Chapter 1806: Fiercely Rebuking the Crown Prince

Facing the agents of the two offices who struck out in all directions and made arrests on a massive scale, facing the bureaucrats who trembled in constant fear, facing the increasingly tense situation at court, silence was the choice of most, and keeping a low profile was everyone's way of coping. But there were always those who saw it in their eyes, showed worry on their faces, and felt anxiety in their hearts.

Take Crown Prince Liu Yang, for example. In fact, from the moment Emperor Liu issued his edicts, Liu Yang had maintained his silence—neither approving nor opposing—but his attitude clearly showed that he did not quite agree with Emperor Liu's methods.

However, as Crown Prince, unlike ordinary nobles and ministers, he could not defy Emperor Liu even more, and was even expected to obey his sovereign father's edicts in action. Liu Yang thought this way and acted this way, but as he watched the affair drag on for months without stopping—indeed, the situation only grew worse, with the net of involvement spreading ever wider—even if Liu Yang wanted to turn a blind eye, he could no longer do so.

Anti-corruption and anti-crime sweeps—the central court was nearly swept clean. Every time a noble or official fell in the capital, the repercussions spread to their ministry or bureau, to the localities, to their relatives and friends, dragging down a whole string of people. Implication by association had become the most distinctive feature of this campaign to clean up officialdom.

Inside Chuigong Hall, Prince of Jin Liu Xi and Prince of Zhao Liu Fang sat respectfully. Among the elder imperial princes, Liu Xu had returned to Andong, Liu Yun was still overseas and had not returned, and Liu Min had gone back to Anxi with Emperor Liu's support.

Only Liu Xi and Liu Fang remained in the capital, with no arrangements made for the time being. Clearly, Emperor Liu had not yet decided where to send the two of them. But one thing was certain—whether it was the northwest or Monan, Emperor Liu had no intention of sending them there again.

Behind the imperial desk, Emperor Liu sat calmly, holding a vermilion brush, approving one document after another. What he needed to do was simple: draw a bright red "X" on each of those names. Every stroke of the brush meant the death of a person implicated in the cases.

Even though he did not show his emotions on his face, the aura he unconsciously radiated was unfathomable and made hearts hang like stones, unable to find peace. The two princes, Liu Xi and Liu Fang, were no exception. Since Emperor Liu did not speak, they could only sit silently, eyes on their noses, noses on their hearts, training their composure.

It was not until Crown Prince Liu Yang arrived that the somewhat stifling atmosphere was finally broken. Liu Xi and Liu Fang rose hastily to bow, as if they had seen a savior. Emperor Liu also stopped what he was doing and looked at him with slight curiosity: "What is it? Why so solemn?"

Liu Yang's face was full of gravity, and even his broad forehead carried a hint of gloom. Upon the question, he bowed and said: "Your Majesty, just now Minister Xin was arrested by the Palace City Office!"

"Minister Xin?" Perhaps because he had killed too many people recently, Emperor Liu did not react for a moment. But there was only one Minister surnamed Xin at court—Minister of Justice Xin Zhongfu. His mind turning, Emperor Liu asked: "Xin Zhongfu? What crime did he commit?"

Clearly, what concerned Emperor Liu was not that even a full ministry head could be arrested, but what Xin Zhongfu had done. Emperor Liu's impression of Xin Zhongfu was still quite good. Although he had deep ties with Zhao Pu, he was indeed a capable minister, experienced in handling affairs. Zhao Kuangyin had once praised Xin Zhongfu as "bold in argument, broad in knowledge, capable in all directions"—a testament to his talent.

Liu Yang replied: "The charge given by the Palace City Office is: dereliction of duty, favoritism, and shielding subordinates!"

"Oh? Who exactly did he shield?" Emperor Liu showed some interest.

Liu Yang said: "Wang Ji'en's explanation is that they were officials who were missed and left unpunished during the previous rectification of the Ministry of Justice!"

