang Jingchong glanced at Liu Chengyou carefully, and he meant something. asked, full of hints.
After hearing the question, Liu Chengyou looked at this person, twitching the corners of his mouth slightly, thinking secretly that he was asking for power from him.
Without thinking, Liu Chengyou said calmly: "The matter in Xiangzhou is quite serious, such as political chaos, and we should do something to bring order to the chaos. I give you the right to do it easily! If the evidence of his crime is true, he will be arrested immediately and taken back to Tokyo for questioning!"
"Yes!" After hearing this, Wang Jingchong suppressed the joy in his heart and bowed.
"However!" Liu Chengyou added: "Liu Baht is the founding hero of the country, and he has an old relationship with the late emperor. He should think more carefully and act prudently!"
"I sincerely obey your Majesty's instructions!" Wang Jingchong responded.
"In addition, in recent days, I have repeatedly received reports of violations of discipline and law, and rampant corruption in local military affairs, defense, and governorships, which have led to neglect of political affairs and unrest for the people. I am also determined to rectify it!" Liu Chengyou ordered Wang Jingchong again! Said: "I asked you to collect secretly before. Now that you are out of the capital, you should patrol the place for me, check for lawlessness, and clear it up for the court!"
"Yes!" Wang Jingchong said solemnly.
When he retreated, Liu Chengyou found that the man's steps were a little brisk...
After reviewing the case, Liu Chengyou's expression showed a little amusement. Wang Jingchong is a hungry wolf. When he is released, he intends to let him bite those Jiedu and governors, especially those who have bad deeds and do not restrain their behavior.
"If Wang Jingchong goes here, the place may not be peaceful, and the court may become lively..." Liu Chengyou sighed with emotion, but his tone was obviously full of expectations.
Since the triumphant return of the Southern Expedition, everything Liu Chengyou has done is to sort out internal affairs and strengthen centralization. As for the local government, they were determined to take back power and reorganize the system, starting from dealing with the chronic diseases of the feudal town. One hand is to enforce the law, the other is to hold the troops, and then use the hawks and dogs under the seat.
Liu Chengyou basically adopted a gentle approach to Hedong and Guanzhong, but he would not be too polite to others. There were always people who needed to be tested.
Liu Chengyou knew that if it was too intense, it would cause a certain backlash and even turmoil. But at the moment, Liu Chengyou believes that the current Han Dynasty can bear it and suppress it.
As Liu Chengyou expected, after Wang Jingchong left Tokyo and went north to Xiangzhou, there was a sudden uproar within the imperial court regarding this matter. It's not that there's anything wrong with sending people to investigate and deal with Liu Biao, it's that there's a problem with the personnel selected.
The person who took the lead in questioning this was Fan Zhi, who had just returned from the governorship of Hedong and was also the sentencing minister.
"Your Majesty, there is something going on in Xiangzhou, and Liu Zhu is violating the law. You can select commissioners from the Ministry of Punishment and Yushitai to investigate. Why should the Department of Wude take charge of this matter?" Fan Zhi's expression was serious, not only unwilling to solve the problem, but also full of dissatisfaction. .
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou straightened his body subconsciously, with a spring breeze-like smile on his face: "Fan Qing, don't be anxious, the government of Xiangzhou, Liu Biao's administration is appalling, I consider this matter urgent and need smart and capable ministers to investigate and deal with it. , after weighing everything, I chose Wang Jingchong with the camera!"
"There are so many virtuous ministers and talented people in the whole dynasty, how can it be that only the Wude Secretary can be used?" Fan asked.
Liu Chengyou explained: "Wang Jingchong acted as a special envoy and handled special matters. It has nothing to do with the power and responsibilities of the Si Yamen."
Fan Zhi obviously couldn't accept this argument and asked: "Then why did you mobilize the Wude camp out of Beijing?"
Fan Zhi's words became more and more fierce, and he followed up by saying: "The imperial court has its own laws and regulations. Your Majesty's move is contrary to the "Xingtong" and is messing with its laws. How can you convince others?"
After listening to his words, the gentleness on Liu Chengyou's face gradually faded away, and there was some surprise in his eyes as he examined Fan Zhi.
Liu Chengyou still remembers that Fan Zhi was promoted to the Concierge Court in the early years of Qianyou's reign when the prince was in charge of the country. He later worked in the Zhongshu Sheren, Zhizhigao, Minister of Justice, and Prime Minister, and was gradually promoted to the highest position.
It has been nearly five years now, and Fan Zhi can be considered a backbone of the imperial party. Over the years, he has made many achievements, but now, it should be the first time that Fan Zhi faces Liu Chengyou, showing his paranoia and arrogance, which is extremely aggressive.
With a slightly cold tone, Liu Chengyou said calmly: "Fan Qing, is this how you talk to me?"
Hearing this, Fan Zhi finally came to his senses. A look of embarrassment appeared on his old face. He immediately lowered his head and cupped his hands and said, "My words are too extreme. Please forgive me!"
"That's all!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand and said, "If the country has enemies, the country will not be destroyed. I know that you also have a public heart to remonstrate."
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty!" Fan Zhi bowed again, took a deep breath, and calmed down a little, and said, "But I still have to say it. The affairs of Xiangzhou must be done in a timely manner, and the officials of one party are the ministers of the border. Your Majesty It is really inappropriate to handle it with the Wude Secretary. If we start this way, if things go on like this, Tsuna's discipline will be ruined!"
"Fan Qing is overly concerned!" Liu Chengyou breathed a sigh of relief and said, "This is a special matter. Wang Jingchong is the special envoy. I have issued an edict. Wang Jingchong has left the capital. It cannot be changed. It is only this time and will not be the same next time!"
Seeing that Fan Zhi was still about to speak, Liu Chengyou interrupted him and said, "Fan Zhi returned to Beijing not long ago. It's been more than three months. He didn't deal with the Ministry of Punishment and court affairs, so he went back to the office to get familiar with it. By the way, this year's autumn final list, Sort out a copy and show it to me."
"Yes. I resign!" It can be felt that the emperor has made up his mind and is unwilling to make any further changes on this matter. He is a little helpless, but he does not dare to continue to fight Liu Chengyou directly.
In fact, Fan Zhi still had a lot of things to say that he had not said out loud, such as Wude's extensive coverage, containing illegals, indulging prostitutes, arresting people, setting up prisons, imposing torture, etc. These are all manifestations of eroding the authority of the Ministry of Justice, and they are all disgusting and fearful. With the addition of the person in charge, it has become the infamous Wang Jingchong. Although it was only Fan Zhi who remonstrated this time, he probably represented the aspirations of most of the courtiers.
"In the final analysis, it was Wude Si who caused the dissatisfaction and fear of the courtiers!" Liu Chengyou slowly rolled up his sleeves and said calmly: "But isn't this exactly what I want?"
