Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 193 Go and get rid of the corrupt officials in Chang'an
"Go and get rid of the corrupt officials in Chang'an."

"Ah I?"

Midnight, Wei Mansion.

Li Ming sat in the reception hall, yawning and looking unhappy.

The Imperial Censor Wei Ting - Wei Daijia's father - did not dare to yawn.

He sat in the lower seat obediently, trying to guess the intentions of His Excellency Tongpingzhangshi in a hazy state of mind.

Although old Ave is not usually an agile and capable general, he is now covered with a debuff that shows he has not yet woken up.

But at this moment, he cleverly sensed the resentment of His Highness Li Ming and dared not speak carelessly.

It’s not that Wei Ting suddenly got the idea.

It was because Li Ming's resentment at this moment was almost solidified into substance.

Being dragged out of bed in the middle of the night to work overtime would not make anyone feel good.

Your Majesty has ordered that urgent reports on how to deal with the money shortage can be submitted at any time, no matter early or late.

Officials were also issued badges allowing them to go out and enter the palace after curfew.

Of course, this move is more symbolic.

Unless the sky falls, generally speaking, no blind bureaucrat would @ the big leader in the middle of the night.

Well, generally speaking.

"In Chang'an County, right at the foot of the imperial city, there were officials who dared to embezzle the relief funds issued by the court.

"Such outrageous things haven't happened in other counties!"

Li Ming's face became darker and darker:

"This is the clue of corruption discovered by Lord Changsun and his great grandson. Censor Wei, you must investigate it carefully."

Wei Ting didn't dare to refuse, but the proposition was too big and he didn't dare to respond casually.

He could only read Changsun Wuji's report with a pale face.

It is basically what His Royal Highness Li Ming said, based on the inconsistencies in the records between the granary and the county government, combined with the consumption habits of ordinary people.

It can be inferred that nearly half of the banknotes that should have been issued have not been issued.

It is neither in the hands of the people nor in the government treasury.

My goodness! Economics has “failed”. The money has not even been created yet, but it has disappeared out of thin air.

Where are those missing currencies? It's really curious~
"That..." Wei Ting dragged out the last word, trying to buy time for his slow brain so that he could find an excuse to throw this hot potato away.

As we all know, those who can become local officials in Beijing are not simple people.

In particular, they dared to cause such a big mess in a major case that was personally supervised by His Majesty and the "indiscriminate killing" of the prince.

It was not until more than ten days later that the top leaders discovered the matter through clues.

This also proves from the side that the local officials who could set up this situation so confidently are not simple.

Wei Ting really didn't want to offend "that" local boss.

After all, he still wanted to continue living in Chang'an.

"Um... this article was submitted to Your Highness by the Grand Marshal. Why does Your Highness feel that the Grand Marshal's virtuous grandson was also involved?"

Wei Ting pretended to drink tea, trying to delay time with this irrelevant and stupid question.

The abacus beads he was counting on were about to hit Li Ming's forehead.

However, Li Ming did not want to push Wei Daijia's father too hard, so he relaxed his tone and sneered:
"Oh, Chang Sun Wuji would knock on the door in the middle of the night to deliver a report? It must be Chang Sun Yan's bad idea!
"I don't know who that brat learned this from."

Yeah, who did you learn this from... Wei Ting complained in his heart, and actively used his brain to think of a perfect excuse:

"Your Highness, I think..."

"You think this matter is serious and I should take the lead and multiple departments should jointly handle the case, right?" Li Ming interrupted Wei Ting's chanting.

"I think this matter...Huh? Yes, right, right." Wei Ting nodded his head like knocking a wooden fish.

Alas... Li Ming let out a deep sigh.

If you say this guy is not smart, it is only when compared with other Tang Dynasty elites that he seems dull.

If he really encounters something he can't handle, he will also be able to play the game of self-preservation.

"Just go ahead and investigate. I will report to His Majesty on how to deal with the matter," said Li Ming.

Wei Ting still hesitated: "But this..."

"You do the work, and I'll take the blame."

Li Ming said bluntly.

Wei Ting then showed a look of relief, and was still muttering politely, "How could we, the Jingzhao Wei family, not dare to take responsibility?"

…………

The next day, the Secretariat.

"Oh? You found the person so quickly?"

Li Ming raised half of his eyebrows.

The Imperial Censor Wei Ting, who came to report in person, was much more energetic than the drowsy look he had been in the middle of the night last night. He bowed gracefully and said:

"That's right. We are still collecting evidence, but the main culprit of this corruption case has been basically identified..."

