Chapter 1866: Privilege

Guangzheng Hall, the Chamber of State Affairs.

The chief ministers of the court gathered here — Zhao Pu, Liu Xi, Zhao Kuangyi, Lü Duan, and the newly appointed Finance Commissioner Han Hui. These five currently held the greatest power among civil officials.

As the administrative center managing the affairs of the realm, it was always busy. Even though they all worked within the same palace complex, gatherings like this where the chancellors all came together to discuss matters were still relatively rare.

And whenever such a situation arose, something major was certainly afoot. The atmosphere in the chamber was somewhat grave. These powerful figures each sat in place, some sipping tea, some resting their minds, and for a time, none of them spoke.

It was Zhao Pu, presiding over the meeting, who finally broke the silence. He swept his gaze around and said, "Regarding the Yangzhai affair, I ask that you all share your views!"

After Zhao Pu finished speaking, Han Hui, attending a meeting of this level for the first time, paused briefly in thought, then said in a stern tone: "This Pan You — acting wantonly, without any restraint! Without seeking approval, he took it upon himself to investigate and audit the Duke of Chu's estates. Who gave him that authority? The court ought to issue a formal rebuke!"

Han Hui's aggressive bearing was utterly unlike his usual composure, as if he were making a statement of position. Zhao Pu glanced at him, and a hint of unease stirred in his heart.

Seeing Han Hui harshly criticize Pan You's conduct, Zhao Kuangyi spoke up in a leisurely manner, his words carrying a somewhat pointed edge: "Chancellor Han's words are rather one-sided, are they not? Yangzhai is territory under the metropolitan circuit. Pan You, as its chief official, naturally holds administrative authority over the lands under his jurisdiction. His actions are reasonable and proper — lawful and compliant. What is wrong with that?

And because of the Duke of Chu's involvement, he did submit a written report beforehand, notifying the court of the circumstances and providing an explanation. Pan You's actions fully conform to the new regulations, falling entirely within the statutes and ordinances promulgated by the court. To disregard the facts and heap unjustified censure upon him — that too would be improper!"

It was as if the sun had risen from the west — Zhao Kuangyi was actually speaking up for Pan You.

Hearing this rebuttal, Han Hui looked at Zhao Kuangyi, thinking to himself that his appointment as Finance Commissioner had indeed offended Zhao Kuangyi. However, in every respect, Han Hui was not intimidated by Zhao Kuangyi. After a brief moment of thought, he asked coolly: "By Chancellor Zhao's reasoning, Pan You acting on his own authority and offending the imperial dignity is still reasonable and proper?"

"Chancellor Han exaggerates!" Zhao Kuangyi's tone also grew several degrees sharper: "This is merely a matter of a few medicinal herb fields — it hardly rises to the level of offending imperial dignity! A pure and loyal official like Pan You, whose every action is devoted to the public good, ought to be affirmed, protected, and supported by the court. Otherwise, would we not chill the hearts of loyal ministers and worthy men?"

With Zhao Kuangyi saying this, the others present could not help but furrow their brows. None of them had expected that on this matter, Zhao Kuangyi would support Pan You with such clear-cut conviction.

Noticing the others' reactions, Zhao Kuangyi turned his gaze to Zhao Pu and said slowly: "Lord Zhao, is today's meeting meant to fix blame and pass judgment on Pan You?"

"Naturally not!" Zhao Pu gave Zhao Kuangyi a deep look and offered a definitive answer, then said: "I have taken note of both your opinions. Let us set aside the dispute for now and hear what the others have to say!"

With that, Zhao Pu looked toward Lü Duan, whose face was grave, and offered a faint smile, asking: "Yizhi, what do you think?"

Lü Duan's expression showed no discernible change. He straightened his back and, in a measured manner, bowed to all those present, then said with deliberation: "In my view, the fundamental issue in the Yangzhai affair is whether the lands held by the Duke of Chu constitute imperial property! If they do, then they should be handled by the Court of the Imperial Household, and the court has no grounds to intervene. If they do not, then Governor Pan's audit and registration under the tax regulations is simply carrying out his duties according to the rules, and the court has no reason to reproach him!"

