Chapter 220 Thorough Investigation
The next day, early morning court.
The atmosphere was as solemn as usual, but Emperor Sheng's words were like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves.
The imperial tutor Lin Wanting was accused of forming a clique for personal gain, involving the two imperial examinations in the second and eighth years of Yongzhao, the tribute students of the Imperial College for several years, and officials of Jifu City. He has now been imprisoned in the imperial prison and will be interrogated later.
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was shocked, and then there were gasps of shock one after another.
"Your Majesty!"
Almost immediately, a court official stood up and said:
"The Imperial Master has always been loyal and respectable. His moral character is highly respected and known to everyone in the government and the public. It is absolutely impossible for him to do such a thing as forming a clique for personal gain!"
As soon as these words came out, someone immediately followed up and said, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Master has lived a life of integrity and has made great achievements. This time, he may have been framed by a villain. I hope Your Majesty will investigate clearly and not let a good minister suffer injustice!"
There was a buzz of agreement in the hall. Emperor Sheng lowered his eyes and saw that almost half of the court officials were pleading for Elder Lin.
Emperor Sheng had a dull expression and it was hard to tell what he was feeling. His eyes moved between Zhao Huailang and Cui Daoyuan.
At this moment, Cui Daoyuan bowed and clasped his hands like other ministers, and was also pleading for Lin Lao.
However, when his eyes fell on the green jade brick in front of him, a flash of joy appeared in his eyes.
Last night's guess turned out to be true. This morning, His Majesty made the matter public, showing that he has made up his mind.
Now that Lin Wanting has been imprisoned, I'm afraid... he'll never have a chance to get out.
It's a pity that Jiang Xun is still on his wedding leave, so I can't see his expression.
Cui Daoyuan was thinking this when he was suddenly called by Emperor Sheng: "Minister Cui."
Cui Daoyuan immediately took a step forward.
Emperor Sheng raised his lips slightly, and then asked calmly: "The Ministry of Personnel is in charge of the appointment and promotion of officials for me. Let me ask you, have you noticed anything about this matter?"
Cui Daoyuan had already prepared himself mentally. If the emperor wanted to convict Lin Wanting, he, as the Minister of Personnel, would have to make some "sacrifices" and take the blame for negligence.
Therefore, he did not panic at this moment, and said respectfully:
"Your Majesty, I have worked with the Imperial Master for many years and I know him well. It is difficult to reconcile his past behavior with such a clique-like behavior."
"I have the trust of Your Majesty, and I have been working diligently and conscientiously, not slacking off in the slightest, striving to select the virtuous and capable for Your Majesty and eliminate the treacherous and corrupt."
"This incident happened suddenly. Your Majesty, please allow me to find out the truth. If I am really responsible for negligence, I am willing to accept the punishment without complaint. I only hope that Your Majesty will temporarily calm down your wrath."
These words are very beautiful.
If it was really as Cui Daoyuan thought, this was a trap set by Emperor Sheng, and they were in agreement, then Old Lin would never be able to escape.
On the dragon throne, Emperor Sheng nodded slightly, "It is indeed time to investigate thoroughly."
Cui Daoyuan's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he was about to bow to receive the order, but Emperor Sheng suddenly changed the subject and said in a deep voice:
"Where is Zhang Xian?"
Censor Zhang Xian is fifty-six years old this year. Before Jiang Xun came to prominence, he was recognized in the court as the most upright and outspoken person who would rather break than bend.
He had experienced ups and downs in his official career due to his repeated criticisms against the emperor. In recent years, Jiang Xun had shown his talent and was at the forefront, which gave Censor Zhang a break.
"I am here."
Censor Zhang stood up. Cui Daoyuan still kept his head down, but his expression suddenly changed.
The cold voice of Emperor Sheng rang out in the palace, brooking no room for debate:
"Zhang Xian, listen to my order. I order you to immediately lead the officials of the Censorate to investigate this case thoroughly. Make sure to find out the secrets and the people involved."