"You mean, it was the Chang'an County Magistrate who did this, right?" Li Ming said with a smile.

"The main culprit is... Eh? Oh, right, right." Wei Ting nodded his head again like knocking a wooden fish:
"Your Highness is wise. The principal offender in this case is the magistrate of Chang'an County, Li Qianyou."

As Wei Ting answered, he secretly sighed:
It's so magical, how come His Highness Li Ming can accurately predict what I will say every time I speak?
"Really? I don't believe it."

Li Ming folded his arms:
"I'll check later."

Without giving any face to the old minister Wei Ting, he was kicked out.

Fang Xuanling on the side wanted to say something, but after opening his mouth, he swallowed his words and continued to write.

"This is outrageous. Even at this point, even Changsun Wuji knows to put aside his prejudices and actively cooperate with the work.

"It's ridiculous that these middle and lower-level bureaucrats are still protecting a daring embezzler."

Li Ming complained angrily:
"How can a mere county magistrate be so bold as to commit a crime in defiance of the law and blatantly embezzle the imperial court's grain and salary in public?"

Fang Xuanling put down his pen and hesitated to speak several times.

"Father, am I right?"

Li Ming was not satisfied with his complaints, so he asked the old turtle in the officialdom for advice:

"The county magistrate is at best an accomplice. Who is the backer behind him?"

Fang Xuanling opened his mouth, considered his words for a while, and said calmly:
"Is it possible that there is no one above County Magistrate Li Qianyou?

"Is Wei Yushi right? Li Mingfu himself is indeed the main culprit?"

Impossible, absolutely impossible! How could a small county magistrate dare to do, be able to do, and cover up such a huge thing? ...

Li Ming did not ask Lao Fang the same question.

No need.

He knew this simple truth, and the old fox Fang Xuanling must have known it too.

So, he just frowned and said:
Explain in detail.

“The distribution of banknotes is the responsibility of the county government.

"If the banknotes are not distributed properly, then the problem must be with the county magistrate."

Fang Xuanling explained briefly.

Whoever is the nominal supervisor will bear full responsibility. This is an understanding that is straighter than the bamboo on the mountain.

"Anything else?" Li Ming tapped the table.

Fang Xuanling continued slowly:

“Also, only Chang’an County has problems, while Wannian County, which is also in the capital, has no problems, and neither do other counties.

"That means that the only person who was corrupt was Chang'an Ling, and the other people were not involved.

"If higher-level officials were involved, how could the harm be limited to half of the city?"

Everyone knows the control variable method.

This explanation is more reasonable than the previous nonsense.

However, Li Ming knew that the real answer was not here yet.

"And then?" he asked patiently.

"Then what happened is..." Fang Xuanling's speech slowed down.

"Li Shuang, Li Qianyou, this guy is quite difficult to deal with.

"It would take a lot of time and effort to move him. Now is not the right time, as we are short of money and busy with many things. We should wait until this matter is over and then plan slowly."

Li Ming almost laughed out loud:
"As a county magistrate, is he more powerful than Lord Changsun, or more powerful than Lord Xuanling, or more tyrannical than me?"

He stood up and walked to Fang Xuanling's desk, smiling fiercely:
"Or is he more powerful than the emperor?"

Fang Xuanling knew that people could not teach, but things could teach people, so he said:

"Your Highness can try to 'invite' Li Qianyou to assist in the investigation."

"Just to my liking."

Li Ming started shaking people without saying anything:
"Call back the Imperial Censor Wei Ting!"

…………

"Go and capture the magistrate of Chang'an County for me."

"Ah I?"

In the study of the Secretariat, Li Ming and Wei Ting reenacted the conversation from last night.

"Didn't Your Highness promise to let me investigate the case but not arrest anyone? Is Your Highness going to break your promise?"

Facing the inaction and yet confident censor, Li Ming felt a headache:

“Of course I keep my word.

“But I will also report the details of this case, including Censor Wei’s actions, to my father.

"Even so, Censor Wei is unwilling to take action?"

How despicable... Wei Ting struggled with his thoughts for a while, and finally said in a tangled way:
"I think that the evidence is insufficient and the main culprit of corruption may not be Chang'an Ling." Good fellow, you old man dare to change your confession in court!

Li Ming became furious and kicked Old Awei out again.

Fang Xuanling had an expression that said "just wait and see" on his face and took a sip of tea calmly.

Li Ming felt a surge of anger in his heart, but it slowly subsided.

"Wei Ting may be right, and you may be right too.

