Chapter 1586: A Demotion in Name, a Promotion in Reality

"The trial of the Hou Zhi case must be swift, strict, and severe. Even if it implicates Yang Kefa, that cannot become an obstacle to delaying the verdict!" Emperor Liu directly instructed Liu Yang: "All those implicated in the case who deserve the death penalty — drag them all to the Southern Market for execution, carrying out the sentences separately, distinct from the autumn and winter executions. Make the Yangzhou case this year's model of the court's anti-corruption campaign and bureaucratic reform!"

This imperial edict from Emperor Liu was yet another interference in the judiciary. Swiftly trying Hou Zhi was not problematic in itself, but the matter involved another circuit-level minister.

If normal procedures were followed, even if Hou Zhi was a corrupt official and scum whose testimony carried little credibility, as the whistleblower, even if the final result was that no evidence was found and the accusations were baseless, the case should still have proceeded through the standard investigation process.

But according to Emperor Liu's wishes, Hou Zhi was to be quickly convicted and dragged to the Southern Market for execution. With the original accuser gone, one could imagine that the most critical entry point for investigating Yang Kefa would be lost.

Moreover, it was still a secret review. Viewed from this angle, the "secret" nature was not a sign of special emphasis, but rather, as Liu Yang had hoped, a means of controlling the impact and not setting a bad precedent.

Emperor Liu naturally understood Liu Yang's concerns. Once an official reached the position of a circuit chief, how could he be easily investigated? Unless the evidence was conclusive, or there were other political factors at play, even Emperor Liu himself would not act recklessly.

Even reporting based on hearsay required some basis and some trace of evidence. Speaking off the cuff only created trouble for oneself. In the matter of Hou Zhi reporting against Yang Kefa, if the court overreacted, it would corrupt the court's atmosphere. Once word spread, it could basically be certain to provoke discontent among the vast majority of circuit-level ministers across the realm. To say everyone would be in fear might be an exaggeration, but the impact would definitely be adverse.

Even the origin of the Hou Zhi case — had it not been for the power struggle between Zhao Pu and Lu Duoxun, the investigation of Hou Zhi probably would not have been launched so efficiently and decisively.

And the reason Emperor Liu gave his instructions regarding Yang Kefa's matter was merely to convey a signal to the central government — that he was backing Lu Duoxun.

"In the promotion and appointment of Hou Zhi, Lu Duoxun bears primary responsibility. Now that Hou Zhi's case has come to light and been adjudicated, he naturally must face execution. That matter is settled separately. As for what punishment Lu Duoxun should receive, do you have any thoughts?" After a brief pause, Emperor Liu asked for Liu Yang's opinion.

Upon hearing the question, Liu Yang instinctively opened his mouth, but noticing Emperor Liu's calm expression and flat tone, he hesitated. If it were up to him, the best course would be to demote Lu Duoxun to a local post, but judging by Emperor Liu's attitude, that was clearly unlikely.

After wrestling with it for a moment, he sighed silently to himself, then said in a tone of seeking instruction: "Demote him one grade, dock half a year's salary, and keep him at the Secretariat under observation — how would that be?"

"He had strongly advocated for the promotion in the first place, and within just one year, such a scandal erupts. Poor judgment in recognizing talent, absurd oversight — a demotion of one grade and half a year's salary docked is a slap on the wrist, too lenient!" Contrary to Liu Yang's expectations, Emperor Liu said this.

Hearing this, Liu Yang did not try to guess Emperor Liu's intentions and directly asked: "Please instruct me, Father!"

Emperor Liu clearly already had an idea and no longer played coy. He directly ordered: "Dock a full year's salary, demote him but keep him in post. I have heard that Lu Duoxun, in the Hall of State Affairs, repeatedly clashes with Zhao Pu, contending with him at every turn. This is truly improper conduct, making a laughingstock of himself before the other ministers and harming internal harmony within the court.

So then — let him concurrently oversee the Censorate and do some real work. Lord Liu is advanced in years and has repeatedly asked me to accept his resignation; this would be a fitting way for him to share some of the burdensome affairs with Lord Liu.

He recommended a great corrupt official to the court and caused such an adverse impact — so let him root out even more greedy and filthy characters and those who break the law and disrupt discipline, and thereby atone for his sins!"

Hearing the decision Emperor Liu had made, Liu Yang was momentarily stunned. Although he restrained himself well, a trace of oddness still crept onto his face — the expression of someone left speechless.

By Emperor Liu's arrangement, this was hardly punishment — it was clearly a reward. After Lu Duoxun returned to the central government, although he had begun to compete with Zhao Pu, contending for power and prestige, his greatest deficiency was that he had no concrete area of actual responsibility.

