"I am inviting you to a banquet today. In addition to these wines and food, I also prepared some things for you to watch and appreciate!" Emperor Liu's eyes showed a little strangeness, with a heart-warming smile on his face: "These things
, it’s eye-opening enough and can be regarded as a wonder of the world!”
On normal days, Emperor Liu would have responded with a smile and shown enough interest if he had put himself off like this. But at this moment, everyone was just silent and waiting for the next step.
"Come here, bring it out for everyone to see!" Emperor Liu returned to the table and raised his hand to greet him.
Soon, under the leadership of the bodyguard Aries, more than a dozen fierce guards carried out the things and displayed them openly in front of the princes, attracting everyone's attention.
They were three large boxes, tightly covered and obviously very heavy. It took four guards to lift them. When they landed, the heavy collision sound was extremely obvious.
Without anyone's help, Emperor Liu stepped forward and opened it himself. However, the lid of the box was tightly sealed and could not be opened for a while. In anger, Emperor Liu reached out and pulled out the saber from Aries' waist.
The sound of being unsheathed was a bit rough, but it was like a jagged sound in the hearts of the princes. The bright steel sword that could almost reflect the figure shone with a cold light, which was particularly dazzling. It was also true from the smooth blade surface.
It reflects the shadow of many people. It is a bit metaphysical, if you look at it, you will have it, if you don’t look at it, you will not have it.
Emperor Liu's behavior shocked everyone. It was inconsistent with Emperor Liu's usual self-cultivation and was a sign of gaffe. However, the more it was like this, the more frightening it was. The simple swing of the steel knife
, is like a Shura sharp weapon, it doesn't move much, but it can take the lives of people at any time.
Probably because he was afraid that Emperor Liu would hurt himself, Aries was stunned for a moment, and quickly approached, wanting to help, but Emperor Liu pushed him and staggered him, saying in a cold voice: "I'm not old enough to lift a knife!
"
Seeing this, Aries didn't dare to make any more moves. He just stood there and watched Emperor Liu's movements with concern.
The scene became a little strange, the north wind was still cold and cold, and dozens of dignitaries and nobles of the Han Dynasty just watched Emperor Liu opening the box, not daring to speak or move.
Soon, the three boxes were pried open by Emperor Liu, and the contents inside were revealed. Those who were far away looked up and looked up, while those who were close could tell at a glance that they were a series of memorials.
The boxes are almost full.
"Open your eyes! Let's take a good look!" Emperor Liu handed the saber back to Aries. Emperor Liu pointed at the box and was no longer polite. He said coldly: "These are all files submitted by the Ministry of Punishment.
, each item records in detail Xungui’s violations of laws and disciplines over the years.
Meritorious ministers! Honorable nobles! The nobles who I rely on to suppress the world! The imperial court has given you grace. Is this how you repay the imperial court and repay me?
Among the dozens of people here, including my son, who among you dares to pat your chest and tell me that you or your brothers, nephews, are upright and have committed no crimes?"
"Your Majesty, calm down! This old minister is guilty, please punish me!" The one who reacted the fastest this time was Fu Yanqing. His old body was extremely agile at this time, and he knelt down neatly on the ground to accuse his head.
Fu Yanqing took the lead, and the rest, including the kings and princes, also knelt down. Their movements were in sequence, and their voices of apology varied, but in the end they all ended up neatly surrendering at the feet of Emperor Liu.
The banquet was extremely quiet. For a while, apart from Emperor Liu, only the surrounding guards were still standing. Even Aries, because they were so close, subconsciously knelt down.
The picture fell into a slump. If it weren't for the dancing dragon flags and brocade tents, people would have thought that time stood still. Emperor Liu had been preparing for this moment for so long, but after venting, he felt no relief.
feel.
In the past, Emperor Liu enjoyed having these elites and dignitaries of the Han Dynasty, these aristocratic ministers who were looked up to and envied by the world, crawling at his feet.
But at this time, Emperor Liu felt bored for the first time. The thoughts of the princes and nobles who knelt down were naturally equally complicated, but not the same. Emperor Liu did not feel humiliated when he kowtowed, nor did he feel any adaptation. However,
This time, I just felt extremely embarrassed.
Of course, among these people, there must be some who are upright. When faced with Emperor Liu's questioning, they did not dare to argue, and there was no need to argue. After all, Emperor Liu was targeting the entire noble class. As long as they have this status, then
If you can't take it off, you can't get rid of it, and if you keep it alone, even if the lotus grows out of the mud, Emperor Liu will not allow it.
