Chapter 173 Resonance: Grievances (1/2)

Unexpectedly, the Emperor's uneasiness got the better of him.

A few days after Situ's demotion, which appeared like a promotion on the surface, some officials already started to submit memorials to impeach the former general of the Northern Army, Gao Ming, the General of the Left, Zhang Xin, and the General of the Right, Cheng s.h.i.+fei for accepting bribes and lining their own pockets, embezzling the funds and provisions for the troops, abusing the military law and dominating the whole area as their own fiefdom. They were also accused of scourging the commoners and being powerless in controlling the general situation.

This was the first time someone had impeached the three generals ever since they were stationed in the North.

At first, the Emperor pretended to leave the matter aside, appearing as if he had utter trust in the Northern Army. Upon seeing this, the officials, who were used to seeing his unpredictable mood and vicious ways of handling things the past few days, were left baffled.

The second time those few officials submitted their memorials, the Emperor reprimanded them and explicitly stated that he trusted the Northern Army and the three generals.

The third time, the Emperor's expression dimmed and he immediately demanded someone to investigate this matter thoroughly, stating that he would definitely not tolerate evildoers. His rapid mood change astounded the officials, leaving them on tenterhooks.

Although the ones who were impeached were the three generals of the North, the officials' gazes were all placed on the meritorious Situ. Everyone understood that this was equivalent to impeaching Situ. It just depended on whether they were willing to tread on this muddy water and involve themselves in this mess.

“Your Majesty, I feel that this matter shouldn't be settled just based on a few words. After all, those generals are stationed far away in the deserts of the North, toiling and contributing many meritorious deeds by defending our borders. They are strict and impartial in managing the troops, so it's inevitable that they will offend some vile people. May I request for Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly and fairly to avoid misunderstandings.”

The one who stepped forward to speak was Chamberlain Feng. Many officials already had a tacit understanding of the relations.h.i.+p between Situ and Chamberlain Feng's daughter, Feng Luodi. Although they hadn't reached the stage of discussing marriage, their love story had already spread throughout the whole kingdom.

Situ was deeply moved by his actions. Back then, Chamberlain Feng prohibited Feng Luodi from getting close to him in every possible way. Yet, now he was the first one to step out and speak up for him. Although Chamberlain Feng's att.i.tude towards him had changed a little bit too fast, it was still a change that he was satisfied with.

Upon seeing Chamberlain Feng, the Emperor recalled that one time when Feng Luodi adamantly stood her ground in the Imperial Study and rejected the marriage to the son of the Huaiyang Commandery Prince. Consequently, he also recalled Situ rejecting his proposal to wed his precious daughter, the Fifth Princess. It was all thanks to these people that his precious daughter was married off to that far away place, Ailao.

The old Emperor seemed to have forgotten all the mistakes Concubine Lan's clan had committed. At this moment, his mind was filled to the brim with Situ's 'mistakes'. That way, he could punish him for a crime.

“What Chamberlain Feng has said makes sense. It's just that, ever since the Xuan Kingdom was founded; when five or more officials submit memorials regarding the same matter, it's a must to file the case for investigation. This rule cannot be abrogated.”

At this moment, the Emperor's expression was no longer calm and unpredictable. Naturally, he didn't seem like the same strict and partial person who used to govern the Xuan Kingdom with a gentle smile tugged at his lips.

Deterioration with age and indisposition had taken away many things from him, including his rationality and lucidity.

Regardless of whether the officials were upright or obsequious, it was of utmost importance for them to have a basic understanding of the Emperor's thoughts. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to continue mingling in officialdom. Hence, as soon as the Emperor spoke, many officials lowered their heads and a.s.sented in succession.

“Your Majesty's words are enlightening.”

The Emperor's att.i.tude towards the case hinted that he wasn't going to investigate the three generals. Instead, he was directly determining the crimes of the three generals.

The Left- and Right Minister wanted to voice out their opinions, but they were silenced by the Emperor's hostile glare, which conveyed a warning and, at the same time, his absolute authority. It was an expression they had never seen before.

Sigh…they were both veterans who had experienced two reigns, yet there was nothing they could do.

Amidst the silence, someone eventually spoke up, it was the First Prince. He stepped forward under the Emperor's scorching gaze.

The Emperor immediately said, “My imperial son, are you saying that what I have said is wrong? The policies targetting scholars, artisans, farmer and merchants that you have proposed recently is extremely to my liking. I haven't even rewarded you yet, so why are you in such a hurry?”

What he'd said completely circ.u.mvented the First Prince's raised topic. This was enough to let the officials, including the First Prince, understand the underlying meaning behind his words.

Even though the First Prince wasn't brought up beside the Emperor, he was aware of his Imperial Father's temperament. He also knew how important Situ was to him; they were friends and comrade-in-arms, who couldn't make do without the other.

“What Imperial Father has said is naturally correct.” The First Prince unhurriedly spoke, careful with his words.

“However, I feel that the three generals, notably the General of the Left who defends the Yunzhong Pa.s.s, have all grown up in the barracks since they were young and have decades of experience in fighting on the battlefield. Logically speaking, since they were impeached this time, this case should be investigated thoroughly. However, I feel that this case shouldn't be carried out with great fanfare. Not only would this upset the spirit of the Northern Army, but I'm afraid that the Huns and those other ambitious countries would exploit this opportunity to launch an attack.”

Speaking up till here, the Emperor's expression remained indecipherable.

The First Prince then continued, “We naturally need to investigate. It is a priority to appoint someone to start the investigation, and at the same time, it is important to know how to proceed with this case. If we merely look for evidence without giving them a chance for an explanation, this would only cause an upheaval amongst the citizens and the army, ultimately leading to chaos in our nation.”

The officials stared at the First Prince, who appeared gentle and tranquil, in shock because when the latter said these words, he actually radiated a domineering aura.

Seeing that the Emperor was about to be persuaded by his Imperial Brother, the Eighth Prince hastily stepped forward and said, “Imperial Father, I think so too. Since the three generals have worked hard and contributed many meritorious deeds, the court shouldn't treat them unfairly. We should certainly investigate properly and the investigation must be done covertly.”

There was an overtone in the Eighth Prince's words, which made the slightly eased Emperor become enraged again.

The First Prince was quick-witted and hastily added, “Imperial Father, what Imperial Eighth Brother has said makes a lot of sense. I recommend sending Imperial Eighth Brother to the deserts of the North to investigate this matter. I believe that he would definitely not disappoint Imperial Father and investigate this matter properly and covertly.”