Chapter 33 (Revised)
Every three days, the Yongchao court would hold a small court meeting mainly attended by the emperor's close ministers, and every five days, a large court meeting would be held in which all officials of the fifth rank and above had to participate. On non-court days, if there were important matters, the emperor could also enter the palace to meet the emperor in person.
Today was originally a day without a court meeting. When the officials arrived at the office and were about to start their day's work, they suddenly received urgent news that a grand court meeting was being held in the palace.
The ministers hurriedly changed into their official uniforms and hurried to the palace. Along the way, they met many colleagues, who gathered together to mutter about the unusual events of the day.
"Why are you suddenly notified of a grand court meeting? Did something happen?"
On the way to court, a colleague approached Zhongshu Ling Jiang Hongyuan and asked tentatively, "Master Jiang, do you know anything about this?"
Jiang Hongyuan shook his head to indicate that he didn't know.
"Lord Jiang, as the Minister of the Central Secretariat, is deeply trusted by the Saint. If you don't know..." The colleague did not say anything else, but just looked at Jiang Hongyuan meaningfully.
Jiang Hongyuan remained expressionless, seemingly oblivious to the other person's words. His colleague, frustrated, rubbed his nose awkwardly, and then walked away.
The position of Zhongshu Ling was responsible for assisting the emperor in handling all aspects of government affairs, drafting imperial edicts and memorials, and participating in the decision-making of major military and national affairs. They often served within the palace. Normally, if there was an urgent court meeting, the Zhongshu Ling would not be unaware of it.
The man's words were clearly hinting to Jiang Hongdao that the saint no longer seemed to trust him as much as before, and did not even reveal any news about the court meeting to him.
Although Jiang Hongdao showed no reaction to this, he couldn't say he didn't care. If it were before, he might not have worried, but now that his second son was deeply tied to the crown prince, he couldn't help but speculate too much about the sage's intentions.
The doubtful ministers stood outside the Mingzheng Hall in two rows, civil and military, and in order of shifts. As the drums sounded, the palace gates opened, and the important ministers entered the hall in order.
The sage, dressed in court robes, emerged from the back of the hall and settled upon the throne. His folded feather fan parted, revealing the sage's form.
The ministers bowed and greeted each other, and the sage raised his hand to signal them to take their seats.
"I'm calling a court meeting today because I have something important to tell you."
While the sage was speaking, some ministers had already noticed something uneasy in the court.
——The prince was still nowhere to be seen at the grand court meeting today.
Prince Su couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips.
Regardless of the size of the court meeting, as long as he was in the capital, the Crown Prince was always present. The Crown Prince was absent from the Queen's birthday banquet yesterday, and he was also absent from today's emergency court meeting. Combined with the rumors that the Crown Prince's biological parents had poisoned the Queen, angering the Sage, everyone had some suspicions.
The prince is most likely in danger.
"At yesterday's birthday banquet, I believe you may have heard some news about the Crown Prince." As the sage spoke, he glanced at the secretly proud Prince Su. "The ministers are suspicious, and the court is unstable. Today, I must make a decision to enlighten the court."
Prince Su, who was sitting in the palace, saw that his plan was about to succeed. He was so excited that he could only hear the pounding of his own heartbeat and felt the blood in his body boiling.
He was expecting the saint to personally announce the result he most desired.
"The Duke and his wife of Ye County have disregarded national laws and human ethics, and even attempted to murder the current Queen Mother. Furthermore, their crimes of amassing wealth, oppressing the people, and threatening officials within Ye County have been proven to be true, and their crimes are unforgivable. Upon investigation and interrogation, it was found that the crimes of the Duke and his wife of Ye County are inextricably linked to the Crown Prince. For a crown prince to become the umbrella for such a treacherous person is truly unforgivable. I have decided—"
That result is about to come true! Prince Su was so excited that his hands were shaking, but he had to force himself to remain calm.
"Depose Crown Prince Wei Zhen and imprison him immediately along with the Duke of Ye and his wife to await their fate!"
This was the sage's decision, and all the ministers, whether convinced or not, agreed. Even though Jiang Hongdao had much to say to defend the crown prince, he had no choice but to remain silent for the time being and bide his time.
The ministers who supported the Crown Prince were somewhat disheartened. Meanwhile, those who had secretly aligned themselves with Prince Su were secretly delighted. Cai Shan, in particular, was particularly concerned about the situation in Weizhou. As long as he helped Prince Su inherit the throne, Weizhou would remain his future.
"The second thing." The saint's eyes fell on Cai Shan, with a cold look in his eyes, "I need Lord Cai Shan, the governor of Weizhou, to answer my questions and resolve my doubts."
Cai Shan was startled by being suddenly called out, but he remained remarkably calm. He stood up, bowed his head, and said, "Your Excellency's words are too serious. I shall speak from the bottom of my heart."
"He embezzled disaster relief funds and plotted to murder officials involved. He accepted bribes from local officials and wealthy merchants, annexed large amounts of fertile farmland in Weizhou, privately built forts and manors, and without reporting to the central government, dared to arbitrarily increase local taxes, exploit the people, and maintain private armies of pirates."
