Chapter 59: Demotion in the Ming Dynasty but promotion in reality
"Hou Zhi's trial must be carried out quickly and severely. Even if Yang Kefa is involved, it cannot be an obstacle to delaying the verdict!" Emperor Liu directly instructed Liu Yang: "Anyone involved in the crime should be sentenced to death.
Drag me to Nan City for execution, execute the sentence separately, and distinguish it from the Autumn Judgment and Winter Judgment, and make Yangzhou Eucalyptus a model for this year's imperial court to fight corruption and uphold integrity, and refresh the administration of officials!"
Emperor Liu's edict was another interference with the judiciary. There was no problem in trying Hou Zhi as quickly as possible, but the matter involved another Taoist minister.
If normal procedures are followed, even if Hou Zhi is a scumbag and his testimony is not highly reliable, as a whistleblower, even if he gets a result that is unsubstantiated and fabricated, he should still follow the normal investigation process.
However, according to Emperor Liu's wishes, Hou Zhi was sentenced quickly and sent to Nanshi to be executed. The person who first informed him was gone. It is conceivable that the most critical entry point into the investigation of Yang Kefa was gone.
In addition, it is still a secret review. If you look at it from this perspective, then the nature of this "secret" is not to pay special attention, but to control the influence and not do evil things as Liu Yang expected.
Of course Emperor Liu understood Liu Yang's concerns. When an official reaches the position of a chief official, how can he easily investigate it? If it weren't for solid evidence or other political factors, even Emperor Liu would not mess around.
Rumor has it that there must be evidence and traces to follow, and you will only cause trouble for yourself. If Hou Zhi reported Yang Kefa, if the court overreacts, then the court atmosphere will be ruined.
When he goes out, it is basically certain that he will cause dissatisfaction among the vast majority of Taoist ministers in the world. It may be an exaggeration to say that everyone is in danger, but the impact will definitely be bad.
Even if the cause of Hou Zhi's death was not at stake between Zhao Pu and Lu Duoxun, I am afraid that the investigation into Hou Zhi would not have been carried out so efficiently and continuously.
The reason why Emperor Liu gave instructions on Yang Kefa's matter was just to convey a signal to the central government, that is, he was standing up for Lu Duoxun.
"Lu Duoxun has to bear the main responsibility for the promotion and appointment of Hou Zhi. After the Hou Zhi incident happened, it has been determined. He should be brought to justice. This matter is another matter. So what is Lu Duoxun's responsibility? You
Do you have any ideas?" After thinking for a while, Emperor Liu asked Liu Yang's opinion again.
After hearing the question, Liu Yang opened his mouth subconsciously, but noticed Emperor Liu's calm expression and calm tone, and hesitated again. According to his opinion, it would be best to demote Lu Duoxun to a certain place, but depending on Emperor Liu's attitude
, obviously unlikely.
After struggling for a while, he sighed silently in his heart, and then said in an attitude of asking for instructions: "How about being demoted by one level, fined for half a year, and kept on probation for a period of time?"
"He advocated promotion in the first place, but in just one year, such a scandal broke out, with unclear identification, ridiculous inspections, demotion, and a half-year salary fine. Such a punishment is neither painful nor itchy, and it is too light!" Liu was surprised!
Unexpectedly, Emperor Liu said this.
Hearing this, Liu Yang did not guess what Emperor Liu was thinking and asked directly: "Please tell me!"
Emperor Liu had obviously had an idea for a long time, and stopped making any pretense, and directly ordered: "I will be fined for one year, demoted and retained. I heard that Lu Duoxun was in the political hall, and he repeatedly argued with Zhao Pu and fought everywhere. It was really unseemly.
It is just a joke for the ministers and hinders the harmony within the court.
In this way, let him take charge of the Metropolitan Procuratorate and do some practical things. Liu Gong is old and has asked me to resign many times, so he can share some tedious affairs for Liu Gong.
He recommended a corrupt official to the court and caused such a bad influence, so let him find out more greedy and dirty people for the court, who break the law and discipline, and atone for his sins!"
After hearing the decision made by Emperor Liu, Liu Yang couldn't help but be stunned. Although he was very restrained, there was still a strange look on his face, which was a speechless expression.
According to Emperor Liu's arrangement, this was not a punishment, but a reward. After Lu Duoxun returned to the center, although he and Zhao Pu began to compete for power and fame, the biggest flaw was that there was no specific actual responsible person.
direction.
