Demoness, where are you Fleeing to?
Chapter 641 - 526: The Princess Governs the Country (Seeking Monthly Votes)_1

Chapter 641: Chapter 526: The Princess Governs the Country (Seeking Monthly Votes)_1

After the departure of the man and the snake, the atmosphere inside the Yizheng Hall felt even more grave and solemn.

Even Shaobao Yu Jie wore a serious expression.

The case of the Crown Prince’s sudden illness involved the foundation of the nation. In some ways, it was even more important than all other state affairs.

The gaze of Cifu Gao Gu was even more frigid and stern, "[Your] Majesty, due to the case of Qing of Honglu Temple, Bang Zhengyi, rumors have been swirling in the court, stirring up discussions. Bang Zhengyi was originally part of the Qingliu faction and has been teaching at the Guozi Bureau for many years. Over this time, he has developed a wide array of contacts and his disciples are scattered throughout court circles. Thus, since this case came forward, numerous officials have been feeling panicked. Hence, I petition Your Majesty to let the three law divisions preside over the trial of this case to dispel the doubts of the court officials. If Bang Zhengyi is indeed implicated in the case, the court can justly enforce the law as an example to others."

After hearing this, Minister of Personnel, Wang Wen, let out a cold laugh, "Hand it over to the three law divisions? At the beginning of the year, when the Crown Prince had a brain tumor attack, everyone in the court thought that the Crown Prince fell ill due to congenital deficiency and the rebel Zhenru. At that time, did anyone from the three law divisions express any doubts? If it were not for the relentless probing by Marquis of Guanjun, the truth about the Crown Prince’s illness would have been nearly buried by those with ulterior motives! Your Majesty, if you hand this case to the three law divisions, I fear the truth will never come out."

He had not mentioned this before, but now that he did, the face of the officials in attendance, such as the Minister of Punishments Yu Shiyue and the Qing of Dali Temple, were all flushed with shame.

Persistently over the past six months Jingtai Emperor hadn’t given up on discovering the truth behind Crown Prince’s sudden illness, an effort dismissed by these two. They even secretly criticized it, considering it a result of the Jingtai Emperor’s doting and irrational love for his son.

In his personal view, Yu Shiyue didn’t really wish to involve himself in this case. As it was related to the royal lineage, how could he not tread carefully?

He knew the intention of Cifu Gao Gu was to control the reins of this case through the three law divisions.

But the words of Minister Wang Wen from the Ministry of Personnel had somewhat humiliated him.

Jingtai Emperor then coldly declared, "The handling of the Crown Prince’s case by Marquis of Guanjun has been precisely in line with my heart’s desire. What is the need for a change in personnel? Gao Gu, you are simply worrying due to the unease of the court officials. However, I believe letting them fret a bit wouldn’t be too bad."

He had clearly seen through the intentions of Gao Gu and how could he ever allow the Qingliu faction to interfere in this case?

At that point, Gao Gu’s face turned pale, as he discerned the Jingtai Emperor’s resentment and strong dissatisfaction in that statement.

"Your Majesty!" That was Shang Hong, the left Shilang of the Ministry of War. He slightly bowed in the hall saying, "I am at ease with this case being handled by Marquis of Guanjun. However, the forces of the Xiuyiwei and the inner Jishi Institute are slightly deficient, and also considering the stability of the court, I request that Yu Shiyue, Minister of Punishments, assist in this case."

Upon hearing this, every official present—including Chen Xun, Yu Jie, and others—cast appreciative glances towards Shang Hong. Even Gao Gu, after a moment of surprise, also relaxed slightly.

He knew that Yu Shiyue, Minister of Punishments, although a member of the Emperor’s faction, was still an upright scholar-official who was honest and straightforward.

Once he was involved, he would not allow any attempt to exploit the case of Qing of Honglu Temple, Bang Zhengyi, and frame others.

The Jingtai Emperor pondered briefly, then slightly nodded his agreement, "Alright!"

Subsequently, he with his eyes slightly widened, stated, "Handling the case of Qing of Honglu Temple, Bang Zhengyi’s conspiracy against the Crown Prince is one matter, but the so-called ’Gumu’ is another and it should be the first priority! Send my decree to raise the bounty on ’Gumu’ to two million taels now. Whoever captures this scoundrel alive, regardless of their origin, will be appointed the hereditary role of Town Commander of Xiuyiwei. Anyone over the 4th rank will have their official position promoted by three levels!"

