Chapter 137: Han Kuang Gets Played

Zhao Nanxing stood in the great hall, speaking with eloquent confidence, but Zhu Youxiao's mind was wandering—or rather, drifting far beyond the heavens.

It wasn't because Zhu Youxiao didn't want to listen to Zhao Nanxing, nor because he found his words unpleasant to hear, but rather because what Zhao Nanxing was saying truly held little interest.

Doing things behind the scenes—now Zhu Youxiao fully understood what that phrase meant.

Still, the clashes at court were indeed quite entertaining; both sides could certainly be said to be trading blows.

But for Zhu Youxiao, there wasn't much real interest in it, because the outcome was already a foregone conclusion.

The Donglin Faction's meaning was clear: if this case were handed to Han Kuang, then naturally they would stop making trouble and allow the case to receive a fair and impartial trial. As for public opinion, the Donglin Faction would find ways to quell it as well.

This was why Gao Panlong had said that Han Kuang was a man respected by both court and country.

Whether inside the court or beyond it, the Donglin Faction members would accept whatever verdict Han Kuang rendered—they would not go back on their word or play tricks afterward.

Zhu Youxiao naturally caught the subtext in all of this, and understood it instantly in his heart.

The Donglin Faction still trusted Han Kuang, knowing he would not kick a man when he was down, even after what he had done before. The Donglin Faction believed that in this case, Han Kuang would protect them.

Of course, "them" here did not refer to Zou Yuanbiao, Yang Lian, and the others locked in the Eastern Depot's dungeons, but rather to those standing here in Huangji Hall right now.

Zhu Youxiao knew that this matter could only be handled this way, so he had no interest in listening to Zhao Nanxing speak.

"Therefore, Your Majesty, I believe that entrusting this case to Grand Secretary Han for chief adjudication is truly the most fitting arrangement possible." Zhao Nanxing declared with resounding force, then bowed and stepped to one side.

After Zhao Nanxing, many others stepped forward to voice their support for handing this matter to Han Kuang, including even Sun Shenxing, the Minister of Rites.

It could be said that the Donglin Faction was staking everything on this single throw.

After these few had finished speaking, the court showed an overwhelming one-sided trend—everyone approved of Han Kuang handling this case, with the posture that this position belonged to none other than Han Kuang.

Zhu Youxiao knew there was no way to stop this matter now.

One could tell from Liu Yijing's people—to this very moment, no one had stepped forward to oppose it.

But Zhu Youxiao still decided to ask. As for whom to ask, aside from Liu Yijing, the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, Zhu Youxiao had no one else he wished to question.

"Grand Secretary, what do you think of this proposal?" Zhu Youxiao turned to look at Liu Yijing, his face bearing an inquiring expression. His gaze was sincere, his countenance earnest, with the look of one seeking instruction.

At this moment, though deeply unwilling in his heart, even wanting to step forward and have a great quarrel with everyone, Liu Yijing knew that if he did so, the inevitable result would be total isolation and abandonment.

So this matter absolutely could not be handled that way—not only could he not oppose Han Kuang adjudicating this case, but he had to support it, and support it absolutely!

Thus Liu Yijing calmed his inner turmoil, let out a gentle breath, and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, your minister has known Han Kuang for many years, and having had much contact with him in the Grand Secretariat, knows well his learning and ability. There are few in the realm today who surpass him. Han Kuang is fair and selfless, hates evil as if it were his enemy, and is upright and unyielding. If there is anyone who can adjudicate this case clearly and uncover the truth, it is none other than Han Kuang. Entrusting this case to him is indeed most fitting."

By the time Liu Yijing spoke the final word, his teeth were already grinding, and his fists were clenched tightly.

Zhu Youxiao nodded, wearing an expression of sudden realization, and declared in a clear voice: "Since all the ministers concur, and the Chief Grand Secretary says the same, then let this matter be settled. This case shall be given to Minister Han for adjudication. He may draw personnel from the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review, and I will also issue instructions to the Eastern Depot."

"If there is anything needed, Minister Han may come to me, and I will see to it. What you must do is investigate this case thoroughly as quickly as possible, so as not to cause suspicion and unrest at court and beyond."

"Your minister obeys the decree." Han Kuang hastily performed the ritual of thanks, feeling somewhat relieved in his heart.

Han Kuang never imagined things would turn out this way.

Glancing at Liu Yijing, then at Gao Panlong and Sun Shenxing, Han Kuang also understood why he had received this benefit.

Because he was currently at the center of both sides' courtship. Whichever side he leaned toward would affect the outcome of this struggle.

So neither side dared offend him right now, and he could take the opportunity to reap some benefits.

But Han Kuang's heart remained clear—he could not be greedy, and he also had to understand in his heart what it was he truly wanted.

In fact, this case was also a hot potato.

The Donglin Faction that had given him the case, and Liu Yijing who appeared to support him—what was really going through their minds, who could know?

The problems inherent in this case were already severe. If he investigated strictly and punished harshly, how would the Donglin Faction members view him? It could be said he would have completely burned his bridges.

Afterwards, if he wanted to win over some Donglin Faction members, it would essentially be impossible.

And behind Liu Yijing's apparent trust, was he perhaps trying to cut off all of Han Kuang's retreat routes? Han Kuang could not be certain.

Had Liu Yijing already seen through all of this? Was he merely putting on a show of grievance, when in fact he was waiting for Han Kuang to walk this path?

In fact, Han Kuang knew—and he could guess that Liu Yijing also knew—that this case absolutely could no longer protect the Donglin Faction.

