Chapter 322: Xuzhou Matters Settled (2)

Toward Liu Xin, Liu Chengyou initially truly had no intention of killing him. At the start of his journey south, he had only harbored thoughts of investigating and demoting him. However, after arriving in Xuzhou, hearing his words and observing his deeds, coupled with the reports of Liu Xin's crimes submitted from all sides, his accumulated evils truly stirred Liu Chengyou's fury, and his killing intent blazed fiercely.

But Liu Chengyou ultimately did not allow his brain to be flooded with rage—that would affect his judgment. Last night at the imperial inquiry, when he asked the assembled ministers for their opinions, aside from Yang Bin letting himself go and advising punishment according to national law, everyone else was more or less reserved. Even Yang Bin did not directly say to kill Liu Xin.

As for Murong Yanchao, Liu Chengyou basically ignored his opinion, preferring to consider more how Liu Chong's side might feel.

In terms of concerns, how could these ministers have more than he, the Emperor? Even so, their expressions remained conservative.

Those who advised him cited the imperial uncle's status as their reason. Yet to a certain extent, by comparison, Liu Xin's status as Military Governor of Xuzhou carried more weight. Imperial uncle? Without power and influence, that's worth shit.

As for the crimes Liu Xin had committed, don't look at Liu Chengyou's outwardly furious, indignant expression, as if he were deeply pained by the cruelty inflicted upon the people of Xuzhou. In truth, there were two main points that truly enraged Liu Chengyou: first, Liu Xin repeatedly uttered arrogant words relying on his status—disrespect toward him, contempt for imperial authority; second, he led his men to plunder the people, dragging him into it as well, ruining the reputation of him, the Emperor, and the court.

These two points were what Liu Chengyou could not tolerate most. Of course, he did harbor some compassion for the suffering of the scholars and commoners—after all, his image as a people-loving ruler had already been established, and it had become a habit. It was just that, having heard so much, the sentiment was not overly profound. The debt owed to the common people would be fulfilled through subsequent remedial measures.

These considerations were not something Liu Chengyou could state openly, nor could he even discuss them in private. Hypocritical as it was, this was an essential skill for an emperor.

Considering from another angle, his father, Gaozu Emperor Liu Zhiyuan, had only recently been buried, lying in "the neighboring" Yangdi. If he were to kill an imperial relative here, it would inevitably invite criticism. Liu Chengyou did not fear rumors, but there was no need to deliberately court them.

In fact, killing a Liu Xin was hardly difficult. Even if the ministers opposed and the harem pressured, Liu Chengyou needed only one edict to take his life. Liu Chengyou merely needed to pin a charge of rebellion on Liu Xin.

But was the purpose of Liu Chengyou's investigation of the Xuzhou case merely to kill a Liu Xin? Handling Liu Xin was still for the sake of shaking the world externally, to deter wrongdoing inside and outside the court, and incidentally to harvest a wave of popular support. To speak a heart-piercing truth: at this time, the weight of public opinion had to be pushed back considerably.

The question before Liu Chengyou was simply whether to leave any leeway in handling this matter, and if so, how much.

As Wang Qiwu said, weigh the pros and cons.

After synthesizing opinions and attitudes from all sides, Liu Chengyou's mind gradually settled. Once settled, it was resolute enough.

That day before noon, Liu Chengyou convened an imperial council at the temporary palace in Changshe. The accompanying civil and military officials, along with the few Xuzhou generals and administrators, were all present.

The atmosphere was quite solemn, and no topics were raised for discussion. Once everyone had arrived, Liu Chengyou directly gave orders in an extremely flat tone:

"Liu Xin, Military Governor of the Zhongwu Army and Duke of Cai, during his tenure governing Xuzhou, was corrupt and lawless, arrogant and unbridled, poisoning the people, obstinate in his wickedness—his crimes warrant the death penalty. As an imperial relative, he did not prioritize the state, did not consider the welfare of the people—his crimes are thereby one degree more severe. Yet I, considering his modest merits to the nation, and with Gaozu's mausoleum nearby, remit his death sentence!"

When Liu Chengyou's words fell, the assembled civil and military officials showed no overly surprised expressions. Murong Yanchao, however, did not hide his reaction, letting out a great sigh of relief.

