Demoness, where are you Fleeing to?
Chapter 727 - 602: Li Qianzhi, Commanding the Wind and Clouds (Seeking Guaranteed Monthly Tickets)_1

Chapter 727: Chapter 602: Li Qianzhi, Commanding the Wind and Clouds (Seeking Guaranteed Monthly Tickets)_1

Li Xuan could tell, Prince Xiang clearly wanted to come over and talk to him, but the prince had barely taken a few steps before he was surrounded by a large group of civil and military officials, all of them bowing and saluting him.

"Prince Xiang, someone impeached me the other day over the falsification of my political achievements three years ago. I am deeply grateful for your righteous defense!"

"Prince Xiang, I heard that you recently petitioned the Court to allocate funds for the restoration of the hundred-mile canal in Xiangyang? That’s a great deed that could benefit tens of thousands of people in Xiangyang. I thank you on behalf of my hometown folk for your kindness."

"Your Highness, I visited your mansion yesterday, but unfortunately, there were too many visitors and I couldn’t get a chance to see you - Could I ask you to speak for me? The other day, I went to the Ministry of Personnel for my job evaluation, and they rated me as mediocre and suggested that I should be transferred. I feel wronged."

Prince Xiang had no choice but to stop and respond to each of them with a friendly smile. Even to those low-ranking officials, he was amiable, gentle, and patient, showing no signs of impatience.

At this time, there were many among the officials present discussing and praising him in admiration.

"This is Prince Xiang? Indeed, he is elegant, wise, dignified, and has an impressive regal demeanor!"

"This is my first time seeing him, indeed a dignified and classy prince. No wonder he receives such high praise inside and outside of the Court, causing the discussion of letting Prince Xiang succeed to the throne."

It was then that Li Xuan realized there were quite a few people attending the court meeting today.

Subsequently, he realized that this must be due to the approaching end of the year, which was when many officials from other places would come to Capital City to report their duties.

This tradition, referred to officially as "imperial audience and inspection," began in the Taizu era. Every few years, officials from all over the country, including those from prefectures, states, and counties, had to come to Capital City at the end of the year to report their duties. Afterwards, their office histories and performances were evaluated by the Ministry of Personnel.

Even though it was still a while before the end of the year, many local officials had already arrived in Capital City.

Seeing this scene, Li Xuan’s eyes became cold.

This was the first time he realized that Prince Xiang, Yu Zhanshi, had such popularity among local officials.

And the discussion about Prince Xiang succeeding to the throne was intensifying at this time in the crowd.

"Prince Xiang is certainly benevolent and respects the virtuous, and is undoubtedly wise. But to appoint Prince Xiang as the Imperial Uncle, wouldn’t that break the rules?"

"How is it against the rules? Prince Xiang and Xuan Emperor were both the authentic sons of Ren Emperor. He is Xuan Emperor’s uterine brother and the closest in blood to the royal family among the current royal family members. And there have been instances in the past where an uncle succeeded a nephew, such as Liu Heng of Han Wen Emperor and Li Dan of Tang Rui Emperor."

"We discuss appointing Prince Xiang as a precaution. Over the past ten years, the Emperor has fought over a dozen battles against the Mongols, often single-handedly, and his health has been reported to be poor. Presently, the Crown Prince is seriously ill and unconscious, and His Majesty’s progeny are scarce. If something unexpected happens in the future, who else in the royal family can stabilize the Court and support the dynasty except Prince Xiang?"

"Exactly! I will not lie to you all, during the Battle of Tumu Fort, the True Emperor has hugely betrayed the country, and I absolutely do not want to see him return to the throne. Furthermore, Prince Xiang is virtuous, humble, and has thrice declined the throne. I believe if there were a legitimate heir in the future, he would graciously step down.

Moreover, he may not even want to accept. It is said that since there was discussion within the Court about appointing Prince Xiang as heir, he has written three petitions asking for permission to return to his fiefdom, demonstrating his high moral character-"

Li Xuan quickly shifted his attention away from the debate between Prince Xiang and the court officials because the attention drawn around him was no less than that of Prince Xiang.

At this time, many civil and military officials had also gathered around Li Xuan.