A demotion and salary dock were hardly meaningful. Directly handing the Censorate over to his oversight was clearly strengthening his real power. And the Censorate, as the court's most important and most legitimate supervisory body, had a status and importance that went without saying. If Lu Duoxun were put in charge of it, it would obviously boost his influence.

For Lu Duoxun, if losing one Hou Zhi and some reputation bought him such a substantial benefit as the Censorate, the weighing of gains and losses needed no further elaboration.

Liu Yang could naturally see the problem in this as well. However, even though he harbored objections inwardly, he dared not raise them. Decisions made by Emperor Liu were futile to oppose — it would only provoke his anger.

"What do you think?" Emperor Liu observed Liu Yang's reaction with interest and said with a light laugh.

What else could Liu Yang say to this?

"Excellent! I believe that with this lesson, Chancellor Lu will be more cautious and will also work more diligently for the Great Han's official oversight!" Liu Yang said.

"Very good!" Emperor Liu broke into a smile and instructed: "Draft the gist of what I just said about the Yangzhou case from beginning to end into an imperial edict and have it circulated. I won't assign this task to anyone else!"

"Yes!"

Emperor Liu had strolled in and now drifted away, like an old cadre who occasionally pops out to show he still exists. He came and went in good spirits, leaving only Crown Prince Liu Yang with yet another psychological shock.

"Your Majesty!" Outside Guangzheng Hall, Lu Duoxun was standing with his head bowed and hands clasped. Seeing Emperor Liu, he hurried forward to greet him, treading carefully, exceptionally deferential, with a hint of worry visible in his eyes.

"Minister Lu, what is the matter?" Emperor Liu found Lu Duoxun's expression amusing — it was rare to see him so anxious.

Of course, what Lu Duoxun was worried about was what impact the Hou Zhi case would have on him. During the conversation between Emperor Liu and his son, he had also seen the Crown Prince's directive, and his mood was heavy.

He was not afraid of Zhao Pu — he even harbored the intention of fighting him to the end. But toward the Crown Prince, Lu Duoxun dared not be presumptuous. When even the Crown Prince leaned toward Zhao Pu, he naturally felt his prospects were bleak and his future dark.

Of course, more importantly, he still did not know what Emperor Liu's attitude was.

"Hearing that Your Majesty had arrived, I came specially to pay my respects!" Lu Duoxun said deferentially.

"I did not come to see you all, and you need not pay your respects!" Emperor Liu said.

Lu Duoxun's expression froze slightly. He lowered his head, and his voice dropped as well: "I am guilty, and beg Your Majesty to punish me!"

"You have already begged me for punishment before!" Emperor Liu said slowly.

After the Yangzhou case broke, sensing the targeting from Zhao Pu, Lu Duoxun had already shrewdly gone to Chongzheng Hall to beg Emperor Liu for punishment. But at that time, Emperor Liu had only given him a lukewarm reprimand and instructed that the matter be investigated thoroughly.

Such an attitude clearly could not put Lu Duoxun at ease. Now that the investigation had been completed, Lu Duoxun had no intention of trying to save Hou Zhi, but how to mitigate the impact on himself was something he had to consider — and Emperor Liu's attitude was crucial.

"I have been reflecting constantly of late, examining myself three times a day. The more I think, the more ashamed I feel, utterly mortified. I was blind and negligent, and I have failed Your Majesty's trust..." Lu Duoxun said with great earnestness.

"Reflection is good! I too reflect often. But reflection alone is not enough — what meaning is there in reflecting without changing?" Emperor Liu's tone still betrayed neither pleasure nor anger.

"Your Majesty's rebuke is correct. I beg Your Majesty to mete out punishment and convict me of the crime of negligence!" Lu Duoxun's posture was practically groveling.

Emperor Liu stopped, gave Lu Duoxun a once-over, pondered for a moment, then pointed ahead: "Walk with me!"

"Yes!" At this, Lu Duoxun inexplicably felt a weight lift from his heart.

"Regarding the Yangzhou case, I have already discussed it with the Crown Prince. Hou Zhi's problem is not open to debate — he will be dealt with according to the law, with strict punishment and harsh justice!" Emperor Liu's single sentence carried a killing intent beneath its calm surface, making Lu Duoxun's heart sink slightly.

"Why aren't you speaking? You don't have any objections, do you?" Emperor Liu said with a beaming smile.

"No! Hou Zhi's crimes deserve death a thousand times over. I only regret my failure to recognize people and my improper appointment — I am deeply ashamed!" Lu Duoxun once again stated his position to Emperor Liu.