I am a prince in Zhutian Films

Chapter 135: Two or Three Things About the Ascension

Various scenes of betrayal, surrender, and brink of collapse were being played out in the Supervisory Council, which made Li Chengzong frown.

The Censorate has a very loud reputation in the civil officialdom of Qing State, and its image is too eerie and terrifying. Since its establishment, it has been known for its mystery and eeriness. It is a secret agency directly under the emperor, and plays an extremely powerful, eerie and terrifying role in the government.

Although the Supervisory Office has always targeted the Qing Kingdom's officialdom, it has offended many civil officials due to its ruthless actions and terrible means. Offending civil officials means offending the scholar-official group in the world, so the Supervisory Office has always had a very bad reputation among the people.

According to popular legend, the Censorate is a gloomy government office that is cruel and cruel, and is best at forcing confessions from people under torture and killing people without hesitation. Although in recent years a brilliant young Lord Fan has emerged from the Censorate, who has slightly diluted the dark atmosphere of the Censorate, he has been in charge of the affairs of the Censorate for a short time after all, and this is not enough to change the image of the Censorate that has been deeply rooted among the people.

The Supervisory Yuan needs to change, and Li Chengzong already has ideas about how to change it. He just needs the support of the old president Chen Pingping, so this is why he is willing to spare Chen Pingping's life.

Autumn has just arrived, and it is slightly chilly but not bone-chilling.

The autumn rain was getting heavier and heavier, and the whole palace was shrouded in misty rain. Water splashed on the ground, wet the clothes, and made the heart feel extremely cold.

Li Chengqian is very cold now, and his figure walking in the rain looks very lonely. He desperately needs a warm embrace to warm his cold body and mind.

So after coming out of Taiji Hall, he did not return to the East Palace, but went to Guangxin Palace.

Unfortunately, when he arrived at Guangxin Palace, Princess Li Yunrui had gone to the imperial study, and he missed her perfectly.

No one knew what the eldest princess and the two grand secretaries Shu and Hu talked about with the third prince in the imperial study. It was just that after Emperor Qing's funeral, when the third prince ascended the throne, the eldest princess stood in the court and replaced the Minister of Revenue Fan Jian.

Fan Xian outside the palace was very anxious and wanted to leave Kyoto with his family.

He was very sure that Li Chengzong was not trying to scare him. If he didn't take his family away, everyone would die.

Just as Li Chengzong guessed, Liu Ruyu, who was in love, did not choose to stay, but chose to follow Fan Jian and leave Qing Kingdom.

The Fan family's carriage slowly drove away from Kyoto City without encountering any obstruction.

It is said that autumn rain makes people worry, but Fan Xian did not feel too worried. He sat in the caravan, practicing Qigong to repair his injuries as the carriage rose and fell, allowing the two different types of Qi in his body to flow secretly in the upper and lower circulations.

The natural Qi method of Tianyi Dao was circulated in Zhou Tian's body. It was gentle and pure, and had already gained the essence of the mind. The domineering Qi that he truly relied on circulated throughout his body, strengthening his identity and hammering his mind.

In Fan Xian's opinion, Li Chengzong might not let his family leave Qing Kingdom safely, so he must recover his peak strength as soon as possible. Of course, it would be even better if he could break through his current martial arts skills.

Compared to Fan Xian, other people in the Fan Mansion had very complicated feelings.

Fan Jian lifted the curtain of his carriage, looked back at the top of the Kyoto city wall, and muttered to himself: "After leaving the capital this time, will there be a day when I can come back?"

"Master, we will definitely be able to come back."

Liu Ruyu, who was traveling in the same car, said this to comfort Fan Jian as well as herself.

They actually wanted to stay in Kyoto, but Kyoto was no longer a place for them.

Fan Jian shook his head, lowered the car curtain, and said nothing.

The Fan family's carriage was leaving the capital, speeding up faster and faster, heading towards the Qi State in the north.

Since then, the Fan family, one of the four major families in Kyoto, came to an end.

……

……

The sad autumn rain fell naturally. The green tree branches and leaves on both sides of the streets of Kyoto had not yet had time to turn themselves yellow. They could only helplessly shed a few fallen leaves to prove that autumn had come. The autumn rain was very cold and the autumn wind was very strong.

The rain moistened the earth, but it annoyed the common people who worked hard to make a living in the city, because this autumn rain had been falling for several days in a row, and the chill it brought was getting more and more severe, making them very dislike the chill they felt in their bodies.

The vermilion palace walls were insensitive and unaware of the cold or heat. They just silently and indifferently welcomed the rain. The rain wet the majestic imperial city, but made the originally bright vermilion color become deeper and darker, like a blood scab that was about to coagulate.

The bell in the corner tower of the imperial city rang, and the dull and heavy sound struck the hearts of everyone in the imperial city.