When these ministers discussed matters, they naturally did not look at surface appearances. What they were really probing was what lay behind Pan You's audit of Liu Xi's lands. And precisely because it involved the imperial house, and concerned Emperor Liu, it commanded such grave attention from them.

"The Duke of Chu is an imperial prince; his properties are naturally imperial family assets. The management of such matters falls under the Court of the Imperial Household and the Court of the Imperial Clan. How could outside ministers intervene!" Han Hui picked up the thread, his stance resolute.

Zhao Kuangyi followed immediately: "According to investigation, aside from what the ducal establishment purchased on its own, a great many of the Duke of Chu's lands were bestowed by His Majesty. And the estates held by the Great Han's meritorious officials and honored nobles — many of them likewise benefit from His Majesty's gracious grants. What difference is there between the two?"

Seeing Han and Zhao about to clash again, Zhao Pu raised a hand to stop them. After thinking for a moment, he said to Lü Duan: "What Yizhi said hits the mark precisely!"

In truth, everyone present understood this point clearly; they simply held different positions and different considerations, and so their stances naturally differed. After a moment of deliberation, Zhao Pu looked toward Liu Xi, who had not yet spoken, and asked: "What does His Highness the Prince of Jin think?"

Liu Xi's expression was equally solemn, revealing nothing of his depth. After weighing his words, he spoke in a low voice under everyone's gaze: "The Duke of Chu has long since established his own household and governs his own affairs. Besides being an imperial prince, he is also a subject of His Majesty."

Liu Xi offered his view in a calm tone, quite fair and balanced. Though his words were not fully spelled out, the meaning was clear enough — he leaned toward affirming Pan You's actions.

However, shifting his tone, Liu Xi continued: "That said, Pan You's actions in Yangzhai were ultimately ill-considered. When the court formulated the regulations previously, there was some ambiguity — the matter was not clearly defined. That was an oversight on the court's part.

But as for these questionable points, Pan You acted according to his personal judgment without seeking approval. To say he acted on his own authority is no injustice to him. He must be reprimanded. The court's policies are not for local officials to interpret at will!"

Clearly, Liu Xi still harbored some resentment toward Pan You's approach. However, he had to consider the larger picture — advancing the tax reform to its current stage had not been easy.

The Yangzhai affair did not appear to be a major matter — was it not simply handling the Duke of Chu's estates according to the regulations? But when it touched upon the imperial house, upon the Emperor himself, it could not be taken lightly.

Setting aside the other imperial relatives and in-laws, the core question was whether Emperor Liu's own sons and grandsons should enjoy privileges in taxation. Han Hui believed that as descendants of the Emperor, possessing certain privileges was entirely reasonable and proper, and so he accused Pan You's actions of offending imperial dignity.

Zhao Kuangyi, evidently, held the opposite view.

As for Liu Xi, in his heart, he was quite angered by Pan You's act of poking through the window paper. But he had to weigh the consequences of this matter. It was not difficult for the court to issue a statement and reach a conclusion, but the impact that would follow such a decision had to be considered. The imperial house still had to care about its reputation and standing.

And so, no matter how uncomfortable he felt inside, Liu Xi still had to consider the greater good and make his judgment and decision.

Casting a cool glance over Zhao Kuangyi, Liu Xi added: "For the sake of the nation's great interests, the court must take a clear stance regarding the estates of the imperial princes and princesses, so as to guide the officials in governance and to settle those restless hearts!"

Liu Xi's words were likewise insinuating. However, Zhao Kuangyi sat there, perfectly composed, even nodding as he flattered Liu Xi: "Your Highness acts with great righteousness for the state — I am deeply admiring!"

Zhao Kuangyi naturally had some regard for Liu Xi, but to say he was truly in awe of him would not be quite accurate. After all, he belonged to the "Crown Prince faction," while Liu Xi, now entrusted with heavy responsibilities by Emperor Liu, was naturally opposed to him in position.

"This matter is not something we ministers can decide!" Looking at the two of them, Zhao Pu reached his conclusion and clasped his hands in the direction of Chuigong Hall: "It should be submitted for His Majesty's sacred judgment!"

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