After greeting Sima Lie, Qin Yu looked at the others.
"What brings you all to see me today?"
Qin Yu noticed that many officials looked rather miserable at this moment.
Some people had rotten eggs hanging from their heads, and others had their official robes torn.
In more severe cases, there may even be bruises on the face.
When Qin Yu asked about it, the ministers all showed aggrieved expressions.
"Your Majesty, many scholars in the capital are dissatisfied with the results of the imperial examinations. They all believe that the top three were chosen by us under duress. We are truly wronged. We beg Your Majesty to issue an edict to the world to prove our innocence."
Qin Yu laughed as he listened to the aggrieved complaints of the ministers.
"My esteemed ministers, weren't these three the very people you selected during the court assembly? If so, how can you claim to have wronged them?"
After Qin Yu said this, there was a brief silence below.
The group of people stood with their mouths open, but couldn't utter a single word.
Seeing that the officials were rendered speechless by Qin Yu's words, Sima Lie had no choice but to step forward.
"Your Majesty, although we acknowledge the answers of these three individuals, it is Your Majesty's will that they be selected as the top three scholars!"
Upon hearing Sima Lie's words, the officials finally realized what he meant and hurriedly nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We chose these three people in accordance with Your Majesty's will. You only need to issue an edict to announce to the world that we did not force you to choose these three."
Hearing these people's words, Qin Yu sneered inwardly.
These people really know how to play their cards right.
Although he did choose the three people, he had finally managed to push the blame out of the way, so how could he possibly take it back himself?
"What do you mean, 'I chose'? I can't even recognize all the characters in their articles, how can I choose?"
Qin Yu leaned back in his chair, looking completely indifferent, and said...
When the foolish emperor frankly admitted that he couldn't even read all the characters, the courtiers were so angry they almost fainted.
Seeing that the incompetent emperor was unmoved by reason, Sima Lie became anxious.
Without Qin Yu issuing an edict to prove their innocence, they can forget about having a good life from now on.
"Your Majesty, the students in the capital are indignant. If you do not issue an edict to clear the names of these officials, I fear it will lead to a great disaster!"
Sima Lie quickly cupped his hands and said.
Upon hearing his words, Qin Yu finally showed a thoughtful expression.
After thinking for a long time, Qin Yu finally spoke up, "But I clearly remember that someone forced me to retry the case in court!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes immediately turned to Liu Wenlie.
Liu Wenlie's expression immediately changed.
He had no idea at the time that the three men were the prime minister's men.
If he had known, he wouldn't have said anything.
"His Majesty……"
Liu Wenlie was about to speak up in his defense.
But as soon as he opened his mouth, he was interrupted by Sima Lie.
"Your Majesty, it was Liu Wenlie who forced you back then. Please execute him immediately to prove the innocence of the officials in the court!"
Sima Lie cupped his hands and said.
Upon hearing this, Liu Wenlie's face suddenly turned terrified.
He never expected that after serving Sima Lie for so many years, Sima Lie would abandon him so easily!
The officials then realized what was happening and bowed to request permission to speak.
"Your Majesty, please execute Liu Wenlie!"
“Indeed, Your Majesty, I have evidence that Liu Wenlie accepted bribes and wantonly attacked and framed other ministers.”
"Liu Wenlie is a treacherous villain and must be executed!"
A group of people started shouting.
At that moment, in their mouths, Liu Wenlie instantly became a villainous and wicked person who must be eliminated immediately.
Seeing the way these people were fighting and biting each other, Qin Yu sneered inwardly.
But that's exactly what he wanted.
Although the position of Censor-in-Chief was not considered a high-ranking one, its authority to supervise officials and maintain order in the court was not to be underestimated.
Previously, he had neither the reason nor the ability to bring down Liu Wenlie, but now that Sima Lie had personally given him the opportunity, how could he refuse?
"Very well, since everyone has said so, then let Liu Wenlie be executed. Men, seize this scoundrel!"
Qin Yu slammed his hand on the armrest of the chair and said loudly.
The Imperial Guards immediately stepped forward and pinned Liu Wenlie down.
"Your Excellency, I...I don't want to die!"
Liu Wenlie screamed in terror.
However, Sima Lie didn't even glance at him.
Seeing Sima Lie's ruthlessness, Liu Wenlie was utterly desperate.
But after despair comes anger.
"Sima Lie, you son of a bitch! I did so much for you back then, and now that things have gone wrong, you just kick me to the curb. You're so heartless, you'll get your comeuppance sooner or later. And all the other things you've done, I'll expose them all to you..."
puff!
Before Liu Wenlie could finish speaking, a long sword pierced through his body.
Liu Wenlie stared in disbelief at Sima Lie, who was holding a long sword. His lips trembled, but he died without uttering a single word.
Sima Lie then calmly withdrew his sword.
"I apologize, Your Majesty. This man was extremely noisy. I was worried that he would disturb Your Majesty, so I couldn't help but kill him. I hope Your Majesty won't blame me?"
Sima Lie wiped the blood off his sword before slowly cupping his hands in greeting.
Seeing his calm demeanor, Qin Yu felt a surge of murderous intent.
That old dog really doesn't respect him at all.
However, now is not the time to erupt.
He immediately put on a timid expression and hurriedly nodded.
"The Prime Minister did well; this treacherous minister deserves to die. But Prime Minister, could you please put away your sword? It frightens me!"
Seeing Qin Yu's frightened expression, Sima Lie revealed a smug look.
Sure enough, the foolish emperor revealed his weakness when frightened.
"I obey the order."
Sima Lie nodded before sheathing his longsword.
Seeing Liu Wenlie die like this, and at the hands of Sima Lie, the assembled officials couldn't help but feel a sense of shared sorrow.
They couldn't help but wonder if, when they were no longer of use, they too would be stabbed to death by the Prime Minister, just like Liu Wenlie.
Although everyone quickly dismissed the idea, the incident still left a shadow in their hearts.
"Your Majesty, the treacherous minister who truly forced Your Majesty is now dead. Could Your Majesty issue an edict to prove our innocence?"
At this moment, Ma Shangtao hurriedly asked.
The others also looked at Qin Yu.
However, Qin Yu looked listless.
"Oh dear, writing imperial edicts is quite a tiring task. How about this: each of you ministers will give me ten thousand taels of silver as a reward for your hard work?"
Upon hearing Qin Yu's words, the assembled officials nearly vomited blood in anger.
This tyrant is simply outrageous.
"Your Majesty, we are penniless and have no money to spare for ten thousand taels of silver."
One of the ministers immediately began to weep and complain.
However, upon hearing his tearful complaint, Qin Yu looked at him with a cold smile.
"Alright, Anfu, write this down for me. Minister Lu is poor. When the imperial edict lists the names of ministers who did not coerce me, you don't need to write his name."
"yes!"
Anfu nodded and immediately took out his notebook to write down the person's name.
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