If he still acted like Gao Panlong and the others had last time, then there would truly be no way to clean things up, and he would directly drag himself into the mess as well.

So his room for choice was not great—the Donglin Faction would not allow him room to choose, and neither would Liu Yijing.

The Donglin Faction had given him this hot potato, seemingly with good intentions, but in truth they might well be waiting to break with him, pushing all the responsibility onto him so they could have an explanation to give others. This was a truly vicious and underhanded scheme.

Liu Yijing, meanwhile, was waiting for him to break with the Donglin Faction and then fully throw his support behind him.

Both sides were locked in struggle over him—one side appearing to trust him utterly, the other appearing to swallow humiliation for the sake of peace. But behind all this, other motives were surely buried. Liu Yijing certainly was not afraid that he would protect the Donglin Faction.

Because Liu Yijing knew clearly in his heart that Han Kuang would not dare do such a thing.

Han Kuang felt deeply aggrieved in his heart. Both sides had put on the posture of having him exactly where they wanted him, clearly knowing he had no choice—he must punish the Donglin Faction severely, yet he did not dare take things to the extreme.

The Donglin Faction used him to extricate themselves, he bore the infamy, gained not a single benefit, and would have to rely on Liu Yijing afterward. This was simply being caught in the middle—hated by all.

While feeling stifled and wronged, Han Kuang shot a glance at Liu Yijing—You are pushing me into a corner!

If Liu Yijing had opposed just now, Han Kuang could still have thought highly of him, considering him a qualified partner.

But now you, Liu Yijing, pull a stunt like this?

You're afraid I won't die fast enough!

Then don't blame me!

At this moment, a surge of impulse rose in Han Kuang's heart—that he could take that position for himself.

The Donglin Faction would be weakened by him this time, and the Donglin Faction would certainly strike at Liu Yijing. Both sides were contending over him, both feeling they had him exactly where they wanted him—so why shouldn't he play both sides?

Use Liu Yijing to devour the Donglin Faction, then use the Donglin Faction to devour Liu Yijing. In this way, he could become the greatest power, and could even ascend to the position of Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat—then he would have the final say.

If I want to achieve this goal, I can only rely on you alone! Thinking this, Han Kuang made up his mind.

At the same time, another person stepped forward, bowed in salute, and said: "Your Majesty, your minister has a memorial to present."

The speaker was Zhao Chunping, Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, and everyone's gaze converged upon him.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Zhao Chunping, then at Liu Yijing standing motionless to one side, understanding in his heart that the Donglin Faction intended to press their advantage and pursue the attack. He wondered what countermeasure Liu Yijing had prepared—this was a major matter.

If this case implicated Liu Yijing, let alone all the plans he had envisioned before, even his official position might not be guaranteed—and if things went badly, he might not even keep his life.

But at this moment, looking at Liu Yijing's expression, he didn't seem worried at all — clearly he already had confidence in his heart.

Zhu Youxiao didn't believe for a moment that Liu Yijing was unaware of Zhao Chunping's routine memorial.

With so many routine memorials passing through the Grand Secretariat, it was impossible to hide one from him, the Chief Grand Secretary.

Clearly Liu Yijing already knew — he was simply keeping his composure.

Glancing at Zhang Chunping, Zhu Youxiao continued asking: "What does my beloved minister wish to speak of?"

Zhang Chunping stepped forward and said: "Your subject impeaches former Chief Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe for colluding with the inner palace, abusing power and manipulating governance, conspiring with Li Zhuo to murder the late Emperor, and plotting rebellion against Heaven itself!"

Although those who ought to know about this matter already knew, and it could hardly be called a secret, there were still many who did not.

And so Zhang Chunping's words instantly stirred up an enormous uproar.

Countless people turned their heads to look at Zhang Chunping.

Has this man gone mad?

If the previous struggles had been fierce, at least in essence they had always remained factional disputes.

But now Zhang Chunping's revelation had changed the flavor of the current struggle — this was about getting people killed!

If this charge were confirmed, leaving aside everyone else, Fang Congzhe alone might well have his entire household executed and his clan wiped out!

This was a matter of cutting off a family's line entirely — it was simply too enormous!

In that moment, the great hall fell silent; everyone was so shaken they could scarcely breathe.

At that same time, someone else still stepped forward — that person was Gao Panlong.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Gao Panlong. This man truly did not fear death; he had probably come this time with his mind set on dying.

But Zhu Youxiao felt it would be better not to kill Gao Panlong after all — after all, there were few men like him left.

"Does my beloved minister Gao have something he wishes to say?" Zhu Youxiao asked, looking at Gao Panlong.

Gao Panlong hastily replied: "Your Majesty, this matter has been widely rumored among the people, and Your subject has heard of it as well. But since it concerns the dignity of the inner court and the state, and also involves the late Emperor, Your subject dared not speak recklessly. Though Your subject has made inquiries in ordinary times, he has yet to find anything conclusive."

"Originally Your subject thought to investigate some matters more thoroughly before reporting the facts to Your Majesty. Who would have thought that someone would raise it today — and so Your subject has a few words he wishes to say. The rumors among the people are numerous indeed, and they truly damage the late Emperor's glorious reputation, and also damage Your Majesty's pure name. Therefore Your subject begs Your Majesty to issue an edict ordering an investigation."

"Whether such things exist or not, all of it can be investigated. If such things do exist, then the court will uncover a shocking major case — externally it will awe the petty and wicked, and internally it will purify the inner palace. It will give the late Emperor an accounting, and for Your Majesty it will make the whole realm understand Your Majesty's benevolent and filial heart!"