Chapter 404: The Abandoned
Emperor Zhaowu was very happy today. He has never been so happy in court for half his life. He sat steadily on the dragon throne, his majestic gaze slowly swept under the imperial stairs. Wherever he saw, all civil and military officials knelt on the ground.
‘Finally, finally, they all knelt down.’ His Majesty the Emperor thought happily. If it weren’t for the wrong occasion, he would have to sing and dance and express his excitement in his heart happily.
Today, there is no such thing as 'If you have something to go out for a squad, if you have something to do, if you have something to roll the curtain and leave the court'. The old eunuch Zhuo Yan walked to the steps tremblingly, unfolding a volume of imperial edicts, and chanted in a deep voice: "In accordance with the will of heaven, the emperor's edict said: God grants the emperor the power to the emperor, and all officials assist the emperor and the people. Therefore, the emperor believes in it and takes it as his support. All officials should repay him with loyalty and do their duty. Even though he is heartless, he cannot thank His Majesty for what he wants."
"However, there is the prince's tutor, Duke Cheng Guo, and Prime Minister Wen Mouyanbo of the Secretariat. He received the emperor's kindness in the world, and was motivated to encourage him. He was unwilling to repay the food and could not help him, but he was unruly and corrupted the five normal states, and was full of evil, and was difficult to write. He was also a lizard, and he became a jackal. He was close to evil, and he was hiding evil intentions, and he was not willing to accept evil. If he still stole the national weapon and was free from justice, what face would I have to see the emperor and the people again?"
"He has eight major crimes, and now he will tell the people of the world. I hope all people know that it is not my unkindness, but it is actually because Wen Mousi is unable to tolerate the laws of heaven and the gods are jealous of each other."
"The first one is to 'harm the loyal and kind.' Wen's human rights are so vicious that he is insidious and vicious. He used all means to become the prime minister and murdered Prime Minister Li in the past, and finally got what he wanted. He stole power for twenty years in the dynasty, and had a total of 31 loyal ministers and generals. As for the exile, he was forced to kill him. He dared to ask all the ministers, should Wen's behavior be killed or not?"
"The second is to 'sell official positions and titles'. Wen was so brave that he marked the price of the official positions of the Qin Dynasty. The county magistrate was 5,000 taels, the prefect 20,000 taels, and the governor 100,000 taels. The great weapon of the country was like a hawker, and more than 400 large and large official positions were sold over the years. Wen was so proud that he said: 'All officials in the world have left my palace.' His words made the people hate them, and the neighboring countries despise and laugh at me. I dare to ask all the ministers, where is the rules of the Qin Dynasty? Where is the face of the imperial court? Should they be killed or not?"
"The third is to 'manipulate the imperial examination.' From the early years of Zhaowu to the present, Wen has controlled the imperial examination, arranged his confidants, sought bribes, and blocked the country's way to recruit scholars for twenty years. He finally got angry and gathered in front of Chengtian Gate to submit a letter of imperial examination. Wen is arrogant and arrogant, and even beat more than a hundred injured scholars to death. Ask all the ministers, should such people who are not in the king's laws be killed or not?"
"The fourth is 'corrupt and abuse of power'. Wen has been in power for nearly 20 years. He passed the canal, sold official positions, and imperial examinations, and received a total of more than 30 million taels of silver, which is equivalent to the tax of the Qin Dynasty in the third year. One of them is richer than Shi Chong, and is arrogant and extravagant, but it makes the people of the world suffer and suffer, and they are in a difficult and unbearable way. He will rebel and rebel. It has caused the country of Daqin to be full of smoke, life is tragic, millions of people are displaced, and tens of acres of fertile land are becoming increasingly deserted. Ask all the ministers, should these sinners be killed or not?"
"The fifth is to 'connect foreign countries'. For his own personal selfishness, Wen colluded with Gong Liangyu, a spy from Southern Chu, and released the enemy's enemy into the pass, leaking top-secret information, which eventually led to the rebellion of the Maitreya Cult and the devastation of life. May I ask all the ministers, will everyone be punished by such scum who forget their ancestors?"