Seeing this battle, Emperor Liu stroked his beard that was blown wildly by the wind, sneered a few times, and said in an unexpected tone: "What do you mean by this? Do you all think that I favor you and trust you?"
, I still rely on you to maintain the imperial court and protect the country of Han Dynasty. Are you sure that I don’t dare to punish you?
Last time, you all surrendered in unison, and now you are all asking for forgiveness. What are you going to do, plead guilty? Or force you to be imprisoned!"
These words were extremely harsh, and he was immediately shocked.
"I don't mean this!"
"I have indeed done so!"
"Your Majesty, I would like to ask you about the crime, but I won't say anything else!"
"I have betrayed His Majesty's trust and am willing to be punished..."
"..."
Although the voices were uneven, the expression of emotions was more real, and the attitude was sincere, not like it had been rehearsed.
The coldness on Emperor Liu's face was still there, and he waved his hands in the air and continued: "Today in Nanshi, seventy-three distinguished prisoners have been killed, and many of them may be relatives of all of you here!
They are all severely punished criminals. The imperial court has clearly ordered that they be punished and death is not a pity. Why do they dare to be so unscrupulous and who are they fighting for? Don't you know clearly?
There are seventy-three principal criminals and nearly a thousand accomplices. Those who deserve to be killed have been killed, and those who deserve to be spared have been spared. Do you think that this matter has been completely exposed?
I have three big boxes here. What should be done with the matters involved and the people involved?
Come on, you all talk about it!"
The voices of apology had long since stopped. After Emperor Liu's words, the atmosphere became silent again. This banquet, from the beginning to this point, has always been dull and depressing. As time went by, as Emperor Liu revealed his secrets, it became more and more interesting.
People can't breathe.
With this move, even the most stupid person would understand Emperor Liu's intention.
Every time Emperor Liu asked a group question, no one dared to answer rashly, and it was no different this time. Emperor Liu named Zhao Kuangyin this time: "Rong Gong, how do you think the personnel involved in the files in these three boxes should be resolved?"
Zhao Kuangyin's face tightened. Hearing the question, he replied resolutely: "Your Majesty's admonitions are like a bell ringing in my ears, deafening and deafening. I have nothing to say or argue, but I will listen to your Majesty's punishment!"
"What a coincidence, there is nothing about Zhao Qing in these files. If you deal with his face, wouldn't you be unjust to the hero?" Emperor Liu looked down at Zhao Kuangyin and said calmly.
Zhao Kuangyin: "I have shown some favoritism, but I really dare not, and I have no nerve to hope for mercy from your majesty!"
"What about you?" Emperor Liu looked at the others again: "Don't you have any other ideas?"
"But your Majesty, please punish me!" Now, the voice became as neat as training.
"Haha!" Emperor Liu finally laughed again, his laughter getting louder and louder, his smile becoming more and more unrestrained, pointing aimlessly at these princes, and said: "You can be punished! I can still punish you all.
Wait, have everything been dealt with? Then, let me be a loner?"
"Everyone, get up!" Emperor Liu sighed and returned to his seat a little depressed.
But even one person dares to stand up.
"Why, what I said doesn't work anymore?" Emperor Liu's slight change in tone immediately had an effect. Soon everyone stood up slowly, but they didn't dare to sit down anymore.
Looking at the ministers with different expressions, Emperor Liu pondered for a while, then said to Yan: "They are all burned!"
Yantuo didn't react for a moment, but he noticed what Emperor Liu was pointing out and couldn't believe it. He carefully asked for instructions to confirm, and then led the people to pour oil on the three boxes of files and set fire to them.
Soon, the flames burst out, the cold wind fanned the flames, tongues of flames flew wildly, and the firelight shone on the faces of everyone around them, all of whom stared helplessly at the three burning boxes.
In this regard, some people lamented, some were relieved, some were relaxed, some were afraid, and some remained solemn...
Emperor Liu's face turned red under the fire, but his majesty did not diminish as he continued: "You remember! The court's grace is not unlimited, and this world is not for you to take and ask for pleasure.
In the past, the people of the world suffered from war, chaos and displacement. I do not hope that one day, you princes and nobles who conquer and rule the world will become the sufferers of the common people!
I hope you can take this as a warning and remember the lesson, otherwise, even if the heaven and earth can accommodate you, neither can I!"
"I have finished speaking. Whether you listen or not, and how much you listen, all depends on your consciousness!" Emperor Liu picked up the newly filled wine glass, stretched it forward, and said: "Come to the table! Drink!"