"Minister Cui, the Ministry of Personnel must fully cooperate with the Censorate and provide all that is required. No excuses are allowed. If anyone interferes and fails to cooperate, I will hold you, the Ministry of Personnel, accountable!"
After the majestic voice fell, Censor Zhang looked stern and immediately accepted the order.
Cui Daoyuan's heart suddenly shook, as if struck by lightning.
His lips trembled unconsciously for a few times, then he pursed them tightly and squeezed out four words:
"Your Majesty... obey your order."
At this moment, Cui Daoyuan could hardly hide his shock. After responding, he couldn't help but look up at the emperor sitting on the high throne.
But in a flash, he lowered his eyes.
The turbulent waves in his heart made this old minister who had been in the court for a long time turn pale.
He was wrong.
Cui Daoyuan realized that he had guessed wrong!
I originally thought that this situation was set up by the emperor in order to get rid of Lin Wanting.
But the emperor directly ordered the Censorate to take over the entire matter. The person being investigated was not Lin Wanting, but the Ministry of Personnel, and it was Cui Daoyuan!
Could it be that the emperor, Lin Wanting, and Jiang Xun had joined forces to set up a trap to kill the entire Cui family? ?
Thinking of this, Cui Daoyuan's figure swayed slightly, but he tried his best to hide his shock under his loose official robe.
He had been the Minister of Personnel for more than 20 years and could not stand up to scrutiny.
Especially since the emperor had clearly promised to make Lang'er the crown prince, but he broke his promise the next moment.
For the sake of Lang'er and the future of the Cui family, he had already begun to make plans and had deeply rooted the Cui family in the court.
If the emperor ordered someone else to investigate today, he might still be able to maneuver around. Even if he couldn't get away with it, the worst that could happen was that he would sacrifice the car to save the driver and find a scapegoat.
But it was Zhang Xian!
This stubborn man who refuses to give in to soft words or hard words, even the emperor dares to reprimand him in person. If he is asked to dig deeper, the consequences will be disastrous...
Cui Daoyuan didn't hear a word of what was said in the hall at the back.
When the eunuch beside him shouted "adjourn the court", Cui Daoyuan no longer showed any sign of panic.
He turned around and winked in several directions in a subtle way.
Cui Daoyuan has seen all kinds of storms.
The Censorate... He also has people he can use. It's still not too late to delay time!
Zhao Huailang was also walking out, his brows furrowed and there was a solemn look in his eyes.
He subconsciously touched his chest, where there was a letter. He had originally planned to wait for an opportunity to act, but he did not expect the situation to be contrary to what they had predicted last night!
Zhao Huailang naturally believed in his grandfather. Although this incident happened suddenly, with his grandfather's ability, there would definitely be room for maneuver.
However, they were still caught off guard by Mr. Lin, and the trump card that was originally used for offense could now only be used for defense.
He needs to think carefully about when is the best time to take action!
......
On the other side, Cui Daoyuan had just stepped out of the hall when Censor Zhang followed him and said in a calm voice:
"Minister Cui, may I go with you?"
Cui Daoyuan frowned, but replied calmly: "Censor Zhang is anxious."
Zhang Xian was not a man who would flatter with a smile. Hearing this, he saluted and said, "The emperor has issued an order, and I dare not neglect it. Minister Cui, please--"
Cui Daoyuan nodded, "As it should be, please——"
At the same time, those who received Cui Daoyuan's signal had already quickly spread the message and rushed to the Ministry of Personnel.
However, what they didn't expect was that the people from the Censorate had received the news at some point and had already been waiting outside the Ministry of Personnel, just in time to stop them.
At this moment, a carriage was parked on the street corner outside the Ministry of Personnel.
His slender fingers lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked at the noisy scene in front of the Ministry of Personnel.
The man in the car was handsome, but at this moment he pursed his lips slightly, revealing a sense of coldness.
It was Jiang Xun.
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