Faced with the agents and minions of the Second Division who are attacking everywhere and arresting people on a large scale, faced with the bureaucrats who are in constant panic, and faced with the increasingly tense situation in the court, silence is the choice of most people, and keeping a low profile is everyone's response, but there is always hope. A person who has worries in his eyes, worries on his face, and anxiety in his heart.
For example, Prince Liu Yang. In fact, Liu Yang has remained silent since Emperor Liu issued the edict, neither agreeing nor opposing, but his attitude clearly does not agree with Emperor Liu's approach.
However, as a prince, unlike ordinary noble ministers, he could not disobey Emperor Liu, and should even obey his father's orders in action. That's what Liu Yang thought and did. However, as the incident continued for several months, instead of stopping, the situation expanded and became more involved. Even if Liu Yang wanted to turn a blind eye, he couldn't.
In the anti-corruption campaign, the central court is almost wiped out, and every time a nobleman or bureaucrat is dismissed in the capital, the reaction will be felt in his ministries, localities, and relatives and friends, and a series of people will be implicated. Implications are regarded as the official governance. The most striking feature of sports.
In the Chuigong Hall, King Liu Xi of Jin and King Liu Fang of Zhao were sitting respectfully. Among the older princes, Liu Xu went back to Andong, Liu Yun was still overseas, and Liu Min returned to Anxi with Emperor Liu's support. went.
Only Liu Xi and Liu Fang were left in the capital without any arrangements for the time being. Obviously, Emperor Liu had not thought about their whereabouts. But one thing is certain, Emperor Liu does not intend to send them again, whether it is the northwest or the southern part of the country.
After reviewing the case, Emperor Liu sat quietly, holding a red pen in his hand, and gave instructions on the regulations one by one. What he needs to do is very simple. He just needs to put a bright red "X" on each name. Every stroke of pen means the death of a person involved in the case.
Even if the emotions and anger are invisible, the aura exuded unintentionally is elusive and makes people feel uneasy. The same goes for the two kings Liu Xi and Liu Fang. Emperor Liu did not say a word. I can only look at my nose with my eyes, and my mind with my nose, sit silently, and exercise my concentration.
It was not until the arrival of the prince Liu Yang that the somewhat dull atmosphere was finally broken. Liu Xi and Liu Fang hurriedly stood up and saluted as if they had seen a savior. Emperor Liu also stopped what he was doing and looked at him with curiosity: "What's the matter? So serious?"
Liu Yang's face was full of solemnity, and there was even a little haze on his forehead. After hearing the question, he bowed and said: "Your Majesty, Shangshu Xin was arrested by the Imperial City Secretary just now!"
"Xin Shangshu?" Probably because too many people have been arrested and killed recently, Emperor Liu really didn't react at the moment. However, there is only one Shangshu named Xin in the court, Xin Zhongfu, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment. After thinking about it, Emperor Liu asked: "Xin Zhongfu? What crime has he committed?"
Obviously, what Emperor Liu was concerned about was not that even a dignified chief officer could be arrested, but what Xin Zhongfu had committed. Emperor Liu still had a good impression of Xin Zhongfu. Although he had a deep relationship with Zhao Pu, he was indeed a capable minister and experienced in doing things. At the beginning, Zhao Kuangyin also commented that Xin Zhongfu was "bold enough to understand the big and broad, and he could be used vertically and horizontally", which shows his talent.
Liu Yang responded: "The charges given by the Imperial City Division are dereliction of duty, favoritism, and protecting subordinates!"
"Oh? Who are you protecting?" Emperor Liu became interested.
Liu Yang: "The explanation given by Wang Jien is that during the previous rectification of the Ministry of Justice, some officials who had not been dealt with were omitted!"
"That's right! It seems that Xin Zhongfu is a good minister! It's just that he can protect his subordinates, but I don't know who will protect him this time!" As he said this, Emperor Liu stared at Liu Yang coldly. :"is it you?"
Facing Emperor Liu's direct gaze, Liu Yang felt a pressure coming towards his face, but he did not show any timidity. He clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, the Chief of the Xingong Tangtang Department, the Imperial City Department did not ask for orders, so I just took it." Take it, arrest it when you say it, and let it go like this. Where is the dignity of the court and where is the rule of law?"
"Are you questioning me?" Emperor Liu's face showed a little anger: "How do you know that the actions of the Imperial City Division were not approved by me?"
In the past, Liu Yang would usually lower his head when facing the angry Emperor Liu, but this time, he stiffened his neck and seemed to be mentally prepared. After pondering for a while, he asked calmly: "Your Majesty, does he know how many court officials have been executed in the past two or three months?"
"Oh? How many?" Emperor Liu said indifferently.
"There are already more than a thousand people!" Liu Yang said in a heavy tone.
Hearing this, Emperor Liu's tone became relaxed, and he said with an indifferent look: "These days, I only focus on checking the Zhu batches, but I don't do any detailed statistics. There are already more than a thousand people? It doesn't sound like that. Is it a lot? Why, have you relented, or has someone begged you?"
Seeing Emperor Liu's understatement, Liu Yang took a deep breath and said sincerely: "Your Majesty, since March, the Second Division has been in power and has been arresting and killing indiscriminately. From the officials to the gangsters, no one is afraid. , no one is worried, inside and outside the court, everyone is in danger, the officials are not interested in government affairs, official affairs are sluggish, the court is already in chaos, this trend cannot be allowed to increase, your majesty, please change your course, restrain the second department, and restore peace both inside and outside the court as soon as possible. "
Liu Yang originally planned to finish his advice in one breath, but Emperor Liu had no intention of listening to the end and interrupted him with a sneer: "Everyone is in danger? If you insist on integrity, serve the public wholeheartedly, and do not ignore national laws, violate regulations and chaos, there will be consequences." What's the danger? Why, after I deal with some corrupt officials, the remaining people will be unable to do their jobs and neglect state affairs? Let's be clearer, who are they? You ask him to come to me, and I will ask him personally. , is there laziness in government?"