"The sixth is to 'kill your wife and slaughter a son'. Wen Mou is a pervert. He killed his original wife Liu first, and then killed Xu Xian Han. His cruel and bloodthirsty killing can be seen. However, it is said that 'the tiger poison does not eat his son', and he actually killed his eldest son Mingli one after another, and his youngest son Mingren was in front of the hall. Such atrocities are sensational and unheard of. I dare to ask all the ministers, if they do not kill them, what is the law of heaven?"
"The seventh is called 'assassination of the prince'. Wen Mousi's conspiracy was defeated, and his death was not far away. His jealousy towards the fifth prince reached its peak. He was entangled with hundreds of assassins the day before yesterday, and almost stabbed the prince of Longwei to death. Fortunately, God blessed my son, although he had been dead for a lifetime, he finally escaped by chance. Such a murderous man is so crazy that it is outrageous. How dare you ask all the ministers, should they be killed or not?"
"The eighth is said to be 'planning to assassinate the king'. Wen Mou's man realized that the end of the world was approaching, and he actually colluded with the imperial guards, and was crazy and planned to assassinate me in Zichen Hall. If the prince was not for the prince's benevolent and filial and smart, he would almost let him succeed. Alas, Wen Mou was cruel and crazy, and he was terminally ill. If he didn't kill him, what's the benefit of keeping him?"
"The eight major crimes can be killed, and the gods and men are jealous of each other, and the heaven and earth are not tolerated. They still contain evil intentions and steal magical tools. They eventually cause the heavens to be angry and resentful, and the crimes are not excessive. I dare to ask all the ministers, what should this person do? I respect this."
The old eunuch read the lengthy imperial edict in a hoarse voice and quietly retreated.
Emperor Zhaowu's eyes swept over the officials with a disastrous expression and said with a sarcastic look: "I dare to ask all the ministers, what should this person do?"
All the officials were silent, lowering their heads to the point of being lowered, for fear that their Majesty would ask. In fact, there is no point in dealing with Prime Minister Wen... He is still in different places, so do he still have to whip the corpse?
All officials were worried about "involuntary". Didn't they hear the two crimes of "selling official positions and titles" and "manipulating the imperial examination"? The civil and military officials in the court, except for a few veteran ministers and generals, could be confronted by this crime. Therefore, they were silent and unable to stand firmly. If they hadn't heard the most deadly word "forming cliques and private people", they would probably have to beg for their lives. How could they dare to talk too much?
Emperor Zhaowu was very satisfied with the current state of the officials. He narrowed his narrow eyes and sneered in his heart: "You are so obedient. Those who are ministers should look like ministers. Don't be arrogant and domineering, what do you think...' He glanced at the Minister of Rites Qu Yanwu who was standing in front of civil servants. Emperor Zhaowu smiled and said, "Qu Aiqing, tell me."
Everyone's eyes focused on the respectful look of Qu Shangshu. They suddenly realized that as the victim who had been suppressed by the Wen family, Lord Qu should turn over now... Even if he took over Wen Yanbo's position, it was possible.
Qu Yanwu ignored others' envious or jealous eyes and quickly walked to the imperial stairs, raised his hand and said, "I'm telling you, I think that the evidence in Prime Minister Wen's case is conclusive and cannot be refuted; the crime cannot be punished, and there is no doubt."
The eyes of the officials suddenly became strange and they thought to themselves: "It's true that they are taking advantage of the situation."
Emperor Zhaowu asked with a flash of eyes: "Wei Zhengyi, tell me, how should I sentence you?"
Wei Zhengyi, the Minister of Justice, walked out sweating profusely and said in a low voice: "Even if the intention is to assassinate the lord and rebellion, the main culprit will be the one who should be lingchi, and his direct descendants will be beheaded in half, and his nine clans will be killed..."
But he heard Qu Yanwu say loudly: "Your Majesty has something to say."
Emperor Zhaowu nodded and said, "My dear, please speak."
