Chapter 481 Independent Prosecutor's Office, Wei Ting Demoted
"Next..."
Li Shimin then looked at Wei Ting: "Wei Ting, do you have anything else to say?"
"Return to Your Majesty."
Wei Ting bowed respectfully.
Li Shimin was furious, and he went through all the proper etiquette.
"I still have the same question..."
"It was a bad trend for merchants under Wei Shuyu's jurisdiction to bribe officials."
"If it is not curbed, it will be the common people who suffer in the end."
Li Shimin nodded.
This is indeed a difficult problem to solve.
"Shuyu, defend yourself."
Li Shimin picked up the teacup.
I'm still a little thirsty after saying all that.
Now we can watch a show again!
"His Majesty……"
Wei Shuyu took out a memorial: "This is a solution I came up with, and I hope Your Majesty will approve it."
He has been trying to find a solution for the past few days.
But human nature is something he simply cannot control.
The only thing that can be contained... is oversight!
"Bring it here."
After Li Shimin saw it, he was completely dumbfounded.
The writing on this memorial sounds so much like something from the Censorate...
"Is this Integrity Inspection Bureau the same as the Censorate?" Li Shimin asked.
ICAC?
Wei Ting's expression suddenly darkened.
That brat Wei actually wants to seize power from the Censorate?
"His Majesty……"
Wei Shuyu bowed and said, "Human nature is something that cannot be controlled. After much thought, I believe that the best option is to set up a special department to supervise them."
"Your Majesty, you mustn't."
Wei Ting immediately jumped out to refute: "The Tang Dynasty already has the Censorate, wouldn't it be a contradiction to set up another Inspectorate?"
"no the same."
Wei Shuyu shook his head: "The Censorate is responsible for supervising all officials, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau is responsible for supervising merchants."
"The two departments have completely different powers."
even so……
Wei Ting still refused to budge.
He absolutely would not allow his power to be divided.
"That won't do either!"
Wei Ting bowed to Li Shimin and said, "The Ministry of Commerce already has enough power. If the Anti-Corruption Bureau is established within the Ministry of Commerce, what will happen if those officials embezzle funds?"
Li Shimin frowned.
indeed.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) cannot be located within the Ministry of Commerce.
Merchants had close ties with the Ministry of Commerce; if they colluded to embezzle funds, the consequences would be dire.
"What suggestions does Minister Wei have?" Li Shimin asked.
"Your Majesty, I do not oppose the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption."
"But there's one thing..."
"This department must be subordinate to the Censorate."
Wei Ting's words were resounding and powerful.
If this matter succeeds, not only will the power of his Censorate expand.
They can also control the Ministry of Commerce.
At that time... the entire Ministry of Commerce will be at his mercy.
"no!"
Wei Shuyu then raised objections.
"Wei Shuyu, what are you trying to do?"
Wei Ting immediately rebuked him, "The Ministry of Commerce is responsible for promoting commerce. Are you trying to seize power by interfering in the supervision?"
"What did you say?"
Wei Shuyu retorted, "Isn't it because your Censorate is incompetent!"
"I visited several villages, and in almost every area, there was collusion between officials and businessmen!"
"With so many officials embezzling, has your Censorate investigated them all?"
Oops!
Wei Ting turned deathly pale instantly.
He had always wanted to impeach Wei Shuyu, but he overlooked one thing...
The Censorate also failed in its duty!
"You dare to impeach my Ministry of Commerce?"
"I think it's your Censorate that's truly derelict in its duties!"
As he spoke...
Wei Shuyu bowed to Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty, the Censorate is responsible for supervising all officials, but it has failed to fulfill its supervisory duties."
“As the Imperial Censor, Wei Ting’s crimes are unforgivable.”
"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you punish him!"
Li Shimin frowned.
When Wei Shuyu said that, he remembered it.
So many officials colluded with merchants, yet the Censorate failed to discover it.
This situation is already extremely serious.
"Wei Ting, do you have anything to say?" Li Shimin looked at Wei Ting.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty."
Wei Ting was terrified: "Those who are corrupt are all local officials. The Censorate is really short-staffed and can't supervise them."
Bang.
Li Shimin slammed his palm on the dragon table.
"Still trying to argue!"
"Wei Shuyu single-handedly exposed so many corrupt officials. Is the entire Censorate less capable than him alone?"
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Seeing Li Shimin's fury, Wei Ting readily admitted his mistake.
There's no way to argue it.
If it were just one or two officials, he could get away with it.
But there are too many!
"deliver an imperial order……"
Li Shimin immediately ordered: "Wei Ting has committed dereliction of duty. Considering his loyalty to the Tang Dynasty, he shall be demoted three ranks to set an example."
If officials are corrupt, the fault lies with the officials; Li Shimin could show leniency to the Ministry of Personnel.
The merchants were at fault for the bribery; Li Shimin could have shown leniency towards the Ministry of Commerce.
But the Censorate... is all about oversight!
If someone can't even do their job properly, that's unforgivable.
Even if he showed leniency, the officials would not agree.
"Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty."
Wei Ting bowed deeply in gratitude.
Li Shimin has already shown him mercy.
Despite being demoted three ranks, Wei Ting remained a fifth-rank official and still held a position of power at the center of the Tang Dynasty.
"But Your Majesty... I have something else to say."
But at that moment, Wei Ting spoke up again.
"allow."
"I still stand by my previous statement: the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) must not be established within the Ministry of Commerce!"
Li Shimin nodded.
This coincides with his own thoughts.
"What do you all think, my esteemed ministers?"
After some thought, Li Shimin decided to consult with his officials.
"His Majesty……"
Fang Xuanling quickly stepped forward.
"I agree with what Shuyu said."
"For the Ministry of Commerce to develop, the Independent Inspection Agency must be established."
"I agree with what Wei Ting said."
"The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) cannot be established within the Ministry of Commerce."
"But rebuilding a department would be too expensive."
"Why not attach ourselves to the Censorate and establish a separate department directly under His Majesty's jurisdiction?"
Subject to my jurisdiction?
That's a good idea...
Then I can find fault with Xiao Wei myself.
"Any other opinions?" Li Shimin asked again.
The ministers remained silent.
If you yourself don't object, who would dare to compete with you for it?
"Does Shuyu have any objections?"
Seeing that no one spoke, Li Shimin looked at Wei Shuyu.
"I have no objection."
Wei Shuyu bowed deeply.
He could accept the plan of being subordinate to the Censorate but becoming independent.
His concern was that the Imperial Censor would seize power...
They supervised both officials and merchants.
Then his Ministry of Commerce would be unable to function properly.
"Since no one has any objections, this matter is settled."
Li Shimin made the decision, and then asked, "Who do you think is most suitable to be the head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau?"
"His Majesty……"
Wei Shuyu stepped forward and said, "I propose that Ma Zhou take on the role."
Li Shimin nodded.
This is exactly what he wanted.
Among the censors, Ma Zhou was his favorite.
"What do you all think, my dear ministers?" Li Shimin asked.
"I second that proposal."
"I second that proposal."
The ministers had no objections.
Ma Zhou certainly had that ability.
Moreover, they no longer care who is in charge of the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
What they care about is the position of Imperial Censor!
One is an inspector, and the other is an inspector of merchants.
It's obvious which is better or worse.
Giving Wei Shuyu face now will save him from objecting later.
"Since no one objects..."
"Issue an imperial decree ordering Ma Zhou to return to Beijing immediately to take charge of the Independent Commission Against Corruption."
As soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, all the ministers perked up.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has confirmed this.
Next up is... the Imperial Censor!
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