"Is that so! It seems Xin Zhongfu has done a decent job as Minister! But since he can shield his subordinates, I wonder who will come to shield him this time!" With that, Emperor Liu stared coldly at Liu Yang: "Is it you?"

Meeting Emperor Liu's unblinking gaze, Liu Yang felt a wave of pressure bearing down on him, but he did not show fear. Clasping his fists, he said: "Your Majesty, Minister Xin is a proper ministry head. The Palace City Office, without requesting your permission, seizes and arrests him at will. If this is allowed to continue, where is the dignity of the court, where are the principles and laws?"

"Are you questioning me?" A hint of anger had already appeared on Emperor Liu's face: "How do you know that the Palace City Office's actions were not carried out with my permission?"

In the past, when facing an angry Emperor Liu, Liu Yang would generally lower his head. But this time, he stiffened his neck, as if he had already prepared himself mentally. After a moment's deliberation, he asked calmly: "Does Your Majesty know how many court officials have been executed in these past two or three months?"

"Oh? How many?" Emperor Liu said indifferently.

"Already over a thousand people!" Liu Yang's tone was heavy.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu's tone became relaxed instead, as if it were a trivial matter: "These days, I've only been busy marking vermilion approvals and haven't kept a careful count. Over a thousand already? Doesn't sound like that many, does it? What, have you grown soft-hearted, or has someone come begging at your door?"

Seeing Emperor Liu's dismissive manner, Liu Yang took a deep breath and said earnestly: "Your Majesty, in these three months, the two offices have held power, arresting and killing indiscriminately. From high ministers to lowly clerks, no one is unafraid, no one is unworried. Inside and outside the court, everyone fears for themselves. Officials have no heart for governance, public affairs are delayed, and the court is already in chaos. This trend must not be allowed to grow. I beg Your Majesty to change course, restrain the two offices, and restore peace to the court inside and out as soon as possible."

Liu Yang had intended to finish his remonstrance in one breath, but Emperor Liu had no mind to hear it all. He interrupted with a cold laugh: "Everyone fears for themselves? If one upholds integrity, devotes oneself to the public good, does not disregard national law, and does not violate rules and regulations, what is there to fear? What, because I deal with some corrupt officials, the rest can't do their jobs and neglect state affairs? Speak clearly—who exactly? Tell him to come find me, and I'll ask him myself whether he's been slacking off and being lazy in his duties!"

"A thousand or so people—is that a lot? In my life, have I seen too little of mountains of corpses and seas of blood? For the peace of this realm, the dead and suffering number in the millions. A thousand people—compared to peace under heaven and clean governance, which is heavier and which is lighter? You, the Crown Prince—can't you grasp even that?"

Emperor Liu grew harsher with each word, venting his anger directly at Liu Yang. Everyone attending in the hall was so frightened they hung their heads. Even the two princes, Jin and Zhao, who had been seated, no longer dared to remain sitting and instinctively rose to their feet.

Facing this harsh interrogation from Emperor Liu, Liu Yang's face showed bitterness, but he still persisted, bowing again: "If Your Majesty wishes to renew officialdom, your subject will naturally support it with all his strength. But such hasty methods, such crude means—I only fear the consequences! You have always said that matters of life and death are of utmost importance. In the past, even a commoner sentenced to death required layers of review, reaching the ears of the throne itself.

Now, the mounted agents go out, arresting people everywhere. Court-appointed officials, within three to five days, have their cases closed and their lives ended. Such rough and violent handling of cases, disregarding national law, will inevitably produce wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice. This truly goes against the governing principles Your Majesty has always advocated.

Under national law, many of these people do not deserve death."

"National law! National law! Are you going to emulate Wang Yucheng too?" Emperor Liu could no longer contain himself and slapped the imperial desk hard.

"Your subject only begs Your Majesty to show a bit more forbearance, to give your ministers and subordinates a chance to defend themselves!" Liu Yang bowed deeply.