Qu Yanwu bowed and said, "Although this should be done according to the law, Wen Yanbo made the contribution to his support back then, and he should reduce his guilt and ask His Majesty to give him kindness beyond the law so that others will not say that the court is indifferent."
Emperor Zhaowu frowned slightly and said, "The merit of supporting him?"
Qu Yan and others thought to themselves: "The Prime Minister has been treating me very well. If you don't say anything at this time, you will inevitably be treated as a turtle with your head." Then they went out one after another and kowtowed, "I beg your Majesty to be kind to you..."
Emperor Zhaowu seemed quite hesitant and said, "Yu Ting, what do you think should be?"
The prince quickly bowed and said, "I told my father that the sons also thought it would be better to eliminate the evils and let the tribe go. This would also show the magnanimity of the father."
"Yutian, you are the miserable, tell me?" Emperor Zhaowu said with a smile.
Qin Lei bowed and smiled, "Jane is in the Emperor's Heart, the Sacred Heart is dictatorial."
Emperor Zhaowu couldn't help but smile: "Little sloppy, I'm telling you the serious matter."
Qin Lei had to frown and said, "Since everyone thinks so, it's hard for me to say anything."
Emperor Zhaowu nodded and smiled, "Okay, I'm getting more and more sensible," and said, turning to Wei Zhengyi and said, "Wei Aiqing, if we follow what everyone said, what do you think should we do?"
Wei Zhengyi thought for a moment and said softly: "The three tribes of Yi, nine tribes, males of nine tribes are moved to eight thousand miles, and all female relatives are all converted into the provincial eunuch." After a while, he said: "As for Wen Yanbo, father and son, brother... it depends on His Majesty's meaning."
Qin Lei suddenly smiled and interrupted, "Old Wei, you are too unrighteous. Since you said you want to spare them, don't mess with things like "moving eight thousand miles to be fed into the provincial eunuch." The Lone King knew it, it was no different from death." Qin Lei had never been very dissatisfied with the pursuit of the criminals' relatives and friends.
Wei Zhengyi shouted in his heart: 'Didn't I think you are unhappy, so I was cruel and ruthless?' Seeing that he didn't slap Zhou Zheng, he quickly remedyed: "Your Highness is indeed as kind as Your Majesty. It's because the minister is not thinking well. Then don't pursue the nine clans, but only exil to the three clans."
Before Qin Lei could speak, Emperor Zhaowu nodded and said, "It's settled. Wen's immediate family members asked for the beheading, confiscated the property, and the rest were opened and moved out of Kyoto within three days."
"Your Majesty is kind." The officials kowtowed and praised.
Seeing that the matter was a foregone conclusion, Qin Lei curled his lips and didn't say anything. Although he felt that this was serious, there was no need to make trouble for himself.
This matter passed like this. From beginning to end, no one asked about the poor Prime Minister Wen where he was now. It was already here, and no one was willing to offend the extremely popular fifth prince.
Everyone had no objection and were quietly waiting for His Majesty to speak, but Emperor Zhaowu looked at the ministers in a faint voice, "Do you think it's lucky?"
The ministers' hearts skipped a beat and said to himself: "Here is here!" They all quickly lowered their heads and pretended to be well-behaved and pitiful.
Then Emperor Zhaowu sneered, "None of you is clean! Who can pat your chest and say, "You have nothing to do with Wen Yanbo?" The officials quickly knelt down and said in unison: "I am guilty, please punish him..."
Emperor Zhaowu's slender fingers stroked the armrest of the dragon chaise and sneered: "Do you really want me to do it strictly?"
The officials shook their heads vigorously, kowtowed and begged for mercy, and cried bitterly, "I would never dare to do it again..."
Emperor Zhaowu said lightly: "If you really want your life, why are I still talking nonsense?"
The officials thought to themselves: "We think so too... but you don't want to be happy if you don't look good." They quickly kowtowed like pounding garlic. They were expressive and even snot and tears, smearing the big red gold-inlaid carpet in the Golden Palace.
