Chapter 110 The Eldest Princess Actually Confessed Her Crime
Cui Jing's expression changed drastically, and he said urgently, "That's absolutely impossible! Those three are clearly... clearly just young and handsome boys, how could they be some kind of talented people!"
Li Yuanzhao said with a half-smile, "Appearance is given by one's parents. Just because someone is beautiful doesn't mean they can't serve the country. If Imperial Censor Cui doesn't believe me, he can send someone to the camp to check."
After speaking, she looked at the Emperor and said, “Father, I never expected that such a small matter as recommending talents would cause such a commotion and affect the court’s opinion. It was my oversight, and I beg you to punish me.”
These words, seemingly an admission of wrongdoing, are actually a strategic maneuver to turn the tables and advance by retreating.
It both proclaimed its own intention to "recommend the virtuous for the public good" and implied that Cui Jing not only spied on the princess's private affairs but also judged others with a petty mind and deliberately made false accusations.
Even Pei Huaijin was unaware that the Eldest Princess had actually sent those three people to the military camp.
She dares to say such things in court now, so she must not be afraid of being investigated.
He secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a greater sense of admiration and awe for her.
Cui Jing stood there, his face turning pale and then flushed.
He never expected that what seemed like a sure thing would suddenly turn into a predicament.
They might even be convicted of "false accusation".
Cui Shiliang, standing at the front, saw all of this, and his face gradually darkened.
He looked at the emperor's silent demeanor, but his mind was already racing with calculations.
He was well aware of the Emperor's recent wariness of Li Yuanzhao; otherwise, he wouldn't have delayed making a decision when court officials were recommending her to go to Hebei for disaster relief.
His Majesty's intention was simply to find a pretext to legitimately take away the disaster relief duties from Li Yuanzhao, so that she would not use disaster relief to win people's hearts and accumulate political achievements.
At this point, as long as someone comes forward to impeach him, regardless of whether it is true or false, the emperor can seize the opportunity and pass the blame to someone else.
Unexpectedly, Li Yuanzhao had already made preparations.
Thinking of this, Cui Shiliang stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that although the Princess has the intention to recommend virtuous people, her actions are also culpable."
"I have heard that the son of Minister of War Lin is very close to Her Highness the Princess, frequently visiting the Xihe Palace, which is quite suspicious of his flattery and attempts to curry favor. This son has been promoted two ranks in less than three months since entering officialdom! If all officials in the court follow this example, knowing only how to scheme and flatter the Princess to achieve a smooth career, where is the law of the court? Where is the discipline? This is Your Highness's first fault!"
Minister Lin stood among the court officials, both shocked and furious, not understanding what had gotten into Cui Shiliang that caused him to suddenly attack him.
The two families have always been on good terms, but this person is now willing to drag him down in order to bring down the princess. He is indeed a traitor who abandons his benefactor after using someone else's resources!
Before anyone could react, Cui Shiliang continued loudly, "Furthermore, during the polo match against Tibet not long ago, some of the spectators actually shouted 'Long live the Princess!' Your Highness heard such rebellious words on the spot, yet you did not immediately rebuke them. Is this tacit approval? This is Your Highness's second fault!"
"Your Majesty!" His voice was heavy with sorrow, as if every word was for the sake of the country and its people: "Your Highness may be talented, but if you do not pay attention to details and avoid suspicion, I fear that this will breed petty people and corrupt the court. I am truly worried about this!"
This impeachment is more damaging than Choi Kyung's accusations.
They accused him of "forming cliques for personal gain" and also accused him of "overstepping his bounds with his achievements," each sentence directly hitting the emperor's inner fears.
Minister Lin reacted before Li Yuanzhao. He knew that if he didn't come forward to confess, he might be implicated in the fight between the two tigers.
"Your Majesty, this is my fault. My unfilial son is inherently unruly, but I have been preoccupied with official duties and neglected his upbringing, causing him to neglect his moral conduct. He even dared to presume to associate with the Princess and visit her residence, causing public outcry and disgracing the sacredness of the imperial family. This is all due to my failure to properly educate my son and my incompetence in managing my family! I beg Your Majesty to punish me, and I promise I have not spoken falsely."