Without bothering to observe the ministers' reactions, Liu Chengyou continued:

"But though the death sentence may be remitted, the living punishment cannot be forgiven! Order: strip Liu Xin of all offices and titles, reduce him to commoner status, send him to Rui Mausoleum, wearing shackles and prison garb, dwelling in a thatched hut, guarding Gaozu's tomb to atone for his crimes. Without an imperial pardon, he may not leave. Without special decree, he may not meet with outsiders!"

"Confiscate his household! All property he embezzled and plundered shall be collected into the state treasury! All farmland he seized from the people shall be fully returned! All officials he sold positions to shall be dismissed entirely. Confiscate their households, reduce their families to servitude, and their family wealth shall be forfeited to the public granaries!"

Before Liu Chengyou had finished speaking, Murong Yanchao seemed unable to bear it any longer. He rose and questioned: "Is this not too harsh? At this rate, it would be better to just kill him outright!"

His face twitching slightly, Liu Chengyou glanced at Murong Yanchao without even lifting his eyelids, and said calmly: "Murong Yanchao, Military Governor of the Taining Army, committed a breach of decorum before the sovereign and spoke insolently. Demoted three grades, stripped of office, removed of his Director of the Chancellery title, fined one year's salary, and upon returning to the capital, confined to his residence for two months!"

With that said, Murong Yanchao was stunned, his face full of shock. His dark face turned even darker, almost devoid of any color, his lips trembling with rage. Liu Chengyou raised his hand to signal the imperial guards to drag him out.

Murong Yanchao's questioning was, in fact, not wrong.

Sweeping his gaze around, Liu Chengyou noticed that the civil and military officials in attendance sat with very straight postures, but their heads were all lowered somewhat.

Murong Yanchao did not affect Liu Chengyou's mood too much. His expression slightly solemn, he continued: "As for Liu Xin's subordinates and associates, carefully distinguish among the arrested officials, and judge their crimes according to the severity of their wrongdoing. Vice Director of the Secretariat Dou Zhengu shall temporarily administer the military and civil affairs of Xuzhou, assisted by censor Zhao Li, to supervise this matter, ensuring peace among all levels. I have heard that during Xuzhou's misrule, some local generals and officials also took the opportunity to harm the people for private gain. Such wicked officials shall be strictly investigated and punished!"

"As for the Xuzhou yabing guards and the arrested military officers who violated discipline and harmed the people, they shall be dealt with under military law. The subordinate garrison troops shall be broken up and reorganized, with Commander of the Iron Cavalry Wang Hanlun appointed as Militia Commissioner of Xuzhou to handle the reorganization!"

"Yes!" Dou Zhengu and Zhao Li acknowledged in unison upon hearing this.

"The people of Xuzhou have suffered under misrule for too long. This year's summer tax shall be remitted by half!"

"This time, quite a few Xuzhou officials have been dismissed. Minister Yang, who administers the Ministry of Personnel, upon returning to the capital, shall promptly make transfers and appointments to fill the vacancies!" Liu Chengyou instructed, looking at Yang Bin.

"Yes!"

Issuing edicts in one breath, Liu Chengyou's mouth had grown somewhat dry. He paused to catch his breath, also giving the ministers time to digest.

After pondering for a moment, just as the atmosphere unconsciously turned subtle, Liu Chengyou furrowed his brows, slowed his speech, but with extremely firm eyes, said: "The appointment to Xuzhou was my personal order to station him there. I did not expect such evil consequences, causing suffering to its scholars and people. Employing the wrong person is my fault. Liu Xin, being an imperial relative, was not properly admonished—there is also a failure in my oversight. I intend to issue a self-blame edict to resolve the shame and regret in my heart!"

Liu Chengyou's words carried a measure of sincerity. The assembled ministers upon hearing this hurriedly urged him against it, saying it was unnecessary.

Indeed, that was the case—after all, even emperors could be deceived. Moreover, Liu Xin's appointment as Military Governor of Xuzhou had been made during Liu Zhiyuan's reign; Liu Chengyou had merely ordered him to assume his post. Of course, he had to bear all the blame himself.

A self-blame edict could not be lightly issued, but Liu Xin's case was special. What Liu Chengyou wanted was to demonstrate an emperor's attitude. Though the ministers strongly dissuaded him, Liu Chengyou's will was resolute, and so it was decided—the self-blame edict would be drafted by Wang Qiwu.

Once matters were fully delegated, Liu Chengyou drew a breath, waved his hand, and dropped four words: "Return to the capital the day after tomorrow!"