Chapter 1735: Wang Shen Is in for Trouble

"Your Majesty, there is one more matter, this humble one does not know whether it should be spoken or not." Upon returning to Chongzheng Hall, Wang Ji'en reported cautiously.

"Oh!" Emperor Liu's reaction was somewhat flat, as if saying casually: "If it should not be spoken, then do not speak!"

Facing Emperor Liu's unorthodox reply, Wang Ji'en was stunned for a moment, but quickly cast aside that trace of embarrassment and hurriedly said: "This humble one truly dares not conceal anything from Your Majesty!"

Only then did Emperor Liu glance at him, and said darkly: "Since that is so, why beat around the bush before me? Could it be you harbor some scheme, wanting to lay an ambush?"

Hearing this, Wang Ji'en hurriedly said: "This humble one dares not!"

"Count for yourself—how many times have you said 'dare not' before me tonight? Speak!" Emperor Liu finally lost patience, nearly snapping at him.

Wang Ji'en no longer dragged things out or put on airs, speaking at great speed: "It concerns the situation of Duke of Yankuo, Wang Shen."

"Mm!" Emperor Liu responded: "Is he not reflecting at his residence? What problem is there?"

Ever since Prince Zhao, Liu Fang, took up his post at Yulin and arrived at Xiazhou, Wang Shen had stepped down from Yulin and, together with Administration Commissioner Guo Tong, returned to the Eastern Capital, even making it in time for the New Year's imperial banquet.

But it was easy to imagine that Wang Shen's New Year was hardly enjoyable. In the past, when outer officials returned to court, it was either for tribute, for reporting on duties, or to receive commendation for merits; he, however, had been recalled to await judgment of his crimes.

Although he was spared the treatment of being "returned in a prisoner's cage," which barely preserved his dignity, for a man of distinguished lineage who thought highly of himself like Wang Shen, such circumstances were like having his face thrown to the ground, trampled and mocked by all—he felt extremely humiliated.

Of course, in terms of the outcome of the disposition, Emperor Liu had raised the matter high and set it down lightly. Though he was extremely dissatisfied with Wang Shen's performance before and during his time at Yulin, this was a man he himself had employed, and even out of consideration for saving face, he had not been overly harsh.

After a stern reprimand, he stripped Wang Shen of all his titles and offices, fined him two years of salary and noble stipend, and sent him home to reflect behind closed doors. In a similar situation to Wang Shen was Guo Tong.

As the elder brother of Consort Guo Ning, Guo Tong could be considered Emperor Liu's brother-in-law. He had once served before the imperial presence as an Academician of Chongzheng, counting as a trusted minister. But precisely because of this, Emperor Liu felt all the more disappointed.

In fact, in Emperor Liu's view, Guo Tong's situation was far more serious than Wang Shen's. The root of the Yulin rebellion lay both in the Tangut's estrangement and in the local government's indolence—this was already made quite clear in the conclusions drawn by the central government.

Wang Shen was at most guilty of failing to suppress the bandits effectively. Though some had impeached him for arrogance and high-handedness at Yulin, even suspecting him of nurturing bandits to bolster his own importance, as the head of the Yulin Circuit government over the past few years, how could Guo Tong escape responsibility? Even if the ice had frozen three feet deep, the rebellion erupted during his tenure, so he had to bear the blame and accept punishment.

Of course, Zhao Kuangyi's foresight back then had been correct—Guo Wei had died at just the right time. Out of consideration for this, Emperor Liu did not heavily punish Guo Tong either. Aside from stripping him of office, he merely sent him to guard Guo Wei's tomb. Whether he would be reinstated would be decided later.

It had to be said that compared to Guo Tong going to guard a tomb, although Wang Shen had been stripped of all authority, reflecting behind closed doors was still at home, and he could comfortably continue being his Duke—his days would not be too difficult.

Emperor Liu considered that he had already shown Wang Shen leniency and extraordinary grace. Now hearing Wang Ji'en speak thus, it was clear that Wang Shen was not content, which stirred resentment in his heart once more.

Of course, this was only from Emperor Liu's own perspective. For Wang Shen, being idle at home, holding no power, unable to fulfill his ambitions—that was torment. And of course, the main reason came down to two words: power and influence.

The Wang family had risen because of Wang Pu. Although Wang Pu ranked among the twenty-four ministers and stood at the forefront of civil officials, compared to those nobles of military merit, he fell considerably short in every respect.

This was also why Wang Shen had abandoned civil service for the military—he wanted to use this to elevate the Wang family's power and prestige even higher. The past twenty years could be described as smooth sailing, with steady promotions all the way, taking charge of Yulin's military affairs—that in itself was a place to put his talents to use. Unfortunately, he had failed to seize the opportunity.

