Ming Dynasty: I, Yan Maoqing, am truly radiating auspicious energy!

Chapter 177 What's going on here?! [Requesting monthly votes]

This announcement was made.

The once lively scene instantly fell silent.

Although the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices did not know who the imperial edict was for, they could only stop what they were doing and, in accordance with etiquette, turn around and kneel to receive it.

"What's up with Big Fool Zhu this time?"

Even Yan Maoqing, who was resting in his office, was alarmed and quickly went to the front of the crowd to receive the imperial decree.

He had no clue what to do with this imperial edict either.

Because recently, nothing significant has happened in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices that would warrant Zhu Houcong's attention.

At most, some people have recently become overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility under his pretentious influence, and have submitted several memorials requesting the court to continue to thoroughly investigate the encroachment of the capital's powerful and wealthy on the interests of the people.

Apart from that, all that remained were the few precise impeachment memorials submitted by Yan Shifan under his coercion.

Furthermore, Yan Shifan clearly held back; among the officials he impeached, apart from Zhao Wenhua, the Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review who was specifically named by Yan Maoqing, the others were all insignificant figures…

"Eunuch Chen..."

As Yan Shifan knelt down, he felt a special gaze cast seemingly unintentionally by the eunuch delivering the imperial decree.

He recognized the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict.

It was Chen Xi, the eunuch who had previously sent his godson to the Yan residence to deliver a message. It was this same eunuch who told the father and son, "Yan Maoqing inadvertently let slip that he was full of praise for Yan Song and supported Yan Song's entry into the cabinet..."

However, the way Chen Xi was looking at him now was not quite right.

It was as if the imperial edict delivered to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices today had some connection to him...

Fortunately, this eunuch Chen didn't keep everyone waiting for long.

After Yan Maoqing walked to the front of the crowd to receive the imperial decree,

"Cough cough!"

As usual, Chen Xi cleared his throat, then unfolded the imperial edict in his hand and read aloud:
By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

A memorial has been submitted impeaching Yan Shifan, the Left Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, for embezzling and accepting bribes, living extravagantly and exceeding the bounds of propriety while serving in the Left Army Commandery, the Rear Army Commandery, and the Shuntian Prefecture. He also allowed his servants to abuse the people and even assaulted and humiliated officials.

The Imperial Household Department was ordered to immediately investigate and determine the guilt based on the facts, without any concealment!

Admire this! 】

"!!!"

Yan Shifan only heard the first half of it before his face turned deathly pale.

He knows it!

Yan Maoqing forced him to submit a memorial impeaching and reporting him, which will surely bring him retaliation. And it has already come so quickly.

In particular, Yan Maoqing specifically asked him to impeach Zhao Wenhua, who was the Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review, and all the memorials submitted to the emperor had to go through his hands. This was simply forcing him to walk into a trap!
It's important to know that Zhao Wenhua's background is far from simple.

He not only maintained close ties with the Southeast forces, but sometimes even directly spoke on their behalf.

When Yan Song adopted Zhao Wenhua as his godson, it was precisely because of this that he valued Zhao Wenhua, hoping to use him to establish connections with the forces in the southeast and gain greater support from the court.

The reason he compromised with Yan Maoqing was...

It was really just a matter of weighing the two evils and choosing the lesser one.

After all, an official position is a kind of protective charm.

Without this official position, any scoundrel could easily report him, and the Shuntian Prefecture government or the Embroidered Uniform Guard could directly arrest him and imprison him. He might even die in prison and no one would care.

And with this official position, especially as a Beijing official...

Therefore, regardless of rank or fault, all cases must be reported to the Emperor for a decision, and no one may act arbitrarily.

Compared to the former, he felt that even if the emperor knew about his previous illegal crimes, it would be better than being imprisoned without a clear explanation, or even being murdered and killed in prison.

After all, his father, Yan Song, was currently working for the emperor.

Even if the emperor doesn't care about the monks, he will still consider the Buddha's feelings and prioritize the overall situation, showing some leniency to his subordinates.

Again.

Embezzlement, bribery, extravagance, abuse of power, even assaulting and humiliating officials... these things may sound terrible, but in the emperor's eyes they are just trivial matters.

His father, Yan Song, had told him this countless times before.

These crimes are not punishable by death by the Emperor. As long as one is loyal to the Emperor, one can be forgiven or even tolerated by him.

This was the main reason he compromised with Yan Maoqing, and it was also the source of his confidence.

But Rao is so.

He still felt a sense of unease in his heart.

This was the first time in his life that he had faced an imperial edict from the emperor demanding accountability and punishment.

Although the amount of his embezzlement, the extent of his extravagance, his abuse of servants and mistreatment of the people, and his beating and humiliation of officials were only minor offenses, they were insignificant compared to the other powerful figures (Yan Song was not yet the Grand Secretary and did not wield absolute power, so Yan Shifan's more heinous crimes were naturally beyond his power and opportunity to commit).

