Chapter 12 Confiscation of property
The two elders' residences were in turmoil all night long. On the second day, when the Western Garden summoned important ministers to discuss matters, Lord Xu and Lord Yan could only come to court with the help of eunuchs. Master Feixuan was also acting out of character. He did not wear his beloved Taoist robe and flutter around the hall like a giant moth. Instead, he sat quietly behind the screen, and only a vague figure could be seen.
What we are going to discuss today is very simple. Left Deputy Censor-in-Chief Di Maoyan was returning to the capital after inspecting the salt reserves. He was arrested by the ambushed Jinyiwei as soon as he entered the city. He did not even have time to cry out for justice as he was taken directly to the imperial prison for trial. At the same time, the Jinyiwei who surrounded the Di Mansion also began to search the house and count the property; the connection between the two was smooth and there was no obstruction at all, which fully demonstrated the superb level of Master Feixuan in coordinating the internal and external affairs.
The True Lord may be lazy in governing the country, but his ability to make money is second to none in the world. The poor in literature are rich in martial arts, and the Taoist magic is a waste of money. In the mysterious sect, Dharma, friends, wealth and land are all indispensable. How can one practice Taoism without money? How to make elixir without money? Although Zhenjun had stayed in Xiyuan for decades and had not seen any outside officials, he understood this principle very well.
Therefore, the theme of this meeting was very clear, which was to discuss how to take some good things from the emperor's private treasury.
However, the emperor's character is to rule the world with diligence and frugality, and he only wears eight sets of clothes for the four seasons. He can't lower himself to drink tea with his ministers and discuss the division of the stolen money. In the past, this job was always undertaken by Lord Yan without hesitation. But now, Yan Ge Lao was so weak that he could barely walk, and Li Zaifang had to do his best to help his father and his king:
"This time, when I searched the residence of the criminal officials, I found many things that violated the law. The criminal officials are so evil that it is difficult to describe them in detail. They should be severely investigated and punished to serve as a warning to others!"
Since it is a prohibited item, it certainly wouldn't be easy for the national treasury to confiscate it, right? In this whole world, only Master Feixuan can reluctantly take in these homeless treasures!
This is called making the best use of things and is not considered extravagance.
This is the old Taoist's usual tactic, and his subjects are all familiar with it. But don't cut the cake too much. Zhenjun spoke slowly:
"You should also tell the elders how to commit such a heinous crime."
Li Zaifang bowed his head respectfully and began to report one by one the various crimes found in the confiscated smoking property; first of all, there were all kinds of treasonous and over-the-top tools, including gold objects carved with colorful auspicious dragons, bright yellow seven-treasure jade trees, toys, wine vessels, and ritual vessels similar to the specifications of the emperor, as well as some unexpected things.
"The criminal official even secretly withheld the tribute to Your Majesty and enjoyed it himself!" Li Zaifang was filled with righteous indignation: "I interrogated the criminal official's servants and learned that Di Maoyan once ordered a red gold Panlong bell to present to Your Majesty. Unexpectedly, the craftsman made a mistake in carving, and this person openly kept the bell for his own use! I have already asked and learned that the bell was originally to be engraved with an inscription praising Your Majesty for his hard work and diligence in government affairs; unexpectedly, the criminal official was so bold that he allowed the craftsman to carve the four words 'morning work and evening vigilance' into 'setting sun morning work'! If this is not an insult to Your Majesty, what else can it be?"
Hearing this, Mu Qi, who was drowsily guarding the palace gate, was suddenly startled. He raised his head and looked around, almost thinking that he had accidentally traveled through some strange world again.
Even if it's a limited-time replica, there's no need to copy details like this, right?
However, the important officials present watched closely, but few of them paid any attention to the Prince of Mu's misconduct. Everyone knew the whole story and knew that Eunuch Li had really hit the emperor's sore spot this time. Master Feixuan has lived alone in the Western Garden for more than ten years, and his life and deeds have nothing to do with diligence; but just as a bald man hates the word "bald" the most, it would be fine if you cursed him for something else, but you made a mistake with the four words "work hard morning and night, vigilantly". Is that a slap on the court? That was clearly a slap in the emperor's face!
The screen was shrouded in gauze and no one could see Zhenjun's expression. But the tone of His Majesty seemed to be no different:
"This person wants to pay tribute to win favor, but he has the wrong idea. I only have eight sets of clothes for the four seasons, so why would I care about such a luxurious toy..."
What can I say? All I can say is yes, yes, yes. 】
The emperor paused for an inexplicable moment, but continued speaking: "You should also warn all the officials in the six ministries, nine ministers, two capitals and thirteen provinces to be diligent and frugal, and live up to my expectations..."
[Lao Deng is so disgusting, it makes my breasts hurt! Forget it, there is no traitor, just another Daan joke.
The six ministries held a meeting to implement the emperor's edict on diligence and thrift. The official presiding over the meeting said: In order to do a good job of statistics, officials who live luxuriously are requested to sit on the left, and officials who live frugally are requested to sit on the right.
Everyone sat down in groups, except for an unknown middle-aged man who stood in the middle without moving.
The official said: How is your life going?
The man replied: I only have eight sets of clothes for the four seasons, but I plan to spend 20 million silver to renovate the three main halls.
The official knelt down hurriedly: Your Majesty, please come to the podium as soon as possible! 】
The emperor had not finished half of his instruction when his throat suddenly seemed to be stuck and made a strange creaking sound. And Lord Xu, who was standing behind Xia Yan, let out a low cry, then slid down softly, his eyes rolling up. Fortunately, the young eunuch serving beside him reached out and pulled him back, preventing the elder from falling headfirst to the ground and falling flat on his face.
Xia Yan, who was standing in the front, was quite puzzled and couldn't help but look back at his two colleagues. He saw that Lord Xu was staggering, and Lord Yan looked pale, both of them looked very sick and could not hold on for much longer. Seeing this, he was wondering in his heart - Lord Xia had already drafted a memorial, intending to retire home after the new year on the grounds of old age and illness; why did these two colleagues who might be his successors look even sicker than himself? With the cabinet in such a mess, how can he justify his illness?
Is this possible, you two? Don't delay my retirement plan!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
