The emperor would rather have a

Chapter 225 Promoting the New and Dismissing the Old
At first, Li Yi only regarded the joint impeachment of Zhao Shouwei by Zhang Zhao and other ministers as a form of amusement and something to watch.

However, after thinking about it more carefully, he realized that it wasn't that simple.

Zhao Shouwei, a mere Right Remonstrator of the eighth rank, held a special political position due to his authority to remonstrate, but when it came to punishing him, it was only a matter of a word from the officials of the censorate.

Why did it take for veteran officials like Zhang Zhao, who had served several dynasties, to go to such lengths and make such a big show of jointly impeaching him?

What's even more intriguing is the timing and location—they just happened to launch their attack at the grand court assembly on the first and fifteenth of each month, when the southern expeditionary army was about to set off and everyone was watching closely!

Zhang Zhao's final remonstrance, citing Emperor Taizong Li Shimin and Emperor Zhaozong Li Ye as examples, was a testament to this.

In fact, it was more like using the situation as an excuse to criticize the emperor's standards and methods of personnel selection.
The more Li Yi thought about it, the more his brows furrowed.

He doesn't usually indulge in idle speculation, but today's impeachment proceedings seem deliberately staged and an overreaction.

Is there a deeper, more complex issue hidden behind this?
If this had happened a year or two ago, Li Yi might have truly adopted a "not my problem" attitude, remaining indifferent to the intricacies of court politics and focusing solely on fulfilling his duties.

But things are different now—he is no longer the low-ranking officer who only leads his troops into battle.

He is now the Commander-in-Chief of the Palace Guards, the brother-in-law of the Emperor of the Great Zhou, and was just appointed as the Imperial Guard Commander.

His dramatic rise in status and position also meant that he could no longer remain outside the treacherous and unpredictable imperial court.

Li Yi's every move is under the watchful eyes of the public.

Any seemingly minor political development or any insignificant event can, like a pebble thrown into a lake, create ripples that ultimately affect his own interests and situation.

He couldn't help but pay attention, and he couldn't help but think deeply about it.

……

The bells and chimes signaling the end of the court session finally rang out, and the officials filed out in single file according to their rank.

Li Yi's gaze quickly swept across the crowd, locking onto Xiang Xun, who was exchanging pleasantries with several colleagues and preparing to leave.

He quickened his pace without making a sound and naturally moved closer, ending up at the same spot as Xiang Xun... Their offices were not far apart, both located in the government office area in the southwest corner of the imperial city, so they could naturally travel together.

The distance from the main hall to their respective government offices was enough for the two of them to exchange a few words.

Xiang Xun, being a man of great stature, immediately understood Li Yi's intentions upon seeing him approach. With his usual gentle smile, he cupped his hands in greeting to Li Yi: "The court session is over. Is Commander Li heading back to his office? We happen to be going the same way, why don't we travel together?"

"I dare not refuse... I request permission from the Dean!" Li Yi replied smoothly.

The two then walked side by side, following the flow of people out of the magnificent main hall gate.

As they walked to a bend in the eaves, the surrounding noise gradually faded away. The early spring sunlight, carrying a slight warmth, shone on the stone-paved path within the imperial city, casting long, slanted shadows of the two walking side by side.

Li Yi took the initiative to speak, saying, "Today's court assembly saw Minister Zhang and other senior officials jointly impeach a mere Zhao Shouwei, which was quite unexpected."

Xiang Xun didn't reply immediately. Instead, he took a few more steps before slowly speaking, his tone as calm as if he were discussing the weather: "Brother, do you think this is making a mountain out of a molehill?"

Li Yi shook his head slightly, his brows furrowing as he considered his words. “It’s not entirely making a mountain out of a molehill. Zhao Shouwei deserves his punishment, that goes without saying. But at this critical juncture of the southern campaign, to impeach someone personally promoted by the Emperor in such a high-profile manner is bound to damage His Majesty’s reputation and make him lose face.”

Xiang Xun did not stop walking, and his smile remained unchanged.

After the two turned into a corner, he said softly, "Sometimes, when a chess player makes a move, it's not necessarily about capturing the pawn that's blocking his way!"

Xiang Xun seemed to be making a casual remark.

After he finished speaking, he turned to look at Li Yi, who was deep in thought.

Xiang Xun paused slightly, then changed the subject, saying, "My dear brother, do you know that when the Emperor appointed Zhao Shouwei to an official position last year, it caused quite a stir in the court? Many officials privately discussed it, thinking that the move was too hasty and childish. Many people felt that the position of remonstrating and advising was not something that a country bumpkin with a few superficial books could be competent for?"

"However, since the Battle of Gaoping, when His Majesty personally braved arrows and stones to decisively defeat the combined forces of the pseudo-Han and Khitan, his prestige has grown increasingly strong! Since relinquishing power, he has personally made decisions on all matters, large and small, and few civil and military officials have dared to disobey him. Therefore, on that day, no one dared to openly oppose this matter, and in the end, it could only be dropped." Li Yi frowned even more deeply, pondering, "Brother Xiang, do you mean... someone wants to use this impeachment to vent their dissatisfaction with His Majesty's constant arbitrary decisions?"