These civil officials were mostly below the 4th rank, and they were drawn to his scholarly accomplishments, the fact he handled the canal trade matters, and his recent takeover of the Golden Knife Case.

Some were there because of their job evaluations in the Ministry of Personnel and hoped Li Xuan could help them plead their cases.

These officials were mostly from the vicinity of Jinling, and they considered themselves as Li Xuan’s comrades.

Li Xuan did not totally reject them. He only responded by saying that he would look into the situation to ensure that the Ministry of Personnel would act fairly.

For those officials with real achievements and upright characters, Li Xuan was not stingy with his support. It was nothing more than putting a word in for them with the Ministry of Personnel to make them exercise caution.

But if they were the kind of selfish officials who pursued personal gain and power, they would not gain any advantage from him.

Jiangnan was full of literary talent, and he had plenty of comrades from this region.

Apart from that, there were also those trying to inquire in a roundabout way about the health of Jingtai Emperor.

Although Li Xuan was not a close official of Jingtai Emperor, everyone knew that Princess Changle, Yu Hongshang, had feelings for him. Moreover, Divine Doctor Jiang Yunqi was the person who knew most about the Jingtai Emperor’s health at the moment.

Compared to the civil officials’ fervor, admiration and reverence, the military officials were no less enthusiastic, showing even more respect, they seemed extremely submissive.

Over the past two months, Li Xuan had uncovered a thirteen-year-old empty pay case, removed dozens of military officials from both Shandong and Henan Zhihuishi Divisions, and forced Huangfu Xuanji to confine himself to his ancestral hall.

This incident had frightened all the military officials in the Five Armies Dudu system, yet, it had also convinced many of them to align themselves with the Marquis of Guanjun.

Worth mentioning, not long after, the former Great General Liang Heng also entered.

Upon seeing Li Xuan, he was shocked for a moment, then with a pale face, he walked over and called out ’Father’, before going into a corner to stand alone.

Li Xuan was taken aback, thinking what made this arrogant and insolent fellow suddenly become so obedient.

Former Great General Liang Heng was thinking about the instructions from the Iron-faced Man - before they were sure they could turn the tide, they must not offend the Marquis of Guanjun again.

At this moment, although Liang Heng still holds the title of Marquis of Wuqing, and his official rank remains above the 3rd-rank. However, he lacked the allegiances from his subordinates, hence he was powerless to confront the Marquis of Guanjun head-on.

The so-called ’small unendurable are leading to big upheavals’, the Iron-faced Man thought they should currently hide and hold their anger, and temporarily keep a low profile. If they don’t take action, all is fine; If they act, they will strike a deadly blow!

After heavy ministers like Prince Xiang and Chen Xun arrived one after another, the Jingtai Emperor also arrived on time after several bells had rung.

After the ministers had given all their reverence, they turned their eyes towards the throne without delay.

They thought their movements were covert, but with over one thousand courtiers doing the same, it was difficult not to draw attention.

This was an extremely disrespectful behavior. Under normal circumstances, it would have been scolded by the officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Honglu Temple, who were responsible for maintaining the order of the court.

However, at this time, all these ceremonial officials tacitly pretended not to see it.

After one glance, the majority of the courtiers in the hall were greatly relieved.

The complexion of Jingtai Emperor was ruddy, his breath was strong, and his eyes were bright and energetic. This didn’t seem like the rumors of his physical condition deteriorating and lifespan being short outside.

One wondered about the Emperor’s potency? Whether he could conceive another child? Whether the Crown Prince could wake up? Otherwise, the matter of appointing an heir was still imperative.

Just as all the courtiers in the hall were getting up, Li Xuan and the chief butler of Sili Bureau, Qian Long, exchanged a glance from a distance, then both turned their eyes away with cold faces.

From Yu Hongshang, Li Xuan had learned that this chief butler had condemned him for ’acting as recklessly’ in front of the Jingtai Emperor.

The chief butler of Sili Bureau, Qian Long, felt displeased because Li Xuan had recently launched a crackdown on the Neiguan Bureau.

Qian Long had a good reputation among both civil and military officials at the court. Although he was not personally involved in the ’Joint Trade with Fusou’, most of the eunuchs from the Neiguan Bureau came from under his control.