But being personally questioned by the Emperor at this moment still puts him under unimaginable psychological pressure.

only……

Why was it "the Court of Imperial Sacrifices shall immediately investigate and determine the guilt based on the facts"?
The latter half of the imperial edict was completely incomprehensible to Yan Shifan.

He had served as the magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture for several years, so he was very familiar with the judicial system in officialdom.

In this matter, if any official under the Court of Imperial Sacrifices dares to ask him again, "You're asking me what the Court of Imperial Sacrifices is?"

He actually dared to interrupt him and retort on the spot, "Your Imperial Household Department is nothing but bullshit!"
Because the judicial system of the Ming Dynasty consisted of the three judicial departments: the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review, plus the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the now almost obsolete Eastern Depot... As for the Western Depot, which had long been abolished, it was best not to mention it.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices had no judicial power whatsoever, so how could it "conduct an immediate investigation and determine guilt based on facts"?
Does a crime convicted by the Court of Imperial Sacrifices have even the slightest legal effect?
"???"

Yan Maoqing was also puzzled at the moment, pondering the same question.

Is Big Fool Zhu catching a cold this time?
When did the Court of Imperial Sacrifices in the Ming Dynasty become the one to "immediately investigate and determine guilt based on facts"? Was he deaf and misheard, or did this eunuch misread it, or did the foolish Zhu write the decree incorrectly?
I thought so in my heart.

Yan Maoqing unconsciously turned around and looked at the group of officials from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices behind him.

These people all looked puzzled, exchanging bewildered glances as if they couldn't understand the imperial edict, and some even looked at him with questioning eyes.

"Minister Yan, why haven't you led your men to receive the imperial decree and express your gratitude?"

After waiting for a long time with his airs intact, Eunuch Chen had no choice but to urge Yan Maoqing and the others to kowtow and receive the decree.

"This... Your Excellency, is it possible that there's a mistake in this imperial edict?"

Yan Maoqing tentatively asked in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Chen's expression changed, and he immediately lowered his voice and said:
"Minister Yan wouldn't dare to speak nonsense. Do you know how many people will lose their heads and how many will lose their official positions if there's a mistake in the imperial edict?"

"That……"

Yan Maoqing wanted to say something more.

"Minister Yan, I guarantee with my life that the imperial edict is absolutely correct. Quickly, everyone should receive the edict and express their gratitude!"

Eunuch Chen then whispered,

"After receiving this imperial edict, we have another imperial edict to read aloud. After hearing this second imperial edict, Minister Yan's doubts will be resolved."

"This……"

Upon hearing this, Yan Maoqing's heart skipped a beat, and a very bad premonition welled up in his mind.

However, at this moment, he could only be forced to lead his subordinates in kowtowing:
"Your humble servants accept the decree and will forever abide by its instructions!"

"Your humble servants obey the decree and will forever submit to its instructions!!!"

All the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices followed suit and kowtowed, and Yan Maoqing accepted the imperial edict with both hands.

Some people, thinking the imperial edict had been read aloud and the ceremony of receiving it was over, immediately stood up and shouted: "Minister Yan, this is clearly slander! This is clearly a frame-up! This is clearly revenge from corrupt officials!"

"Since Yan Shifan came to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, he has always been low-key and humble, and his life and diet have been quite simple. How could he have committed such evil deeds?"

"In my humble opinion, it must be because Yan Shifan has been diligently performing his duties recently and has been courageous in submitting memorials to impeach corrupt officials in the court. As a result, he has aroused the resentment of some people, who are deliberately fabricating incidents to attack him!"

"I will be the first to disagree. I will submit a memorial to the Emperor, requesting that he investigate the matter thoroughly!"

Yan Maoqing turned around to look at the sound.

But the person who stepped forward was none other than Kong Jian, the Junior Chamberlain who had been mercilessly beaten by Yan Shifan on his first day at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

"I will not agree either. I will submit a memorial together with Kong Zhanshi!"

“How can we, the people of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, allow ourselves to be bullied, especially by a loyal minister like Yan Shifan who is not afraid of powerful figures? I will also submit a memorial!”

"Me too. If we cannot protect a loyal minister like Yan Shifan, how can we talk about supporting the crown prince and restoring order to the country?"

"Count me in……"

Including those recently promoted by Yan Maoqing, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices only had about twenty people in total, yet they managed to create a grand and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Even Chen Yingda and Shen Kun got involved, joining in the shouts and cheers of these stubborn yet naive lunatics.

It's no wonder they were deceived by Yan Shifan's current appearance.

After all, Yan Song was very good at disguising himself before becoming the Grand Secretary. The current Yan Shifan is not a well-known Grand Secretary. He is limited by his power and has not yet had the opportunity to do anything that would anger the people. His fame is not that high.

In addition, he had just experienced the coldness of human relationships a few days ago, and with Yan Maoqing, like a five-finger mountain, pressing down on him, even if he were Sun Wukong, he would have to behave himself for the time being.
"..."

On the contrary, Gao Gong, who had a fiery temper, was the calmest at this moment.

Despite Yan Shifan's recent behavior, which is indeed as everyone says, he is low-key, humble, and lives a simple life, while also strictly fulfilling his duties and constantly submitting memorials to impeach the corrupt officials he has heard of.