Xiang Xun nodded first, then slowly shook his head, his gaze becoming profound: "In my opinion, this impeachment of Zhao Shouwei is not merely an admonition to the Emperor to be cautious in appointing officials. On the contrary, Zhang Zhao's use of Emperor Taizong and Emperor Zhaozong as examples is probably the real intention."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi nodded slightly, seemingly lost in thought, and said, "Emperor Taizong heavily relied on Liu Ji and Ma Zhou when the country was in dire need of rebuilding and stability was paramount, which led to a glorious golden age. However, Emperor Zhaozong used Zhu Pu and Liu Can when the Tang Dynasty was already fragmented and divided among warlords. Zhaozong's hasty measures, which aimed for immediate results, ultimately hastened the downfall of the country."

"That's right! My brother has great insight!"

Xiang Xun praised him generously, then whispered, "Whether it was Your Majesty's personal campaign against the false Han or the repeated large-scale southern expeditions, there have been many voices of doubt and opposition both inside and outside the court. Many people feel that Your Majesty is too impatient. You have only been on the throne for a little over two years, yet you have already launched several major wars, which is harmful to exhausting your military resources."

Seeing Li Yi's focused expression, clearly indicating that he had taken it all to heart, Xiang Xun's ego was greatly satisfied.

He cleared his throat and continued in a slightly instructive tone:
“Think about it carefully, my good brother. Although everyone in the court is a minister in the same hall, they are actually clearly divided into factions. If we talk about their background, the ‘founding nobles’ are the most prominent.”

Xiang Xun raised a finger, “These are the old retainers from the Prince’s residence who followed Emperor Taizu before the uprising in Chanzhou, such as Li Chongjin, Zhang Yongde, Wang Pu… and even your elder brother, all of whom are included here.”

Then, he raised a second finger, “Secondly, there are newly rich like you, my worthy brother, who only began to rise to prominence after His Majesty ascended the throne, and have risen to high positions in just two or three years. This is especially evident in the Imperial Guards, where all the newly promoted young and promising generals are like this.”

"But you and I have one thing in common—we were all personally promoted by the founding emperor and the current emperor. Our power, position and wealth were given by the current imperial family. We have very little connection with the previous dynasties or even the earlier Liang, Tang and Jin dynasties!"

At this point, Xiang Xun raised his third finger, his voice almost inaudible: "Finally, there are veteran officials like Zhang Zhao, who, whether due to their family background, their talent, or their ability to assess the situation, have been able to remain standing through the changing dynasties."

“These people are not only numerous, but also deeply rooted inside and outside the court, with intricate relationships. What they value is not territorial expansion or lasting fame, but seniority, rules, stability, and how to maintain their wealth and power without losing their lives in the chaos of war.”

"However..." Xiang Xun paused for a moment, then said bluntly, "Those veteran officials have witnessed too many dynastic changes and chaotic situations. They only seek stability and are unwilling to take risks. This mindset of being more inclined to maintain the status quo than to make progress is clearly contrary to Your Majesty's ambitious goal of unifying the country!"

"Therefore, the government promotes new officials and neglects veterans, elevating people like us to key positions and prominent posts, precisely so that we can act without being hindered."

"In addition, the most important Imperial Guards are also firmly in the hands of the Emperor. In this day and age, whoever has the bigger fist has the final say. Those who question and oppose are naturally helpless and can only vent their frustrations on trivial matters such as impeaching Zhao Shouwei."

As they spoke, the two walked side by side to the foot of a somewhat secluded section of the palace wall. Not far away, the gate of the Xuanhui Academy's office was in sight, and the figures of the guards on duty were clearly visible.

Unexpectedly, Xiang Xun suddenly stopped, leaned closer to Li Yi, and whispered, "Don't blame me for being nosy... Among the Imperial Guards and the Palace Guards, Li Chongjin is the nephew of Emperor Taizu, and Zhang Yongde is the son-in-law of Emperor Taizu. It is only natural that His Majesty relies on them."

“Only you, my dear brother, are different. It is not because you are related to the royal family by marriage that the Emperor values ​​you. Rather, it is because the Emperor values ​​you as a person, appreciates your talent, courage, and insight, which is why he later bestowed the grace of allowing you to marry the Empress’s sister, thus making our marriage a good match!”

"Your many virtues demonstrate His Majesty's keen insight and ability to recognize talent. But if anything goes wrong... then His Majesty will lose face!"

At this point, Xiang Xun took a step back, creating distance again, and his usual gentle smile returned to his face.

"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Xiang!" Li Yi bowed respectfully.

He pondered to himself that his initiative to befriend Xiang Xun was indeed a wise choice. This "good older brother" was truly loyal to his brothers, always informing them of any news about him immediately.

They don't hold back any advice, they point it out frankly to your face... This is not just for the sake of forming an alliance, but probably also has some sincerity in it.
"Brother!" Xiang Xun patted Li Yi's forearm, his voice filled with encouragement: "In this southern expedition, the Emperor overruled all objections and appointed you as the 'Commander-in-Chief Accompanying the Emperor,' which shows that he has placed even greater hopes on you!"

"I, your brother, will be here in Tokyo, awaiting your good news!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yi bowed deeply in gratitude.

Xiang Xun smiled and waved his hand, then turned around and strode towards the gate of the Xuanhui Academy, his figure quickly disappearing inside.

Li Yi stood still, not leaving immediately. The towering shadows of the palace walls silently enveloped him, much like his mixed feelings of joy and sorrow.

What is gratifying is the emperor's trust and respect, but what is also worrying is the same thing.

As the saying goes, the higher you climb, the harder you fall.

In this situation... Li Yi felt the deep malice of this world.

(End of this chapter)