Moments after the Xiuyiwei and the inner Jishi Institute had learned about ’Gumu’ being implicated in the case from Li Xuan, they had already started a full-scale search for this individual.

However, regarding the clues available at present, ’Gumu’ was last seen in the Capital City about six months ago, on the night the Crown Prince fell ill.

This was yet another matter that enraged the Jingtai Emperor. He was even slightly dissatisfied with Zuo Daoxing.

Upon hearing this, the Grand Secretary Chen Xun gave a bitter smile. Regardless, he bowed immediately, "Your servant, Chen Xun, obeys the command!"

Having said this, he effectively silenced the court officials behind him while also earning a few discontented glances from some ministers.

However, Chen Xun didn’t mind. He knew when it was appropriate to advise the emperor and when to go along with his wishes.

Then, just as the Jingtai Emperor’s anger subsided, the left Dudu from the Central Army Dudu’s mansion, Marquis of Fengcheng, Guo Cong, stepped forward from among the ministers, "Your Majesty, I would like to ask for a reward for Marquis of Guanjun, Li Xuan! Marquis of Guanjun traveled to Qinghai-Tibet for just over a month, and for the court, he killed rebels such as Duogansi Khan, intimidated the twelve Dharma kings, and forced local chiefs into submission. The magnitude of his achievements is no less significant than pioneering new territories!

At present, there’s a vacancy for the position of Dudu Tongzhi in the Right Army Dufu. With the merit of Guanjun Marquis, he can be promoted to fill this position."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuan looked on in astonishment at the most authoritative military minister in the kingdom.

Marquis of Fengcheng, Guo Cong, was one of the leaders of the northern military families. Although he and this person hadn’t ever had a direct conflict, they didn’t share much of a relationship either.

Why was this person so kind today, actively advocating for his merit?

Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary Chen Xun’s eyes glistened slightly. He shot a cold glance at Marquis of Fengcheng and then let out a disdainful chuckle.

The game Marquis of Fengcheng was playing was merely elevating someone in order to devalue them later. Most likely, it was due to the increasing influence of the Marquis of Guanjun in the military over the recent months via ’Central Army Judge’ that made him restless.

However, he didn’t pay any heed and didn’t step forward to refute it either.

As expected, in the next instant, Jingtai Emperor coldly said, "The merit of Marquis of Guanjun, Li Xuan, who visited Tubo, certainly deserves a generous reward. However, the position of ’Dudu Tongzhi of the Right Army Dufu’ may not be enough to reward his merit. According to my idea, there is no need for a lateral transfer. We can directly promote him to ’Dudu Tongzhi of the Central Army Dufu.’"

At once, the faces of all the ministers in attendance changed. Although the position of Dudu Tongzhi of the Central Army Dufu was also a second-rank official, it was a substantive position responsible for military affairs, ranking far above Dudu Qianshi. It was the second-most powerful person in the Weisuo army, second only to the left Dudu of the Central Army.

The key point was that the position of Dudu Tongzhi in the Central Army Dufu, along with that of Judge in the Central Army, could entirely negate the left Dudu of the Central Army, making the holder the de facto first person in the military.

Cifu Gao Gu frowned, "Your Majesty, I know of Your Majesty’s love and appreciation for the Marquis of Guanjun. However, the promotion to ’Central Army Dufu Dudu Tongzhi’ was too fast. After all, Marquis of Guanjun is only just past his youth. I fear that the armies might not accept this."

Consequently, all of the court officials including Chen Xun, and others unanimously prostrated themselves, "Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"

The Jingtai Emperor seemed reluctant. After contemplating for a moment, he reluctantly said, "Fine, the co-commander’s position in the Central Army can be temporarily dismissed, and the matter of conferring rewards on the Marquis of Guanjun can be reconsidered by the Cabinet.

However, the capable are often burdened with extra responsibilities. The Marquis of Guanjun is famed for his literary and military skills, his extraordinary talent and grand strategy is renowned across the world, and I heavily rely on him as a cornerstone. Isn’t the Central Army Du Du’s mansion lacking a Dian Nong Zhonglangjiang? The Marquis of Guanjun can temporarily assume this additional post to assist Shaobao Yu in investigating the military farms of Weisuo Institute."

Upon hearing this, the Grand Secretary Chen Xun gave a nonchalant smile.

Any emperor who still has a modicum of rationality would not consider removing Li Xuan from his role as a Judge Official for the Central Army.

Guo Cong, the Marquis of Fengcheng, meanwhile, turned a sickly pale.

