Chapter 567: The Case of Liu Zhu

"Your Majesty, Wang Jingchong, Commissioner of the Wude Office, has arrived and awaits your summons outside the hall!"

"Summon him in!"

As soon as Wang Jingchong entered, Liu Chengyou set down his brush and looked up to ask: "The case of Liu Zhu — how is the investigation progressing?"

"Your Majesty!" Wang Jingchong dared not delay, and reported: "After a secret investigation by the intelligence officers in Xiangzhou, preliminary confirmation has been made that the crimes impeached by the censors and committed by Liu Zhu are indeed substantiated."

"Is there solid evidence?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Wang Jingchong replied: "Your servant has already ordered its collection!"

During this period, censors at court had impeached Liu Zhu, Military Governor of Xiangzhou, for abusing his authority while in office, accepting bribes, using public office for private gain, acting tyrannically and brutally, and treating human lives as grass.

This matter stirred up waves at court. As early as when Liu Zhu served in Qingzhou, Vice Censor-in-Chief Bian Guidang had impeached him for cruelty of heart and excessive use of harsh punishments. However, at that time, the state had only just been established, and Liu Zhu's strict application of the law had been highly effective in stabilizing the regions and restoring order, so Liu Chengyou had taken no action against him, and instead had rebuked Bian Guidang.

Later, when Liu Chengyou ordered the transfer and rotation of military governors, Liu Zhu was transferred on level terms to Xiangzhou, serving as Military Governor of the Zhangde Army, and had now held the post for three years. Now, suddenly, censors had again raised the old matter — but this time, Liu Chengyou chose to shelve the memorial without action. He only secretly ordered the Wude Office to investigate, to show the importance he attached to the matter.

In fact, regarding the impeachment of Liu Zhu, sensitive observers could all sense something unusual about it. Previously, when Military Governor Li Hui of Heyang had been impeached by someone, investigation had shown minor faults but no major crimes, and an edict had transferred him to Huaixi to govern Luzhou Prefecture.

Now, here was another impeachment, and another military governor. Unbeknownst to many, those military governors who had once run rampant across prefectures and counties, wielding great power in their regions, had already come within easy reach of the central court's authority, able to be controlled with a turn of the hand.

In the hall, Liu Chengyou looked at Wang Jingchong, his gaze deep and calm, as if pondering something. After a long while, he instructed him: "I intend to have you take men and go personally to Xiangzhou to investigate and settle the case of Liu Zhu!"

Hearing this command from the Emperor, Wang Jingchong was slightly taken aback — he, the Commissioner of the Wude Office, was being sent out personally. A thought flashed through his mind, and he recalled how, months earlier, the Son of Heaven had sent Li Shaoyou north to Hedong. He immediately felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, and a hint of delight even appeared between his brows.

"May I ask Your Majesty — Liu Zhu is, after all, a military governor of a province, of exalted status. I fear there will be many obstacles in my investigation. If I encounter unforeseen circumstances, how should I proceed?" Wang Jingchong asked, glancing carefully at Liu Chengyou, his words laden with implication.

Hearing the question, Liu Chengyou studied the man, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. He thought to himself: this man is asking me for power.

Without hesitation, Liu Chengyou said flatly: "The affairs of Xiangzhou are of great weight. If there is political disorder, you are to set things right. I grant you discretionary authority! If his crimes are confirmed, arrest him immediately and bring him back to the Eastern Capital for trial!"

"Yes!" Hearing this, Wang Jingchong suppressed the joy in his heart and bowed.

"However!" Liu Chengyou added: "Liu Zhu is a founding meritorious official, and had ties with the late Emperor. You must act with much thought and caution, proceeding prudently!"

"Your servant will humbly heed Your Majesty's instruction!" Wang Jingchong replied.

"Also," Liu Chengyou continued to instruct Wang Jingchong, "in recent days, I have repeatedly received reports of military governors, defense commissioners, and prefects in the regions committing violations of discipline and law, engaging in corruption and tyranny, causing government affairs to languish and the people to know no peace. I am resolved to rectify this! Previously I had you secretly gather information; this time, as you leave the capital, you shall inspect the regions on my behalf, investigate wrongdoing, and together with the court, purge it clean!"

"Yes!" Wang Jingchong said in a low voice.

As he withdrew, Liu Chengyou noticed that the man's steps seemed a bit lighter...

Behind the imperial desk, Liu Chengyou's expression revealed a trace of amusement. Wang Jingchong was a hungry wolf — releasing him was intended to have him sink his fangs into those military governors and prefects, especially those with tarnished records who showed no restraint in their conduct.

"With Wang Jingchong gone, the regions will know no peace, and the court is likely to grow lively as well..." Liu Chengyou remarked, though his tone clearly carried anticipation.

Since the triumphant return from the southern campaign, everything Liu Chengyou had done was aimed at sorting out internal governance and strengthening central authority. Toward the regions, he was firmly resolved to reclaim power and reform the system, beginning with curing the chronic ailment of the military provinces. In one hand he held the law, in the other the army, and he would also make use of the hawks and hounds beneath his seat.