"A thousand people, is that a lot? Have I experienced too few mountains of corpses and seas of blood in my life? For the sake of peace in the world, more than a million lives have died. A thousand people, compared to the balance of the world, the officials will clarify what is lighter and what is more important. , you, the prince, can’t you grasp it at all?”
Emperor Liu became more and more severe as he spoke, and his anger was vented directly at Liu Yang. Everyone in the palace was so frightened that all the people waiting in the palace lowered their heads. Even the two kings of Jin and Zhao who were sitting did not dare to sit anymore and subconsciously stood up.
Faced with Emperor Liu's harsh questioning, Liu Yang showed bitterness on his face, but still persisted and bowed again: "Your Majesty wants to reform the administration of officials, and I should give you my full support. But for such a careful approach and such a rough method, I can only I'm afraid of future troubles! You often say that human life is of paramount importance. In the past, even if a small citizen was sentenced to death, it would have to be reviewed at all levels, all the way to heaven.
Today, Tiqi is out to arrest people everywhere. The court orders officials to conclude the case and kill the person within three to five days. Such a decision is rough and violent, and ignores the national law. It will inevitably lead to unjust, false and wrong cases. This is really against the governance policy that His Majesty has always advocated. .
According to the law of the country, many people will not be punished to death."
"National law! National law! Do you want to learn from Wang Yuchen?" Emperor Liu couldn't help it anymore and slapped the imperial court hard.
"I just pray that your majesty can be more tolerant and give my staff some opportunities to defend themselves!" Liu Yang bowed and bowed.
"Haha!" Emperor Liu smiled, with a complete sneer, looking down at Liu Yang: "What is the law of the country? Don't you always compliment me for saying the Constitution of Heaven? In this case, my words are the law of the country, and my will is the rules. What should I do with them? Wouldn’t it be ridiculous to use national law to dissuade me?
I have killed many people, but among those who were sentenced to death, which one did not deserve their punishment? Do you think that I am a willful tyrant who kills people indiscriminately? "
"I never meant this!" Perhaps due to nervousness, Liu Yang's voice was a little hoarse.
"Then what do you mean?" Emperor Liu said reluctantly: "The national law you talk about all day long is ruthless! Why, when it comes to those criminal officials, traitors and evil officials, we need to be more tolerant. Be more cautious?
You only see me killing corrupt officials and lawless nobles. Look at those good ministers, good people, scholars, farmers, merchants, and businessmen who keep their integrity. Have I violated them?
For the same crime, why could they be dismissed from office and dismissed from office in the past? Why do they have to be punished this time? Are you very dissatisfied with this point? Let me tell you, it was because we were too tolerant and indulgent towards them in the past that led to their unscrupulous behavior.
Being lenient to these worms who bring disaster to the country and the people is a crime against the people of the country! You, the prince, are the prince of the country and the prince of the world, not the protector of those corrupt officials!
If you want to show mercy, wait until I am dead and you are the master of the family. Don't rush here to show your prince's kindness at this time! I can't listen, and I don't want to listen! "
Emperor Liu's words were nakedly heart-breaking. He had never said such harsh words to Liu Yang. Obviously, Liu Yang was also a little confused. After being stunned for a while, he knelt down on the ground and said in a choked voice: "Your Majesty is generous, but I have no second thoughts. I would rather be punished than to be criticized in the future!"
Maybe Liu Yang's emotions were in place, or maybe some venting relieved a lot of the anger in Emperor Liu's chest, and Emperor Liu calmed down a lot. Looking at the prince who was sitting on the ground, he finally sighed and waved his hand: "Stay back! Reflect carefully and don't follow what others say! Go back to work. Didn't you say that the people in the court are unstable and the officials are slack? Then go and give me some advice. Soothe people's hearts and lead all ministries and agencies well! This is what you should do!"
"His Majesty!"
"Back off!"
Liu Yang was helpless and failed to persuade Emperor Liu. After all, he was still aware of current affairs. He only wanted to make his words clear and try his best. As for the outcome, he really couldn't control it.
Under Emperor Liu's somewhat complicated gaze, Liu Yang slowly retreated. Emperor Liu stood blankly for a while, then turned his head to look at the expressionless brothers Liu Xi and Liu Fang: "Is the prince's suggestion being instigated and impatient, or is he having other ideas and intending to bribe him?" What is the human heart? I kill people, but my son saves people? I am violent, but my son is merciful?"
Listening to Emperor Liu's words, everyone felt chilly. Liu Xi hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and responded: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness has always been kind and kind. I think he made these remarks out of a kind and tolerant heart."
"Haha!" Emperor Liu smiled again and said coldly: "It seems that the court has a lot of resentment towards me! Who is mentally disturbed? Is there anyone planning to rebel?"
"If anyone dares to rebel! I will certainly lead my troops to defeat him!" After hearing what Emperor Liu said, Liu Fang immediately expressed his stance loudly. Even Liu Fang was a little afraid of Emperor Liu's random thoughts and suspicions at this moment.
After looking at the two kings, Emperor Liu sighed softly, waved his hands and said: "You two should also step aside. I have called you here. I originally planned to discuss your arrangements, but I am not in the mood now. We will talk about it later. Bar!"
"I resign!"
Unconsciously, even the biological father and son, in this private situation, began to only treat each other as monarch and minister.