Recently, due to the investigation of the military farms throughout the Weisuo Institute, he was engaged in an open and covert struggle, contesting against the Emperor and Shaobao Yu Jie.

The former Dian Nong Zhonglangjiang of the Central Army was transferred to another post by Shaobao Yu Jie amidst the recent court conflicts.

The position was of utmost importance, managing all matters related to military farming across the world.

Guo Cong had gained a significant portion of power through this position, and the Jingtai Emperor’s new appointment was nothing short of removing the keystone holding everything together.

He was aware of Li Xuan’s stance - the Protector of Neo-Confucianism was known for his friction with the Northern Army’s generals and would undoubtedly lean towards investigating the state of the farmland.

However, at this point, there wasn’t a single minister in the court who objected.

Even Cifu Gao Gu, who had been opposed to Li Xuan’s appointment as the Judge of the Five Armies from the start, remained silent this time.

Initially, he was doubtful and deeply wary of Li Xuan’s control over the Five Armies Judge official position, and had firmly opposed it.

But now, he could see the benefits. Shaobao Yu Jie was undoubtedly exceptional in his abilities and upright in his character. Still, his personality was too strong and tended towards monopolizing power.

However, the Emperor trusted Yu Jie’s character and needed to rely on his capabilities, so he allowed Yu Jie to take charge. As a result, the military forces of the world now only acknowledged Shaobao of the Ministry of War, ignoring the courtiers of the Hall and the Cabinet. Even his authority was extending towards the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel.

This was a cause of deep concern for all the courtiers, including himself. As the saying goes, ’the Duke of Zhou feared rumors in his day, Wang Mang was humble and courteous before usurping the throne. If only he had died earlier, who would know the truth and falsehood of his life?’

Undoubtedly Yu Jie was a man of Hao Qi, but who could ensure that he was not another Wang Mang?

The situation improved only after Li Xuan assumed his position at the Duanshiguan Yamen, it became difficult for the Ministry of War to bypass the Central Army Du Du’s mansion and meddle with the affairs of the Weisuo Army.

As for Li Xuan, he was taken aback. He initially just came to the palace for a promotion, but ended up with an additional post.

The main issue was that the Dian Nong Zhonglangjiang position did not add much to his power. Instead, it brought him greater trouble.

The military farmland of the Weisuo army was like a hornet’s nest.

According to what he knew, currently, less than fifty percent of the farmland allocated to the Weisuo during the Taizu Era remained.

The missing fifty percent either fell into the pockets of the local Weisuo officials or was usurped by local powerful families.

This was the main reason for the significant decrease in the fighting capacity of the local Weisuo Army. Without enough farmland to cultivate, they couldn’t even afford to eat, let alone have the motivation to fight for the court.

The court was bound to face tremendous resistance in its investigation of the farmlands.

After a moment of hesitation, Li Xuan bowed and said, "I accept the assignment and vow to give it my utmost effort!"

His entire being emanated an outburst of Hao Qi.

Li Xuan was puzzled, he had already replaced more than half of his ’Righteousness Suit’, so why was his mind still not listening to him?

Could it be that the Righteousness Suit that he had transferred to his second mind was still affecting his body?

"Marquis Guanjun has always fulfilled my hopes," said the Emperor.

As he spoke, the Jingtai Emperor suddenly went into a violent coughing fit.

It took some time for the coughing to subside. His face turned pale as he said, "I have recently had a relapse of my wounds and must meditate and recuperate. In my absence, I will entrust the management of the state to Princess Changle."

Upon hearing this, the many ministers in Yizheng Hall shuddered.

"Your Majesty, this cannot be!"

"Your Majesty, there are older princes in the kingdom, there is no need for Princess Changle to manage state affairs."

"Your Majesty, this goes against custom and propriety."

"This is merely a period of two months, why are you all so shocked? I am merely retreating for recuperation and not leaving for a war. In case of pressing affairs, I can still be sought for advice."

Unimpressed, the Jingtai Emperor scoffed, "My decision has been made. I ask all courtiers to refrain from trying to convince me otherwise. Also, Princess Changle shall take control of the Xiuyiwei, the inner Jishi Institute, and all the Forbidden Army within the palace during my recuperation. Additionally, the Marquis Guanjun should dispatch all the forces under his Shenji Left Battalion to guard the palace."

After that, he left the Yizheng Hall without giving the courtiers any chance to dissuade him.

Li Xuan turned to look at Princess Changle standing next to the throne. He could see astonishment written all over Yu Hongchang’s face.