"Heh heh!" Emperor Liu laughed—a thoroughly cold laugh—looking down at Liu Yang: "What is national law? Don't you all constantly flatter me by saying I hold the heavenly mandate in my mouth? Since that is so, my words are the national law, my will is the rule. Isn't it ridiculous to try to dissuade me with national law?

I have killed quite a few people, but of those sentenced to death, which one did not deserve their fate? Do you see me as a tyrant who acts willfully, confuses right and wrong, and kills people indiscriminately?"

"Your subject would never think such a thing!" Perhaps due to nervousness, Liu Yang's voice came out somewhat hoarse.

"Then what do you mean?" Emperor Liu pressed on relentlessly: "The national law you all constantly speak of is merciless! What, when it comes to those criminal officials, guilty ministers, traitors, and wicked clerks, there should be a bit more tolerance, a bit more caution?

You only see me killing corrupt officials and lawbreaking nobles. But look at those law-abiding good ministers and honest people—the scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—have I harmed any of them?

For the same crimes, why was dismissal from office enough in the past, but this time heads must roll? You're all unhappy about that, aren't you? Let me tell you—it's precisely because we were too lenient and indulgent with them in the past that they became reckless and paid lip service while acting otherwise.

These vermin that ruin the state and harm the people—showing them mercy is a crime against the nation and its people! You, the Crown Prince, are the Crown Prince of the state, the Crown Prince of the realm—not an umbrella of protection for corrupt officials!

If you want to show kindness, wait until I'm dead, until you're in charge—don't come rushing here now to display your princely virtue! I won't hear it, and I don't want to hear it!"

These were truly piercing words from Emperor Liu. To be fair, he had never spoken so harshly to Liu Yang before. Clearly, Liu Yang was somewhat stunned. He stood frozen for a long moment before kneeling to the ground, his voice choked: "Your Majesty, hear me. Your subject has absolutely no disloyal thoughts. I would rather face the axe than see Your Majesty criticized by others in the future!"

Perhaps Liu Yang's emotion had moved him, or perhaps the venting had dissipated much of the anger in Emperor Liu's chest—Emperor Liu calmed considerably. Looking at the Crown Prince kowtowing on the ground, he finally sighed and waved his hand: "Withdraw. Reflect carefully, and don't just echo what others say! Go back to your duties. Didn't you say the court's hearts are unsettled and officials are negligent? Then go reassure the people and lead the various ministries and bureaus well! That is what you should be doing!"

"Your Majesty!"

"Withdraw!"

Liu Yang had no choice. In the end, he could not persuade Emperor Liu. He was, after all, someone who knew which way the wind blew. He had offered his counsel only to have a clear conscience, to make an effort. As for the outcome—that truly was not something he could control.

Under Emperor Liu's somewhat complicated gaze, Liu Yang slowly withdrew. Emperor Liu stood in a daze for a good while before turning his head to look at the expressionless brothers Liu Xi and Liu Fang: "Was the Crown Prince's remonstrance today instigated and misled by someone, unable to bear the coldness of human feeling? Or does he have other ideas, planning to win people's hearts? The father kills, the son saves? The father is cruel, the son is merciful?"

Hearing Emperor Liu's words, both felt a chill run down their spines. Liu Xi hesitated for a moment, then clasped his fists and replied: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has always been kind-hearted. His remonstrance today must have come from a compassionate and tolerant heart."

"Heh heh!" Emperor Liu laughed again, saying coldly: "It seems there is considerable resentment toward me at court! What talk of restless hearts—is someone planning rebellion?"

"If anyone dares rebel, your subject will surely lead troops to crush them!" Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Fang immediately declared loudly. Even Liu Fang was now afraid that Emperor Liu might let his imagination run wild and start suspecting everyone.

Glancing at the two princes, Emperor Liu sighed softly and waved his hand: "You two may also withdraw. I had summoned you to discuss your arrangements, but I'm not in the mood now. We'll talk another day!"

"Your subjects take their leave!"

Unconsciously, even between father and son, in this private setting, they had begun to address each other only as sovereign and subject.