Demotion and fines are really not tasteful. Directly handing over the Metropolitan Procuratorate to its charge is obviously strengthening the real power in its hands. As the most important and legitimate supervisory agency of the imperial court, its status and importance are the Metropolitan Procuratorate.
It is conceivable that if Lu Duosun is in charge of it, it will obviously increase its momentum.
As far as Lu Duoxun is concerned, if he loses a Hou Zhi and hurts his reputation, but in exchange for a huge benefit like the Metropolitan Procuratorate, there is no need to elaborate on the weighing of the pros and cons.
Liu Yang could naturally see the problem. However, even if he had objections in his heart, he did not dare to raise them. Opposing Emperor Liu's decision was ineffective and would only make him angry.
"What do you think?" Emperor Liu observed Liu Yang's reaction with interest and chuckled.
What else can Liu Yang say about this?
"Very good! I think that after this lesson, Lu Xianggong will be more cautious and will be more active in doing his best for the Han officials!" Liu Yang said.
"Very good!" Emperor Liu showed a smile and ordered: "You can formulate an edict about what I just said about the beginning and end of Yangzhou Eucalyptus, and pass it on. I won't arrange for anyone else to do this!"
"yes!"
Emperor Liu walked in and walked away, just like an old cadre who came out from time to time to show his presence. Emperor Liu was in a good mood when he came and went, leaving only a certain psychological impact on the prince Liu Yang.
...
"Your Majesty!" Outside the Guangzheng Palace, Lu Duoxun was bowing his head and tying his hands. When he saw Emperor Liu, he hurriedly came up to greet him, accompanying him carefully and being extremely respectful. There was worry in his eyes.
"Lu Qing, what's the matter?" Emperor Liu thought Lu Duoxun's expression was very interesting, but it was rare to see him so anxious.
Of course, Lu Duoxun was worried about what kind of impact Hou Zhiyu would have on him. During the conversation between Emperor Liu and his son, he had also read the prince's instructions and felt very heavy.
He was not afraid of Zhao Pu, and even wanted to fight him to the end. However, Lu Duoxun still did not dare to offend the prince. When the princes all favored Zhao Pu, he naturally felt that his future was bleak and gloomy.
Of course, what's more important is that he still doesn't know what Emperor Liu's attitude is.
"I heard that His Majesty has arrived, and I am here to say hello!" Lu Duoxun said respectfully.
"I'm not here to see you, and you don't need to say hello!" Emperor Liu said.
Lu Duoxun's expression was sluggish, he lowered his head and lowered his voice, saying: "I am guilty, please punish me!"
"You have already apologized to me before!" Emperor Liu said slowly.
After the incident in Yangzhou, feeling the target from Zhao Pu, Lu Duoxun had already smartly gone to Chongzheng Palace to apologize to Emperor Liu, but at that time, Emperor Liu only reprimanded him and made
Investigate clear instructions.
Such an attitude obviously cannot make Lu Duoxun feel at ease. Now that the situation has been investigated clearly, Lu Duoxun has no intention of fishing for Hou Zhi anymore, but he has to consider how to reduce the impact on himself, and Emperor Liu's attitude
Very critical.
"I have been reflecting on it from time to time recently. I think about it three times a day. The more I think about it, the more I feel ashamed. I am ashamed and ignorant. I have betrayed your majesty's trust..." Lu Duoxun said very sincerely.
"Reflection is good! I also reflect often, but just reflecting is useless. What's the point of thinking without changing?" Emperor Liu's tone still showed no emotion or anger.
"Your Majesty's lesson is correct. I sincerely request your Majesty to come down and punish me for my negligence!" Lu Duoxun's posture almost lowered to the soles of his feet.
Emperor Liu paused, looked at Lu Duoxun's words, pondered for a moment, and then pointed forward: "Come with me for a walk!"
"Yes!" Hearing this, Lu Duoxun felt inexplicably relieved.
"About Yangzhou Eucalyptus, I have just discussed it with the prince. The issue of Hou Zhi is not allowed to be discussed by him. It will be dealt with according to the law and the punishment will be severe!" Emperor Liu said in a calm tone with murderous intent, which made Lu Duo feel sad.
Sinking slightly.
"Why don't you say anything? You don't have any objections, do you?" Emperor Liu said with a smile.
"No! Hou Zhi's crime cannot be punished. I only hate knowing someone poorly and appointing someone inappropriately. I am extremely ashamed!" Lu Duoxun expressed his attitude to Emperor Liu again.