Chapter 654
: Zhu Gang was reprimanded in the court, and the left minister Zhou Huaijin was sent out
Inside Fengtian Hall.
The golden roof, red beams, carved pillars and painted buildings cannot conceal the solemn and depressing atmosphere.
The ambergris curled up in the air, seeming to add a touch of mystery to the changing circumstances in the palace.
Zhu Yuanzhang was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and sitting upright on the majestic throne.
His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's as he scanned His Highness and his ministers.
Although the years have left some traces on Zhu Yuanzhang's face, his imperial aura of majesty without even getting angry still intimidates everyone present.
He suddenly turned his head and looked at the eunuch chief Wu Cheng beside him, his eyes revealing unquestionable majesty.
"Go and get the evidence."
Wu Cheng had followed Zhu Yuanzhang for many years and was well aware of his intentions.
Then Wu Cheng immediately bent down slightly, and the black eunuch costume swayed slightly with his movement.
Then Wu Cheng walked towards Mao Xiang along the jade steps with slow and steady steps.
Every step seemed to step on everyone's hearts, making a subtle sound.
When he arrived in front of Mao Xiang, Wu Cheng raised his chin slightly, with a look of scrutiny from a superior in his eyes.
He stretched out his thin and pale hand, with the veins on his hand slightly bulging.
Wu Cheng said in a cold tone: "Show it up."
Mao Xiang struggled violently in his heart, his hands tightly grasped the evidence, his knuckles turned white from the force.
Mao Xiang was very aware of the weight of the evidence in his hand and knew that once he handed it over, his fate might change.
However, the powerful deterrent force exuded by Zhu Yuanzhang on the throne was like an invisible mountain, pressing him to the point where he could hardly breathe.
Mao Xiang bit his lower lip tightly, his teeth trembled slightly, and a layer of fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Finally, under the terrifying pressure, he slowly loosened his hand that was holding the evidence.
His arms felt heavy as if filled with lead, and he handed the evidence to Wu Cheng reluctantly.
Wu Cheng took the evidence steadily, turned around, and walked back to Zhu Yuanzhang with the same slow steps.
He presented the evidence respectfully, bending so low that his head almost touched the ground.
"Your Majesty, the evidence has been retrieved."
Zhu Yuanzhang looked grim. He reached out to grab the evidence and quickly opened it.
In an instant, his face suddenly turned gloomy, a sharp cold light flashed in his eyes, and the anger emanating from his body spread out like a substance.
Zhu Yuanzhang then threw the evidence heavily on the imperial desk and shouted angrily: "How shameless!"
At this time, in the corner of the Fengtian Hall, Su Jingyuan, a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, stood quietly.
He was wearing a light crimson official robe, was about 40 years old, and had a thin face.
Because he was able to quote extensively when drafting imperial edicts, Su Jingyuan was deeply favored by the emperor.
At this moment, he had a vague feeling of uneasiness in his heart.
Today's turmoil in the court may be closely related to his next assignment.
At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang slammed the armrest, and the sound resounded through the hall like a huge bell.
"Third brother, Sun Yong and Li Ming are both military officers in Datong Prefecture, Shanxi Province. What do you think about this?
This case concerns the stability of the court. Let me ask you, how should we deal with it?"
Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was firm and decisive, and his eyes were staring at Zhu Gang like sharp blades, as if he wanted to see through his inner thoughts.
Zhu Gang's heart skipped a beat, like a frightened bird.
He knew very well that this matter was thorny and that any carelessness would lead to disastrous consequences.
Although he was extremely panicked, Zhu Gang remained calm due to his years of experience in the palace.
Zhu Gang took a deep breath, raised his head and tried to make his eyes look firm, but his voice trembled slightly.
"Father, your majesty is holy and mighty. I am fully aware of the gravity of this matter.
In my humble opinion, the most urgent task is to thoroughly investigate this case in order to rectify the government and demonstrate the majesty of the laws of the Ming Dynasty.
However, one must also act with caution to avoid hurting innocent people and shaking the foundation of the court.