The deep palace gate slowly opened with a heavy creaking sound. The newly installed brass nails on the big wooden door seemed to shine with a strange light. More than a hundred officials with different expressions walked in one after another. Led by their escorts, they walked along the street all the way to the Taiji Palace.

The moment he entered the palace, he saw the five princes and the eldest princess Li Yunrui who was supposed to be imprisoned in Guangxin Palace.

It was not surprising that the prince was in Taiji Hall, but the appearance of the eldest princess in Taiji Hall made many people very confused. However, since it was the coronation ceremony of the third prince, no one dared to ask.

After a complicated ceremony, the sound of celebratory string and wind instruments was heard outside the temple gate.

Li Chengzong walked up to the high platform of Taiji Hall with a helpless look on his face. Everyone in the hall knelt down and shouted, "Please ascend the throne, Your Majesty."

This happened three times, and Li Chengzong also bowed three times to show his reverence for heaven, earth and man. Then he stood up and sat down on the dragon throne.

Frankly speaking, he didn't know why the Second Brother and the Crown Prince cared so much about this chair.

It's hard and a bit uncomfortable on the buttocks, and it can also be a bit freezing when the weather is cold.

"Everyone, please excuse me."

All the officials stood up. Li Chengzong glanced at the distraught Crown Prince and said to the people below: "According to the investigation of the Royal Palace, the Crown Prince and Duke Danbo colluded with the Dongyi assassins of Northern Qi to assassinate the late emperor at Dadong Mountain, intending to usurp the throne. What do you think should be done with the two of them?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Left Censor-in-Chief Lai Mingcheng stepped forward and saluted, "Does your majesty have any evidence?"

As for the prince's rebellion, he believed it. After all, the late emperor offered sacrifices to heaven at Mount Dadong in order to depose the prince, which had already pushed the prince into a desperate situation. It was normal for the prince to do something desperate.

But when it comes to the accusation that Fan Xian was plotting a rebellion, Lai Mingcheng simply doesn't believe it. Fan Xian was a minister highly valued by the previous emperor. He did not have the conditions to ascend the throne, so he had no reason to usurp the throne.

"Have!"

When these words were spoken, everyone except a few people was shocked.

Lai Mingcheng was stunned, still a little unconvinced: "I wonder what evidence your majesty has?"

"Eunuch Hong, Si Gu Jian, and Ku He are all witnesses."

Li Chengzong smiled and asked calmly, "Censor Lai, do you think I am wrongly accusing Fan Xian?"

"I don't dare!"

Lai Mingcheng bowed to the ground and said in deep sorrow: "The late emperor was assassinated in Dadong Mountain. He was the same generation as the emperor. However, within half a month, the military and the prefectures and counties have already said that it was Lord Danbo who did it. However, I know Lord Danbo very well. He would never do such a heinous crime."

"so what?"

The calm tone chilled everyone's heart, and Lai Mingcheng, who was kneeling on the ground, felt even colder. However, as the most resolute man in Qing State, how could he fear death? So Lai Mingcheng bowed and said, "I beg Your Majesty to let me investigate the Dadongshan assassination case thoroughly."

"I never thought that I was so unbearable in Lai Yushi's heart. All right, you can investigate if you want, but I will only give you one year. If there is no result after one year, I will abolish the Censorate." Li Chengzong spoke calmly, and said after pausing for the last word: "I don't keep useless people under my command."

It is said that a new official will start with three things when he takes office, but I didn’t expect the first one to come so quickly.

Moreover, the incident also affected the Censorate. Lai Mingcheng will probably have a hard time in the future.

After all, everyone knows that the new emperor has always been a man of evidence. Without concrete evidence, he would never have announced the actions of Fan Xian and the prince.

In addition, the fact that all members of the Fan family fled Kyoto clearly showed that they were on the run for fear of crime, which was enough to show that Fan Xian was related to the Dadongshan case.

Censor Lai couldn't even think of this, he is really getting old and confused!
As for Lai Mingben himself, he was completely dumbfounded.

He had always firmly believed that Fan Xian would not kill the late emperor, so he was actually prepared to die for his advice today.

But he never expected that Li Chengzong would agree so casually.

What was even more unexpected was that Li Chengzong actually wanted to mobilize the entire Censorate.

Lai Mingcheng suddenly felt regretful, but Li Chengzong did not give him a chance to speak. He said calmly, "The Crown Prince and Fan Xian colluded with the Northern Qi Dongyi assassins to assassinate the late emperor on Mount Dadong, intending to usurp the throne. They deserve death, but I have just ascended the throne and am planning to grant amnesty to the world, so I will pardon the two of them, depose Li Chengqian from the title of Crown Prince, remove him from the clan register, and demote him to a commoner."

"As for Fan Xian, he will be stripped of all his official positions and exiled outside Qing. He will never be allowed to enter the borders of Qing. No checkpoints along the way will be needed to stop him. But if he is still in Qing territory after one month, he can be executed first and reported later!"