"Li Qianyou is really quite capable. He is probably the main culprit in this corruption case."

Fang Xuanling nodded:

"As I said, now is a critical moment, why not..."

"Then we must not let that guy go unpunished and plunder the people's wealth in times of crisis."

Li Ming interrupted Lao Fang and continued to call people:
"Call the Minister of Justice Liu Dequan and the Minister of the Supreme Court Sun Fujia!"

…………

Li Ming used the same old trick again:

"You two go and get rid of the corrupt officials in Chang'an."

Together, they formed a complete group of 14 members, and the two leaders of the judicial and law enforcement departments patted their chests at the same time:

"no problem!"

"Okay, very spirited!"

His Highness Li Ming was very pleased and immediately issued instructions:
"Go to the Chang'an County Court and bring the county magistrate, Li Qianyou, to justice for me."

"Ahem." The Dali Temple Minister was the first to cough dryly:
"The Dali Temple is only the highest judicial body. Arresting criminals is not within its scope of responsibility."

Veins popped out on the left side of Li Ming's forehead.

The Minister of Justice looked at his colleague who was blaming others and immediately said:

"The Ministry of Justice only has the power to execute people, while the power to punish officials lies with the Censorate."

Veins popped out on both sides of Li Ming's forehead.

"Okay... okay, you're trying to shirk responsibility, right? I'll call you all together!"

Imperial Censor Wei Ting stood in front of Li Ming again.

He seemed to have anticipated this and quoted the court's rules:

"The court has regulations that if mid-level or senior officials are convicted of a crime, they must be approved by the Ministry of Personnel."

Li Ming patted his chest:
"I am the highest official of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Central Secretariat. I agree!"

Wei Ting shook his head slowly:

"That requires an official announcement from the Ministry of Personnel."

Tsk... Li Ming smacked his lips, and then, in the name of the "top leader", gave orders to all the provinces.

Not long after, the response from the Yellow Gate Minister came.

On behalf of the Menxia Province, he exercised the most classic power of the department——

Refute!

The reasons are nothing more than:
Xiao Li is a good leader, why did you replace him? We need to understand the concept of governing the country. How can we fight among ourselves when the country is in crisis? Do you have evidence? Let the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple collect evidence first.

"You guys...still give me face by coming here in person to play football with me.

"Those nameless people in the sect refused to show their faces even once!"

Looking at the innocent faces of the people sitting below, Li Ming even laughed out of anger:
"Stir it up, stir it up all you want! Stir it up so that our place becomes a mess, so that people all over the Tang Dynasty rise up in rebellion and hang us all on the old crooked tree!"

Li Ming really didn't expect that this sentence was not used to take the blame for work, but was used to arrest people.

Moreover, the targets of the attack are not Zhangsun Wuji, Cen Wenben and other hostile factions that may hinder and engage in party strife.

But a faction that is friendly and neutral to oneself!
“……”Faced with the leader’s angry rebuke, everyone was too ashamed to raise their heads.

But no one was willing to stand up and pat his chest and say: Boss, I will arrest Li Qianyou right away!
Fang Xuanling had been watching from the sidelines, and when Li Ming had almost vented his anger, he said:
"Your Highness, this matter is indeed as I have said, it is time-consuming and laborious.

"Why not just make do with it for now, and when the cash crunch is over, it won't be too late to settle the score later."

When the money shortage ends, my authority to lead the Secretariat will expire and become invalid. I can't do anything to that corrupt official now, and I will be even less able to do anything then!

Li Ming was angry and puzzled:
"Who exactly is that county magistrate, and why are you trying to avoid him?"

These guys didn't seem so tired when they were asked to fight against Zhangsun Wuji and beat the prince!
And judging from their attitude, they do not have a benevolent attitude towards the county magistrate named Li Qianyou, such as sheltering, alliance, not being able to offend or admiring him.

It's more like a "why bother stepping on this stinky shit" mentality.

The three giants of the Three Judicial Departments looked at each other and dared not say a word.

Fang Xuanling stroked his goatee lightly:

"Li Qianyou is not an ordinary county magistrate, he is the magistrate of Chang'an, the father and mother official of the capital.

"He is from the Longxi Li family and entered the officialdom through family connections. His position may not be very high, but it is quite important."

The Longxi Li family is the famous and prominent family that Li Yuan shamelessly tried to curry favor with.

This ancient branch of the Li family neither admitted nor denied it, and gained a lot of political benefits by taking advantage of this ambiguous "united front value".