However, as a former supporter of Xia Yan, he had heard some unpleasant rumors about Yan Song and Yan Shifan.

Furthermore, he understood Yan Maoqing's character.

Although this guy may seem cunning and treacherous, and often acts unseriously, he is at heart a truly trustworthy mentor and friend.

If Yan Maoqing truly regarded Yan Shifan as his nephew and a subordinate official worthy of his trust.

Therefore, his impeachment memorials, which would surely create powerful enemies in the court, would not leave the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Even if they were to be submitted, Yan Maoqing would definitely change his name and submit them himself in private, and would at least never let Yan Shifan take the blame for such a thing alone.

Therefore, Gao Gong had reason to suspect that this matter was not as simple as it appeared on the surface...

at the same time.

"Everyone..."

Looking at the excited officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Yan Shifan was momentarily lost in thought.

If this situation were to happen to an unrelated person, or to a political enemy, he would only laugh at these people in his heart for being pedantic, simple-minded, or even stupid.

Or, they could be seen as hypocrites who are currying favor with Yan Maoqing.

After all, he was not related to them. Taking the initiative to submit a memorial to rescue him in this matter would not only not bring them any benefit, but might also bring them some trouble.

But after spending these days together, he has gained a certain understanding of these people.

He couldn't possibly fail to see that these officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices were not just paying lip service.

More than half of them were simple-minded to the point of being foolish, and stubborn to the point of being pedantic. Once they had spoken up, they would really disregard their own interests and rush to submit memorials to rescue him.

If there are bad people in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Yan Maoqing, as a minister, was bound to be the first to be targeted. He was like a wolf among sheep in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and even Yan Shifan had to admit defeat.

After all, he was just arrogant and domineering in the past, and at most he would get hurt.

Yan Maoqing, however, was toying with these people's feelings. The day he stopped pretending, he would probably destroy their hearts. He was utterly wicked.

At that moment, Yan Shifan suddenly felt pity for them.

If given the chance, he wouldn't mind rescuing these people from Yan Maoqing's clutches, so they wouldn't be unable to face the harsh reality one day.

After all, these people are foolish and naive.

But it was one of the people he had met since childhood.

Just because he was forced by Yan Maoqing to submit a memorial impeaching corrupt officials, he was regarded as a loyal minister who was not afraid of powerful people and was a fool who was willing to lend a helping hand to him without seeking reward or benefit.

It's just that this young master has taken pity on these fools out of pity...

Just as I was thinking this.

"quiet!"

Suddenly, Eunuch Chen shouted again, taking another imperial edict from the eunuch behind him, raising it high above his head, and coldly sweeping his gaze over the crowd:
"All officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, kneel down again to receive the imperial decree!"

"besides?"

Everyone was taken aback, and Yan Maoqing, whose bad premonition was growing stronger and stronger, and who had no mind to care about anything else, knelt down again.

"Cough cough!"

Eunuch Chen then performed the ritual of an official speaking before the morning court session, coughing twice as a symbolic gesture, before opening the imperial edict and loudly reciting:

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

The crown prince is the foundation of the nation, and overseeing the country is his duty.

Since the Court of Imperial Sacrifices had been assisting the Imperial Palace, it immediately took over the supervision of state affairs and the power to oversee criminal cases.

From princes and nobles to commoners, all were subject to impeachment.

Its authority extends beyond the boundaries of territory; it can directly investigate any person or matter that is suspected.

He allowed people to report matters based on hearsay, and to arrest prisoners without waiting for imperial approval.

Special instruments of torture were set up in the imperial prison, granting the authority to conduct trials.

The old system of the Three Judicial Offices was temporarily suspended, and a new system of arrest, interrogation, and judgment was initiated.

Consult your master.

In accordance with my intention to prioritize the foundation of the nation, I urge you to exercise extraordinary powers with caution.

Admire this! 】

"Eh???!!!"

Yan Maoqing immediately raised his head, his eyes wide as a cow's, and his mouth could even fit an ostrich egg.

This is... isn't this a privilege of the Western Depot? Am I now a male eunuch?!

"Um???!!!"

Yan Shifan also looked up suddenly, his face filled with indescribable shock, and even a hint of fear.

Just two days ago, Yan Maoqing told him personally, "Your uncle has connections to the highest levels of society." So this is how he gets these connections?!

So that first, incomprehensible imperial edict was actually meant like this?!

Is the Court of Imperial Sacrifices now going to exercise the privileges of the Western Depot?!
"ha???!!!"

Kong Jian, Chen Yingda, Shen Kun, Gao Gong, and other officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices were also dumbfounded, and even couldn't help but make a commotion.

Who in the Ming Dynasty hadn't heard of the infamous reputation of the Western Depot?!
"???!!!"

Crown Prince Xian Ma Lü Maocai's heart skipped a beat.

Why is it that the more I betray Yan Maoqing, the more power he gains?!

What exactly does the Emperor mean by acting so perversely...?

(End of this chapter)