"My Lords, what do you think of my handling of this matter?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole hall was in an uproar again.

All the ministers of Qing Kingdom knew very well that when it came to the struggle for imperial power, there was no room for gentleness, especially for such a serious crime that could punish the entire nine generations of the clan. The root of the problem should have been eradicated, but the new emperor let the two of them go.

It was really hard for everyone to get used to it. After all, this man was always cruel and ruthless, and would often massacre entire families. It was totally unexpected that he had such a gentle side.

At this moment, all the officials breathed a sigh of relief.

First of all, everyone hopes that the emperor sitting on the dragon throne is a gentle one.

Furthermore, no one knows whether Fan Xian and the prince have any other cards up their sleeves. If they dig deeper, I am afraid that many things will be involved, and Qing country will be in turmoil again.

Therefore, no court official opposed Li Chengzong's decision.

"Since no one objects, I will tell you the second thing. Now that Fan Jian has gone north, the position of Minister of Revenue is vacant. I have decided to temporarily let Princess Li Yunrui take charge of the Ministry of Revenue..."

Before he could finish his words, Lai Mingcheng interrupted him and said, "Your Majesty, no!"

I had not forgotten Shu Wu, the stubborn old man, but I had forgotten Lai Mingcheng, the stubborn boy.

Li Chengzong now finally understood why the old man had always wanted to kill Lai Mingcheng.

It's really annoying!
Li Chengzong looked at Lai Mingcheng and frowned, "Censor Lai, tell me why it's not possible?"

"I only want to ask Your Majesty one question: Is there any woman in the world who can be an official?"

Lai Mingcheng knelt down, bowed his head, opened his mouth, and shouted: "I beg Your Majesty to withdraw your order."

"I beg Your Majesty to withdraw your order."

"I beg Your Majesty to withdraw your order."

"..."

As these words were spoken, figures knelt down one after another, but there were not many people kneeling down, and most of them were censors from the Censorate.

As for the remaining officials... although they support Lai Mingcheng from the bottom of their hearts, they have good vision.

You know, Your Majesty letting the eldest princess serve as an official in the court is not only a precedent, but also a heretical act. I believe no one can accept it. However, the two Grand Secretaries Shu and Hu, who are most concerned about etiquette and rules, did not say anything. It can be seen that the two Grand Secretaries knew about this in advance. Although it is not known how Your Majesty persuaded the two Grand Secretaries to agree, as long as the two Grand Secretaries did not object, the matter was a foregone conclusion.

Since the matter has been settled and opposition is useless, why bother offending the eldest princess?

That woman is not easy to deal with.

In terms of means, few civil and military officials in the court can match her, otherwise she would not have controlled the court of Qing Kingdom for so many years.

Moreover, Li Yunrui is ruthless and vengeful, so there is no need for him to be like the fool in the Censorate and bring disaster to his own family.

"There is no need to discuss this matter any further. The Princess will take charge of the Ministry of Revenue."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Yunrui stepped out and saluted, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will definitely live up to your expectations."

"hope so."

The reason why Li Yunrui was let go and appointed as the Minister of Revenue is very simple.

He needed to take the power of the inner treasury from Fan Xian as soon as possible, and Li Yunrui, as the former head of the inner treasury, was naturally the most suitable candidate.

Of course, in addition to this, it is also to lay a foundation for improving the status of women in the future.

Seeing this, Lai Mingcheng became even more depressed and shouted: "Your Majesty, you can't do this!"

Li Chengzong, sitting high on the dragon throne, looked at Lai Mingcheng, who was leading the opposition, and shook his head with mixed feelings. Finally, he said in a cold voice: "Come here, Censor Lai is old and has been unwell recently. Take him back to the palace to recuperate."

When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was shocked.

In the empty Taiji Hall, all the ministers were silent, watching several eunuchs supporting Lai Mingcheng's arms. At the same time, they caught a glimpse of many people walking outside the Taiji Hall. Those figures carrying short straight swords were obviously palace guards.

At this moment, all the ministers in the hall knew that if anyone made trouble again today, it would end in a bloody scene in the hall.

Lai Mingcheng also knew it, so he gave a bitter smile and did not struggle at all. He allowed the eunuch beside him to tie his arms, and was eventually half-supported and half-escorted out of the Taiji Hall.

Seeing this, Li Chengzong breathed a sigh of relief. Although he didn't mind killing people to establish his authority, he really couldn't bring himself to do it to Lai Mingcheng, an honest official. After all, these stubborn civil officials were intimidated by the power of the royal family and dared not be too presumptuous.

"Okay, one last thing. Tell Ye Zhong to lead his troops back to the capital immediately. I want to start a war."

As soon as the words fell, the entire Tai Chi Hall was in an uproar.

The people of Qing, who are full of enthusiasm for expanding their borders, are never afraid of war. Instead, they hope to start a war and unify the whole world...

(End of this chapter)