"How important can the Chang'an Order be?" Li Ming didn't understand.

Shouldn't the county magistrate in the capital be the most cowardly?

When he went out to buy a bag of salt, he might meet ten people with higher official positions than him, let alone get them to obey his governance.

"The key is not the position of Chang'an Ling, but Li Qianyou himself." Fang Xuanling said:
“He has connections with all the high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen in Beijing, which means that you can find almost anyone in Beijing through him.

“So, although he doesn’t have a high position or much power.

"But if someone really wants to do something to him, he can always find the right 'connection' and escape danger every time."

Listening to this description, it feels like a social "search engine".

It doesn’t have much content in itself. Its only function is that through it, you can find the “relationship” you need.

Also known as a "social butterfly".

"Could he possibly tell the Emperor about this?" Li Ming sneered.

There was no smile on Fang Xuanling's face:

"He can also reach the sky."

Li Ming tapped the table.

He always felt that the old fox was not telling the truth, but he had no evidence.

At this time, Hou Junji came uninvited.

He rushed into the study room, walked past the three giants who were standing with their heads down like children who had made a mistake, and started talking:
"Your Highness, I would like to recommend a meritorious official to you."

Li Ming slowly raised his eyes:
"who is it?"

"Chang'an Order!"

Hou Junji was spitting everywhere, praising Li Qianyou to the skies, and was completely unaware of the strange looks around him.

Li Ming listened to the description of the top corrupt official with a half-smile, and asked directly:
"Did you take his money?"

"OK."

In front of his immediate superior and the three judicial officials, Hou Junji actually admitted it readily.

Li Ming was shocked by this:

"You still feel justified in accepting bribes?"

"It is bribery in essence, but not in form, and it does not violate the Zhenguan Law." Although Hou Junji was greedy, he was also greedy in an open and aboveboard way:

"Who among you present here has not received benefits from Li Qianyou?"

The three big players of the Three Law Departments immediately panicked:
"You, you, how can you slander someone's innocence like this!"

"What innocence? Sun Tingwei, Liu Shangshu."

Hou Junji began to call out names without hesitation:

"Li Qianyou took advantage of the assassination of Your Highness and paid for the money for the yamen runners and police officers on your behalf in the name of 'strengthening the defense of each prefecture and protecting the safety of the officials in the capital'.

“Isn’t this a benefit?”

According to the Tang Dynasty custom, the money for yamen clerks was first paid to officials by the court, and then hired by the officials themselves.

In other words, if Li Qianyou bore this part of the expenses for Sun and Liu.

The budget that the court allocated to the two of them in advance "legally" went into their pockets.

"Wei Yushi, aren't you the same?" Hou Junji continued to expose his shortcomings:

"In order to make it easier for you to escape the summer heat every year, Li Qianyou specially widened and repaired the road you must pass through, and called it 'Municipal Affairs'."

The veins on the foreheads of the three giants bulged as they argued:

"Doing good things can't be considered greed! ... The Zhenguan Code doesn't say it's not allowed, so how can it be considered greed!"

Then came some words like “Anything is allowed unless prohibited by law”, and the study was filled with an awkward atmosphere.

Based on the principle that if you get shit on yourself, you should spread it everywhere, Hou Junji killed like Lu Bu with a mop on shit, aiming at Fang Xuanling equally:

"And Prime Minister Fang, the reason why your second son Fang Yiai was able to enter the Literature Museum..."

"No need to say more, your meaning has been made clear." Fang Xuanling interrupted Hou Junji's output unceremoniously, and turned to Li Ming with a blush:
"So, it's not easy for Chang'an Ling to 'touch' him."

The corner of Li Ming's mouth twitched.

Now he fully understood why these guys were so reluctant to capture Li Qianyou.

My goodness, it turns out that all the officials, big and small, in the capital have received his favors, have had transactions with him that go beyond the relationship between colleagues, and have the secrets of his hands!
Moreover, all this was stolen money that he laundered under various pretexts!
Who doesn’t like such a “considerate” and “sensible” colleague!

So, that guy can really be fearless.

He has "friends" in every government office. With so many people protecting him, why should he be so nervous?
It is even estimated that more than half of the banknotes he embezzled during this corruption incident were taken out by him and distributed to officials at all levels as "friend fees."

"Oh... I know what to do." Li Ming sighed.

Fang Xuanling breathed a sigh of relief:.

"Taking things step by step is the right way."

Li Ming said nothing.

Fang Xuanling's mouth twitched:
"You want to take it slow, right?"

(End of this chapter)