"Okay, stop crying!" Emperor Zhaowu slapped the handrail and glared: "Look at you, do you still look like a man from the Qin Dynasty?"
The officials quickly stopped crying, pulled the long nose back into their noses, and choked, 'We...we are so ashamed and grateful...'
A smile appeared on the corner of Emperor Zhaowu's mouth, and he quickly raised his face and said, "Everyone is to let me listen. The reason why I don't pursue you is not because you cry loudly and look miserable enough!"
The officials knelt on the ground with their butts sticking out, looking at Emperor Zhaowu pitifully. He saw him get up and walk on the imperial steps for a few steps, then pointing to the plaque "Jianji Suiyou" above his head and whispered aloud: "It's because of the iron box behind it! It's because of my oath." At that moment, he felt very cool.
As expected, all the officials showed expressions such as "suddenness", "gratefulness", and "respect". Hearing Emperor Zhaowu's deep voice, he said: "Last month, I swear to the sky, giving you three years to reform. If you start a massacre now, although it is reasonable, it is a bit contrary to your oath, so I endure it!"
"Your Majesty is kind, we will..." The officials kowtowed and said loudly, with a look of inscription on their faces.
Emperor Zhaowu Huo De waved his hand, "Don't sing high-profile, I just want to ask you, I speak with my words and keep my promises, but how many of you have taken the vows of that day seriously?"
The officials quickly confessed, "We all remember the oath that day, recite it in the morning and evening, and do not dare to slack off at all."
Emperor Zhaowu smiled contemptuously and said, "It sounds nice. Let's recite the sixteen-character oath of that day first."
The adults looked at me, and I looked at you. A few of them had a good memory and knew that they were asking for help. They quickly started to say, "Change your heart, reform yourself, follow the public and the law, and perform their duties." The adults suddenly realized and stuttered at least.
Emperor Zhaowu sneered: "Have you done it?"
"It did..." The voice was quite neat this time.
"Fart!" Emperor Zhaowu suddenly roared hysterically: "You did it, how could my test questions be leaked in advance? I almost let that devil Wen Yanbo laugh at it!"
The officials were really wronged now. They had basically just heard of this, but they were not qualified to participate at all. But facing the emperor who suddenly became angry, they could only bear it honestly.
Emperor Zhaowu also knew that this matter had nothing to do with the officials. He just wanted to find someone to vent his emotions so that the officials could not understand their joys and anger.
The prince and Qin Lei quickly persuaded the crazy old man to stop. After a long time, Emperor Zhaowu sat back on the dragon chaise, leaned tiredly on the back of the chair, and said hoarsely: "Get up, if you commit another crime, you will definitely be killed."
After his ravage, the officials were completely convinced and stood up honestly and said, "Thank you Your Majesty." Then they stood up with their eyes and their noses and toes, and they were never obedient before.
The old eunuch Zhuo Yan brought the twig ear soup to Emperor Zhaowu. Emperor Zhaowu took the teacup, took a sip, and said lightly: "This matter has passed like this, no one is allowed to mention it."
The officials felt a huge stone in their hearts and finally fell to the ground, feeling a little exhausted.
"Let's discuss matters." Emperor Zhaowu handed the cup to the old eunuch and whispered.
The officials looked at each other, and they were quite staring at each other. It turned out that people were in panic these days, and no one was preparing for the memorial.
After waiting for a while, Emperor Zhaowu smiled and said, "It seems that he has no foundation, so I will say."
Officials quickly listened.
"This time, Wen Yanbo's case has learned a lot of lessons. I have learned my lessons and thought that the regime could not be entrusted to one person, so..." His eyes slowly swept across everyone, saying word by word: "From now to the future, the Qin Dynasty will no longer have the position of prime minister."
Although the officials were already numb by him today, they were still like a thunderbolt, and they all opened their mouths and said, "Destroy the Prime Minister?"
Emperor Zhaowu nodded firmly and said, "Yes, the position of prime minister will be abolished, and the Secretariat will be changed to a cabinet, and five cabinet ministers will be established to assist the government together!"
Chapter completed!