In terms of talent and reputation, Wang Shen naturally could not compare with his father. Though arrogant and narrow-minded, he still had a measure of cleverness. At least he could see that after the setback at Yulin, his ambitions had basically no chance of being realized.

Even if there were a chance, who knew how many years he would have to wait, and whether it would even be his opportunity. With such a mindset, Wang Shen could hardly avoid voicing complaints, and once certain words were spoken, they could not be hidden from the ears of those who paid attention.

With the Palace City Office's "sharp ears and keen eyes," there was naturally much to be gained. Seeing Emperor Liu show interest, Wang Ji'en narrated in an impartial tone: "Duke of Yankuo, over this past month or more, though he has stayed in his residence without setting foot outside, according to what this humble one's men have observed, he spends his days in the residence drinking and making merry, frolicking with his concubines, and often speaks wild words after drinking, venting great resentment."

"Oh?" Emperor Liu stopped in his tracks, his face no longer relaxed, and the look that flashed from his eyes made Wang Ji'en feel deeply terrified: "I am rather curious—how much resentment does he have, and what resentful words has he spoken!"

Wang Ji'en kept his head deeply bowed, his tone no longer daring to carry the slightest emotion, speaking flatly: "Duke of Yankuo has said more than once to others that his luck has been bad and he has suffered a great injustice. He said that had he not been stationed at Xiazhou, the Tangut would have rebelled long ago.

The court previously did not take the rebellion of Li Jiqian seriously and gave no support; had anyone else led the army, it would have been difficult to completely eliminate Li Jiqian's roving rebel forces. When the court later sent heavy troops and invested enormously, had he possessed such strength in his hands, he too could have eliminated the rebellion.

He also said that the defeat of Li Jiqian's rebel army was clear proof. Had it not been for his full support, Chief Commander Meng would hardly have achieved merit at Fengzhou and decisively broken Li Jiqian; Prince Zhao's entry into Xiazhou was merely reaping what others had sown.

He also said—"

"Also said what!" Emperor Liu's tone was exceptionally severe, carrying a chill colder than the spring cold.

Wang Ji'en bowed his head even lower, his voice also quieter: "The Yulin rebellion erupted suddenly; he labored hard to supervise the campaign to suppress it. Even without merit, there was toil. Your Majesty, even if not for the sake of the late Duke of Yan, should show more consideration for your subject..."

"Heh, heh heh..." Emperor Liu suddenly laughed, a laugh that sent chills down one's spine: "It seems he truly is full of grievances. Even a gossipy woman would not have so much nagging and complaining! Perhaps I have indeed been remiss toward this pillar of the state and capable minister!"

"Your Majesty, calm your anger!" Wang Ji'en advised in a low voice.

"Have I been angry?" Emperor Liu's face broke into a brilliant smile, even showing his white teeth.

After a moment's thought, his expression converged, and he stared fixedly at Wang Ji'en: "Those words—were they all spoken by Wang Shen?"

"This humble one would never dare slander Duke of Yankuo; it is indeed the truth!" Wang Ji'en said with a solemn face.

Only then did Emperor Liu nod, withdraw his gaze, and wave his hand casually, giving the order: "Transmit the decree: bestow upon Wang Shen fifty jars of imperial wine and ten beauties. Let him live a life of drunken dreams and deathlike slumber—I shall let him enjoy himself to the full!"

Having said this, Emperor Liu frowned in thought for a few moments, then said: "Issue an edict: appoint Wang Shen as Military Commander of Danzhou. I hear a barbarian rebellion has broken out there. Does he not boast of being versed in both letters and arms, with ambitions unable to be fulfilled? I shall give him another chance. If he cannot settle a whole circuit's rebellion, surely he can pacify a single prefecture!"

A dignified Duke, once the military commander of an entire circuit, demoted to the godforsaken Danzhou to serve as commander of a mere prefecture—such a "favor" was hardly something Wang Shen would appreciate...

"Tell me, why are people so lacking in self-awareness?" After giving the orders, Emperor Liu sighed and asked Wang Ji'en.

Wang Ji'en answered softly: "Presumably they do not know to be content with what they have and cherish their blessings!"

Under the dim night, Emperor Liu's eyes appeared especially bright. Standing before Chongzheng Hall, he gazed up at the few stars in the night sky, as if looking to see which one was Wang Pu.

After a long while, Emperor Liu said slowly: "I still overestimated this man. If he cannot see through such ups and downs in officialdom, cannot endure them, how can he achieve greatness? No one knows a son better than his father—Wang Pu truly knew people. How was it that I was blinded and mistakenly took Wang Shen for a pillar of the state?"

"How could Your Majesty be wrong? It is just that Duke of Yankuo has a perverse temperament, cannot bear grievances, and has failed His Majesty's grace..." Wang Ji'en subconsciously added another jab.

Since he had reported this matter, offending the Wang family was certain—so naturally he might as well stoke the fire.