At this point, Li Yuanzhao's ministers also stood up to defend her.
"Your Majesty is wise! His Highness has always cherished talent and often holds banquets to discuss poetry, current affairs, and calligraphy and painting with others. That is all."
"Young Master Lin's promotion was due to his meritorious service in receiving the envoys, which was personally commended by His Majesty. How can the blame be placed on His Highness?"
"As for the rebellious remarks on the field, it is clearly a deliberate frame-up by villains who want to sow discord between the royal father and daughter. Your Highness is completely innocent!"
Cui Xiang and his faction were not about to give up and immediately launched a joint attack.
They seized upon questions such as "The illegitimate son frequently meets with the princess in secret," "If there is no ulterior motive, why is it so secretive?" and "If Your Highness is innocent, why can't you be open and aboveboard?" They even used the threat of "kneeling in remonstrance" to exert pressure, declaring that "If this matter is not resolved, the court will not be at peace."
For a time, the imperial court was more noisy than a vegetable market.
Amidst the commotion, the Emperor, whether genuinely or feigning anger, suddenly roared, "What's all this noise about?!"
The ministers fell silent instantly, kneeling on the ground and shouting, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"
Li Yuanzhao knelt upright on the cold blue bricks, meeting his father's scrutinizing gaze, and slowly said, "Father, this matter was indeed due to my inappropriate actions, which caused controversy. I have no way to refute it and am willing to accept your punishment."
Upon hearing this, everyone was surprised once again; the eldest princess had actually confessed her guilt.
The Emperor spoke with anger: "Yuan Zhao, as my eldest daughter, I have always placed high hopes on you. Yet you have acted so recklessly, causing strife among the court officials and a great uproar among the people..."
Li Yuanzhao listened attentively with his head bowed, appearing respectful and remorseful.
Pei Huaijin, kneeling among the crowd, looked at her straight back and lowered eyelashes, his heart ached, but he was powerless to help.
Seeing her respectful attitude, the Emperor's expression softened slightly. "If I do not punish you this time, it will be difficult to appease the court officials. Starting today, you are to be confined to your quarters for one month to reflect on your mistakes, and your salary will be reduced by one year. You are not required to attend court for this month, so that you may reflect on your faults."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey your decree and thank you for your grace."
Li Yuanzhao kowtowed in agreement, his voice revealing not a trace of resentment.
The Emperor turned his gaze to Minister Lin.
"You have failed to manage your household properly and have misled your son, thus tarnishing the reputation of the Princess. I will spare you further investigation for the time being, considering your years of diligence. However, this disaster originated from your son. If he is not severely punished, it will be difficult to uphold the law. I hereby issue the decree that he be stripped of all his official positions immediately!"
Minister Lin understood that his son's career was completely ruined, but compared to being held accountable himself, it was already a great relief.
He dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction and kowtowed again: "Your Majesty, I obey! On behalf of my son, I thank Your Majesty for your leniency!"
After this matter was settled, Cui Shiliang, seeing that the time was right, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, regarding the selection of the imperial envoy for disaster relief in Hebei Province, I dare to suggest that it be entrusted to His Highness the Second Prince. The Second Prince is kind-hearted and will surely be able to sympathize with the disaster victims and share Your Majesty's burdens."
The Emperor then slowly spoke: "Granted. Yuan You may go. Minister Cui, you must send someone to assist him carefully, ensuring the safety of the disaster victims and demonstrating the benevolence of the court."
The Second Prince, Li Yuanyou, has not yet attended court due to previous events.
"Your subject obeys the decree!" Cui Shiliang kowtowed again, his forehead almost touching the ground, as if a great weight had finally been lifted from his heart.
When the court session ended, the officials left the main hall in twos and threes, none of them daring to utter a sound.
But everyone knew in their hearts that the ultimate winners of this court assembly would be the Cui family and the Second Prince.
Although the eldest princess was not severely punished, she temporarily lost her voice in the court.
From this point on, the political landscape of the court is likely to undergo a quiet transformation.
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