Facing the agents of the Second Division who are attacking everywhere and arresting them on a large scale, facing the bureaucrats who are in constant panic, and facing the increasingly tense situation in the court, silence is the choice of most people, and keeping a low profile is the way to deal with it, but there is always hope. A person who has worry in his eyes, worry on his face, and anxiety in his heart.
For example, Prince Liu Yang. In fact, since Emperor Liu issued the edict, Liu Yang has remained silent, 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. Liu Yang thought so and did so, but when he saw the incident It lasted for several months, but instead of stopping, the situation became more and more amplified and the implications became more widespread. Even if Liu Yang wanted to turn a blind eye, he was unable to do so.
In the anti-corruption campaign, the central court is almost wiped out, and every time a nobleman or bureaucrat is dismissed from office in the capital, the reaction will be felt in his ministries, localities, and relatives and friends, and a whole bunch of people will be implicated. Implications are regarded as the official governance. The most striking feature of sports.
In the Chui Gong 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 with no arrangements for the time being. Obviously, Emperor Liu had not thought about where they would go. But one thing is certain, Emperor Liu had no plans to go to the northwest or Monan. Send them again.
After reviewing the case, Emperor Liu sat quietly, holding a red pen in his hand, and gave instructions on the articles of association. What he needed to do was very simple. He only needed to put a bright red "×" on each name. Every time he wrote, , all mean the death of a person involved.
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 didn't say a word. I can only look at my nose with my eyes, my nose with my heart, sit silently, and exercise my concentration.
Until the arrival of Prince Liu Yang, 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 Said: "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 happened to Xin Zhongfu. Emperor Liu still had a good impression of Xin Zhongfu. Although he had a deep relationship with Zhao Pu, he was indeed a capable person. He is a minister who is experienced in doing things. At the beginning, Zhao Kuangyin also commented that Xin Zhongfu "has the courage to discern the broad and broad, and can 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 shielding 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 were not dealt with were left out!"
"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 him, but he did not show any timidity. He clasped his fists and said: "Your Majesty, the Chief of the Xin Gongtang Department, the Imperial City Department did not ask for orders, but 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, when facing the angry Emperor Liu, Liu Yang would usually lower his head, but this time, he stiffened his neck and seemed to be mentally prepared. After pondering for a while, he asked calmly: "Your Majesty, do you know that in the past two months?
Come on, how many court officials have been executed?"
"Oh? How many?" Emperor Liu said indifferently.
"There are already more than a thousand people!" Liu Yang said in a serious tone.
After hearing this, Emperor Liu's tone became relaxed, and he said with an indifferent look: "These days, I have only been focusing on checking the Zhu batches, but I have not made detailed statistics. There are already more than a thousand people? It sounds like that is not the case.
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, everyone inside and outside the court 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 remonstrance 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 laws and regulations, there will be consequences."
What's the danger? What, if I deal with some corrupt officials, the remaining people will not be able to do their jobs and neglect state affairs? Let's be more clear, who are they? You ask him to come to me, and I will ask him personally.
, is there laziness or laziness in government?”
"Is a thousand people a lot? In my life, have I experienced a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood? For the sake of peace in the world, more than a million lives have died. A thousand people, compared with 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 official system, and I should give you my full support. But for such a careful approach and such a rough method, I can only do so."
I'm afraid of trouble in the future! You often say that human life is at stake. 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, the Tiqi are dispatched to arrest people everywhere. The imperial court orders officials to conclude the case and kill the person within three to five days. Such a decision is rough and cruel, and ignores the national law. It will inevitably lead to unjust, false and wrong cases. This is really contrary to the governance policy that Your Majesty has always advocated.
.
According to the law of the country, many people will not be punished until 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 national law? Don't you always compliment me for saying the Tianxian? In this case, my words are the national law, and my will is the rules. What can 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 crime? Do you think that I am a willful tyrant who kills people indiscriminately?"
"I never meant this!" Liu Yang's voice was a little hoarse, perhaps due to nervousness.
"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 and good people who keep their own laws and regulations, including scholars, farmers, merchants, and merchants. Have I violated them?
For the same crime, why could they be dismissed from office and dismissed from office in the past, why should they be punished this time? You are very dissatisfied with this, aren't you? I tell you, it is because we were too tolerant and indulgent towards them in the past that led to their unscrupulous behavior.
To be 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 in charge of the family. Don't rush here to show your prince's kindness at this time! I can't listen to it, and I don't want to listen to it!"
Emperor Liu's words were naked and heart-breaking. He had never said such harsh words to Liu Yang. Obviously, Liu Yang was also a little confused. He was stunned for a while, then he knelt down and spoke in a tone of voice.
Choking with sobs: "Your Majesty is generous, but I have no second thoughts. I would rather be punished with an ax and ax than to be criticized by others in the future!"
Maybe Liu Yang's emotions were in place, or maybe some venting dispelled a lot of the anger in Emperor Liu's chest, and Emperor Liu calmed down a lot. Looking at the prince who was on the ground, he finally sighed, waved his hand and said, "Step back.
Come on! 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 reassure me and lead the various ministries and yamen 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 still for a while, and then turned his head to look at Liu Xi, who was expressionless. The two brothers Liu Fang said: "The prince's remarks, are you influenced by them?"
Are people instigating and beguiling, impatient of human kindness, or do they have other ideas and plan to win people's hearts? I kill people, but my son saves others? I am violent, but my son is merciful?"
Hearing Emperor Liu's words, everyone felt chilled. Liu Xi hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and responded: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince 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?"
"Whoever dares to rebel! I will definitely lead the troops to defeat him!" After hearing what Emperor Liu said, Liu Fang immediately expressed his position loudly. Even Liu Fang was a little afraid of Emperor Liu's random thoughts and suspicions at this moment.
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 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.