Li Xuan knew this was court politics. Even if they were both honest and upright officials, and members of the Emperor’s faction, they might not be able to align.

However, he did not expect that the first matter discussed at this First Hope Dachao meeting was the ’Golden Knife Case’ he was presiding over.

Minister of Personnel, Wang Wen, was the first to step forward from the courtiers: "Your Majesty, I impeach Marquis of Guanjun, Li Xuan of negligence and dereliction of duty! Since he presided over the Golden Knife Case, he did not customarily gather testimonies and question the case.

In this past month, he either runs around various academies in the Capital City to give lectures, or plays around with women, causing the Golden Knife Case to be delayed for nearly a month without progress. Li Xuan has let down the Emperor’s expectations and the hopes of all court officials. I request that His Majesty dismiss his position and select someone else to handle the case."

After hearing this, Li Xuan just indifferently saluted: "Your Majesty, the Golden Knife Case is complex and difficult to solve momentarily. If the court thinks I’m derelict in my duties, it can select another wise and capable person."

Xiao Ci, Minister of Revenue, couldn’t sit still and immediately stood up from among the courtiers: "Your Majesty, Minister Wang’s words are incorrect. The Golden Knife Case involves a wide range of people and is extremely complicated. How can it be resolved in such a short time? In my poor opinion, this case may not be fully investigated even in one or two years. The court should give Marquis Guanjun more time."

Wang Wen frowned and thought, Goodness! You actually want to drag this case out for one or two years.

Assistant Gao Gu also followed up: "Your Majesty, who else in the court can match Marquis Guanjun in terms of character, merit, and solving cases? Who else can earn the public’s approval and admiration?

Marquis Guanjun always has unique strategies while solving cases. How does Minister Wang know that Marquis Guanjun is not making efforts in the dark? Besides, this case is of great importance. If there’s any negligence because of haste, wouldn’t it be self-defeating? Therefore, the court does not need to intervene too much in this case."

After listening to this, the Jingtai Emperor just nodded slightly: "This statement is very good! I also think this Golden Knife Case should be handled slowly rather than urgently. Marquis Guanjun, you may proceed with the investigation calmly and patiently. You have to investigate it thoroughly and convincingly to the court officials."

After Wang Wen left speechless, another official from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, since the ’Golden Knife Case’ has been going on for two months, the court has not found definite evidence, and Ciqing Palace and Nan Palace have been sealed for two months. The Empress Dowager and the True Emperor are imprisoned in the deep palace and can hardly see the sun. I’m afraid this action of the court might damage the prestige of the Emperor. Please, Your Majesty, make a decree to unseal Ciqing Palace and Nan Palace as soon as possible."

Li Xuan took a side glance and found that the official was a Kedao official who usually had a close relationship with the Crown Prince.

At this point, Prince Xiang also frowned slightly and looked worried. He wanted to speak but hesitated.

His character was such that he was benevolent, filial, loyal, and friendly to his relatives and friends.

Given Prince Xiang’s character, he naturally could not endure the Empress Dowager and the True Emperor being imprisoned. But he seemed to be aware of Jingtai Emperor’s attitude and didn’t dare to speak.

Li Xuan thought if this guy could travel to the modern age, he could definitely win an Oscar for best actor.

However, there were always people in the court who could speak up for things that Prince Xiang found inconvenient to say.

Soon, someone stood up and said that the Qianhu of Xiuyiwei, Lu Zhong, had previously interrogated a confession from the attendant of the ’chief eunuch of Nan Palace’, Ruan Lang, and that they had ’Dari Golden Knife’ as evidence. How could they say there was no definite guilt?

Then many Imperial Censors, Kedao Officials, and ministers followed up. The momentum of these people even exceeded that of Gao Gu and Xiao Ci. They almost occupied a quarter of the court.

Then several officials from the Ministry of Rites came out to refute on the grounds of ritual law, arguing that the Jingtai Emperor’s actions were not improper.

The Jingtai Emperor, who was unwilling to relax control over the Empress Dowager and the True Emperor at this time, naturally rode the wave.

But Li Xuan keenly found that the light in the Jingtai Emperor’s eyes was surprisingly icy cold.