I am ashamed!
In recent years, the military and political affairs of the Prince of Jin's Palace in Shanxi have been handled by Lin Bi, the Prime Minister of Jin.
I really have limited knowledge of the specific circumstances of Li Ming and Sun Yong, so I hope your Majesty will forgive me." Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly, his eyes shooting out like a cold sword.
“As the King of Jin, he doesn’t even know the situation of the military officers in his territories.
How can you be so confused and take on such an important responsibility?"
This cold snort echoed in the hall like thunder.
After hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's rebuke, many of the ministers lowered their heads slightly with flickering eyes.
Some ministers secretly rejoiced that the matter had nothing to do with them, but pretended to be worried about the court, muttering softly: "This King Jin is too careless."
Some of them secretly observed Zhu Gang's reaction, thinking about how to protect themselves in this situation, with a hint of cunning in their eyes.
Some ministers who had some friendship with the Prince of Jin were anxious, but they did not dare to speak easily in front of the angry emperor.
These officials just frowned slightly, looking worried.
At this time, beads of sweat appeared on Zhu Gang's forehead, and he was secretly anxious.
He knew that if he didn't fight for it now, he would have a hard time getting through.
Zhu Gang calmed himself down and spoke again, his words sounding more sincere.
"Father, although I don't know much about the two of them, my loyalty to you is evident to all.
Over the years, I have been committed to maintaining local stability in Shanxi. However, Lin Bi, the Prime Minister of Jin, was often arbitrary in his actions, and I neglected to pay attention to the details.
In this incident, I am willing to make amends for my crime.
I will personally investigate this matter thoroughly and give an explanation to my father and the court.
I, your son, will severely punish the lawless elements and rectify Shanxi's military and political situation.
By strengthening the management of local officials, such incidents will never happen again.
If I violate this oath, I am willing to accept any punishment from my father."
Zhu Yuanzhang's expression eased a little, but his eyes remained stern.
"Well, I hope you can keep your word.
If you disappoint me again, I will not let you off easily!
You go down and prepare, and give us a preliminary investigation result within three days."
Su Jingyuan felt more and more uneasy, because the evidence just submitted by Mao Xiang was presented by the Jinyiwei pacification envoy.
The Jinyiwei represented the emperor's will, and he vaguely realized that Zhu Yuanzhang might be using the Jinyiwei to threaten Prince Jin.
As a close minister responsible for drafting the imperial edict, I am afraid it will be difficult for me to avoid this muddy water.
Su Jingyuan thought to himself: I wonder how this edict should be drafted, and what impact it will have on me and the Su family.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel bitter in his heart.
Su Jingyuan recalled how he had been cautious in the court for many years, trying to find a balance between the whirlpool of scholarship and politics.
But now this sudden situation made him once again feel the uncertainty in the palace.
After nearly two hours of discussion, Zhu Yuanzhang issued three imperial edicts in succession.
"Former Minister of the Left of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Huaijin, listen to your orders!"
When Zhou Huaijin heard that the eunuch chief Wu Cheng added the word "original" before his official title, he was suddenly struck by lightning.
His body trembled slightly, his face lost all color, and he slowly knelt on the ground.
"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: We, the rulers of the world, shall work diligently to govern the country.
All we ask for is that all officials obey the law and serve the people wholeheartedly.
However, Zhou Huaijin, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, forgot his original intention and went against our will, openly abusing his power for personal gain.
We have repeatedly emphasized the law and discipline, and hope that all officials will be honest and self-disciplined.
However, Zhou Huaijin turned a despicable deed and failed to live up to our kindness and the expectations of the people.
Now we are determined to punish severely to serve as a warning to others.
Zhou Huaijin was transferred from the Ministry of Revenue and sent to Shanxi to serve as the prefect of Datong.
I hope that he will mend his past mistakes and work diligently in his new position.
If you make the same mistake again, you will be killed without mercy.
All ministers should also take this as a warning, perform their duties, and work together to create a prosperous era.
So ordered!" (End of this chapter)