The sage chuckled softly, his face gentle, but his tone was chilling. "I would like Envoy Cai to come to the Dali Temple and explain each of these charges to me."
His crimes were listed one by one by the saint in the hall. Even though Cai Shan had a strong mental state, he was sweating profusely and his whole body was weak.
But at this time Cai Shan did not dare to show the slightest fear.
He was confident that he had done his job thoroughly and without leaving any traces, and even if the imperial court investigated, it would be difficult to collect evidence to prove the various crimes listed above.
He was gambling, and he had to bet that the Saint wouldn't find any evidence. If he showed weakness at this point, he would be admitting his guilt and would be at a disadvantage.
The sage explained Cai Shan's crimes to the court, and both civil and military officials looked at him in surprise. Prince Su finally understood why Cai Shan was so wealthy and why he had actively sought cooperation.
Prince Su, who accepted financial assistance from Cai Shan, was unsure whether he would be implicated by the other party.
"Saints, be wise! These are all slanderous words!"
Cai Shan argued hurriedly and loudly, "I have been loyal to the court for over twenty years. No matter where I served, I have always strived to protect the people and their safety. I have devoted myself wholeheartedly and wholeheartedly to this cause! Please, Your Majesty, do not listen to the slanderous words of this villain!"
Cai Shan's words were not only to excuse himself, but also intended to arouse the doubts and dissatisfaction of several other military governors towards the court.
Since reporting to the capital at the end of last year, except for Xiangzhou Jiedushi Yuan Zhen who took sick leave, the Jiedushi of the other four states have remained in the capital on standby.
In Cai Shan's opinion, as an important official who holds great military power, everyone in this position has his hands more or less involved, and not everyone can stay out of it.
Even if someone is loyal to the saint and the court, and is an honest official, as long as the court cannot find any evidence against him, it can prove that he is wronged. Let those honest officials see how the court uses groundless rumors to frame important officials, which will still make people doubt the court.
What he had to do was to make other military governors or important officials in the court feel the same pain as much as possible and make them feel sympathetic.
The governors of the other three states exchanged glances below.
Shi Xu, the Wuzhou Jiedushi closest to the Weizhou Jiedushi area, a tall and burly middle-aged man, closed his eyes and signaled the other two to keep quiet.
Shi Xu had occasionally heard about the events in Weizhou. At the time, he had simply assumed that local officials were exploiting the people and hadn't given it much thought. But now, seeing how brazenly these officials dared to act, it was hard to deny that Cai Shan had been behind the scenes supporting them.
But everyone has their own opinions on this matter. Before the truth is found out, it is best not to speak rashly. The best policy is to wait and see.
On the throne, the sage, despite Cai Shan's stubborn words, smiled unwaveringly. "That's why I've entrusted this matter to the Dali Temple for investigation. Don't worry, Governor Cai, I will certainly not allow such a loyal and upright man to suffer an unjust accusation. But until the investigation is complete, I'll have to inconvenience Governor Cai for a few days. Where is the Minister of the Dali Temple?"
The Dali Temple Minister was moved by the voice and stood up to answer: "I am here."
"You are ordered to investigate Weizhou Jiedushi Cai Shan's corruption, bribery, oppression of the people, and support of pirates within two weeks. No delays and no mistakes!"
"I obey the decree."
Prince Su, who had just been happy about the crown prince's dethronement, now had a sullen expression. He glanced at the slightly dejected Cai Shan, feeling somewhat unhappy. He was now thankful that he always met with Cai Shan in quiet, secluded places. Unless Cai Shan confessed himself or there was a traitor among his confidants, no one would know about their relationship.
The court meeting ended and the ministers dispersed. When Prince Su walked past Cai Shan, he gave him a warning look, indicating that he should not say anything that he shouldn't.
Cai Shan naturally understood. It was not a good thing for a local official to privately befriend a prince, and he didn't want to cause himself more trouble.
Soon after the sage issued the order to depose the crown prince at the court meeting, the guards surrounding the Eastern Palace received the news that the crown prince was detained and imprisoned.
When the imperial guards in charge of guarding the Eastern Palace opened the gate, Wei Zhen, who had taken off his usual prince's clothes and was wearing plain clothes, was already standing in front of the door waiting, as if he had known that this would be his ending.
Wei Zhen looked normal.
He had no resentment or bitterness, no need to cry out for justice or loudly argue for himself. He simply stood there calmly, like the century-old giant tree in the East Palace, quiet and steady.
A soldier came forward with shackles, but the leader raised his hand to stop him, then made a "please" gesture to Wei Zhen.
Wei Zhen nodded and smiled politely, as a way of thanking the other party for leaving him the last bit of dignity and respect.
After stepping over the threshold of the Eastern Palace, Wei Zhen looked back and took a deep look at the Eastern Palace where he had lived for nearly two years, as if he was saying his final goodbye to this majestic palace.
Perhaps, his fate with the Eastern Palace has ended just like that... ?
Wei Zhen lowered his head and smiled bitterly, then turned away from the East Palace and followed the imperial guards.
Whether it was Shura Hell or the Nine Heavens Palace ahead, Wei Zhen didn't want to dwell on it. Since he had chosen this move, he had to believe in himself.
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