Toward Hedong and Guanzhong, Liu Chengyou basically adopted a policy of conciliation, but toward others, he would not be overly courteous. Someone always had to be brought out to test the blade.

Liu Chengyou knew that too much intensity would provoke backlash, even unrest. But at present, Liu Chengyou believed that the Great Han as it stood could withstand it and could suppress it.

Just as Liu Chengyou had expected, no sooner had Wang Jingchong left the Eastern Capital and headed north to Xiangzhou than waves rose within the court over the matter. It was not that there was any problem with sending someone to investigate Liu Zhu — the problem was the choice of personnel.

The one who first raised objections was Fan Zhi, who had recently returned from his inspection tour of Hedong and concurrently oversaw the Ministry of Justice.

"Your Majesty, when there is trouble in Xiangzhou and Liu Zhu has broken the law, the Ministry of Justice or the Censorate could have selected special envoys to investigate. Why must the Wude Office take charge of this matter?" Fan Zhi's expression was stern, carrying both bewilderment and dissatisfaction.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou instinctively straightened his posture, maintaining a spring-breeze-like faint smile on his face: "Minister Fan, do not be hasty. The governance of Xiangzhou and Liu Zhu's conduct are appalling to hear. I deemed this matter urgent, requiring a capable and vigorous minister to investigate. After weighing the options, I selected Wang Jingchong accordingly!"

"The entire court is full of worthy ministers and talented men — is only the Commissioner of the Wude Office usable?" Fan Zhi asked.

Liu Chengyou explained: "Wang Jingchong's mission is that of a special envoy, handling a special matter — it has nothing to do with the powers and duties of his office."

Fan Zhi was clearly unable to accept this explanation, and asked again: "Then why were the Wude troops mobilized out of the capital?"

Fan Zhi's words grew increasingly intense, and he pressed on: "The court has its own laws and regulations. Your Majesty's action contravenes the Criminal Code — it is self-destruction of the law. How can this convince anyone?"

Hearing this, the warmth on Liu Chengyou's face gradually faded, and his gaze at Fan Zhi carried a hint of surprise.

Liu Chengyou still remembered that Fan Zhi had been promoted by him from the Protocol Office in the early years of Qianyou, when he was Crown Prince overseeing the state. Thereafter, he had risen step by step — Secretariat Drafter, drafter of edicts, Vice Minister of Justice, chancellor — promoted all the way to the highest position.

Nearly five years had passed since then, and Fan Zhi could be counted as a pillar of the imperial faction. Over the years he had rendered many services, but this should be the first time Fan Zhi directly confronted Liu Chengyou, displaying his stubborn and upright nature with extreme aggressiveness.

His tone turning slightly cold, Liu Chengyou said flatly: "Minister Fan, is this how you speak to me?"

Hearing this, Fan Zhi finally came to his senses. An awkward look appeared on his aged face, and he immediately lowered his head and clasped his hands: "Your servant's words were too harsh. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

"Enough!" Liu Chengyou waved a hand and said: "A state with remonstrating ministers will not perish. I know that you too have offered counsel out of a sense of public duty."

"Thank you for Your Majesty's magnanimity!" Fan Zhi bowed again, took a deep breath, and his emotions eased somewhat. He said: "But I must still speak. The matter of Xiangzhou concerns a military governor — a great official of a region, a minister guarding the borders. Your Majesty's handling of it through the Wude Office is truly inappropriate. If this precedent is set, over time, I fear the laws and discipline will be ruined!"

"Minister Fan worries too much!" Liu Chengyou let out a light breath and said: "This is a special matter, and Wang Jingchong is a special envoy. I have already issued the edict, and Wang Jingchong has already left the capital — it cannot be changed. This once only, and never again!"

Seeing that Fan Zhi still wanted to speak, Liu Chengyou cut him off: "Fan Zhi, you returned to the capital not long ago — a little over three months — and have not yet handled Ministry of Justice or court affairs. Return to your office and familiarize yourself with the work. By the way, prepare a list of this autumn's executions and present it for my review."

"Yes. Your servant takes his leave!" Fan Zhi could sense that the Son of Heaven had already made up his mind and was unwilling to alter the decision. Somewhat helpless, he nevertheless dared not continue to directly oppose Liu Chengyou.

In fact, Fan Zhi still had a bellyful of words he had not spoken — such as how the Wude Office had spread informants everywhere, sheltered wrongdoers, indulged petty villains, conducted arrests, operated prisons, and administered torture. All of these were encroachments on the authority of the Ministry of Justice, and every one of them was loathed and feared. Moreover, the one in charge had become the notorious Wang Jingchong. Although it was only Fan Zhi who had come forward to remonstrate this time, what he represented was likely the sentiment of most court officials.

"In the final analysis, it is the Wude Office that has aroused the dissatisfaction and fear of the court officials!" Liu Chengyou slowly smoothed his sleeve and said flatly: "But isn't that exactly what I wanted?"