Chapter 154: All About Being Decisive

Inside the Li Mansion in Ji City, the atmosphere was solemn.

Li Wan sat upright in the chief seat, her gaze gloomy, surrounded by her subordinates, plotting how to stop Liu Ju's incognito visit and then, following their plan, construct the secondary capital.

"Everyone, this secondary capital construction is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; if we do it our way, it will bring endless wealth and supreme status!"

Li Wan spoke first, her voice revealing uncontrollable greed.

"A subordinate quickly echoed: 'Sir, you are absolutely right, but Liu Ju is set on going incognito; he might ruin our plans. In my view, why not send people to set obstacles on the road, so he can't leave the city at all and must stay obediently in the relay station, following our prepared plan?'"

"Another subordinate frowned, proposing a different view: 'This might not be proper; Liu Ju has Zhang Tang, Wei Xiang, and Xu Wei protecting him. If we rashly set obstacles and are discovered, that would be a major crime. Better to plant spies around him, constantly monitor his movements, so we can respond in advance if he acts.'"

The crowd chatted back and forth, the discussion heating up.

"Then Li Xiao rushed in, flustered. 'Father, it's terrible! I met Xu Wei in Double Lake Village, along with a few unfamiliar people who said they came to hunt, scout, and wanted to buy land.'"

"Li Wan heard this, her face instantly darkening. 'Xu Wei? How could he suddenly appear there? Isn't he supposed to be discussing design plans with the Son of Heaven? And with a bunch of strangers? Strange!'"

Upon hearing this, everyone also showed a contemplative look.

"Sir, Xu Wei is a Vice Minister of Works; his coming here—could he have noticed something and be deliberately investigating? \" a subordinate asked cautiously.

Li Wan pondered, then snorted coldly. 'Hah, what's there to fear? Imperial power doesn't reach the county; the court's control over the Great Han relies not on those arrogant, self-serving officials, but on us local magistrates.'

"Never mind being a Vice Minister of Works; even if he were the emperor, in Ji City he'd have to follow our rules. We've managed Ji City for years, our foundations are deep—what could Liu Ju possibly do to us?"

Hearing Li Wan's words, everyone felt somewhat relieved.

"Li Wan then ordered: 'Still, we must act cautiously. Keep a close watch on them—don't let Xu Wei and company discover any clues. I'll personally go to the Son of Heaven's resting lodge to gather news and see what his intentions are.'"

Li Wan wore a cold smile.

"After saying that, he stood up, straightened his attire, took a few confidants, and headed toward Liu Ju's residence."

"He secretly calculated: no matter what, he must not let anyone ruin their plans; the secondary capital construction—he would certainly participate."

"He had stubbornly held Ji City, this bitter-cold land, for many years; finally an opportunity for fame and fortune arrived, and he was determined to seize it."

"Meanwhile, Liu Ju, returned to his residence in Ji City, now had a solemn expression, brows tightly locked."

"He had already seen through Li Wan's various unlawful deeds in Double Lake, his heart burning with anger."

"At this moment, he sat together with Zhang Tang, Wei Xiang, Xu Wei, and others, discussing how to deal with the thorny problem of Li Wan."

"Zhang Tang spoke first, his tone decisive: 'Your Majesty, Li Wan, such a villain, runs rampant in Ji City; his actions in Double Lake are even more heinous. In my opinion, we should immediately issue an edict to remove him from office and investigate, to uphold the law.'"

"He pounded the table forcefully, his eyes full of indignation."

"Wei Xiang, however, looked worried, slowly shaking his head: 'Your Majesty, Li Wan has managed Ji City for years; his power is deeply entrenched. Acting rashly against him could trigger many changes, possibly even causing Ji City's situation to spiral out of control—we need careful planning.'"

"His brows were tightly furrowed, his eyes showing deep worry."

"Xu Wei, after a moment's thought, said: 'Wei Xiang's point is not without reason, but if we don't act soon and let Li Wan continue his wrongdoing, the people will suffer greatly, and the secondary capital construction will surely be obstructed.'"

"Several people exchanged views, each holding their own opinion, the atmosphere tense and oppressive."

"Just then, a report came from outside the gate: 'Ji City Governor Li Wan requests an audience with Your Majesty.'"

"Liu Ju exchanged glances with the crowd, a flicker of wariness passing in his eyes."

"Li Wan stepped into the room, wearing a seemingly respectful smile that actually concealed probing intent."

"He first bowed slightly, saying: 'Your Majesty, I recently heard you went out; I don't know where you went.'"

"Without waiting for Liu Ju's reply, he spoke, glancing intentionally or unintentionally at Xu Wei, then shifted tone to question: 'Minister Xu, as Vice Minister of Works, bearing heavy responsibility, yet you abandoned your post to run to Double Lake for a private visit—what is the reason?'"

"In his speech, he showed utterly no reverence for the Son of Heaven, arrogance evident."

"Seeing this, Liu Ju could no longer contain his anger; he jumped up, eyes wide, and loudly rebuked:"

""Li Wan, you have gall! Your actions in Double Lake, I know them like the back of my hand. Illegally occupying land, building luxurious residences, disregarding royal law, oppressing the people—do you know your crime?""

"Liu Ju's voice rang like a great bell, reverberating in the room."

"Li Wan slightly lowered his head, eyes flashing a hint of cunning, tone calm: 'Please calm your anger, Your Majesty. I have served in Ji City for years; for the Great Han I have done my utmost; Ji City's present state is due to my efforts as well.'"

""The Double Lake matter indeed has cause; I originally wanted to build for Your Majesty a more magnificent temporary palace to manifest Your Majesty's dignity, but in the process I acted too hastily, my methods were improper.'"

"Seeing Liu Ju not immediately respond, Li Wan summoned courage to continue: 'Your Majesty, many officials in Ji City are my longtime colleagues and friends; they also know my loyalty to the Great Han; we also wish to wholeheartedly assist Your Majesty in building the secondary capital. This will surely let the project proceed more smoothly, letting You achieve your wishes early.'"

"Li Wan, while speaking, secretly glanced at Liu Ju's expression, secretly calculating."

"Wei Xiang and others nearby also kept giving Liu Ju meaningful looks, hoping he would think twice before acting."

"However Liu Ju remained unmoved, snorting coldly: 'Hmph, Li Wan, your crimes cannot be dismissed with a few sophisms; you use power for personal gain, are corrupt and lawless, having lost the people's hearts. I will not forgive your crimes just because of a few excuses.'"

"Li Wan, hearing Liu Ju's rebuke, his face slightly changed, said: 'Your Majesty, there must be a misunderstanding here, your humble servant...'"

""Silence!""

"Liu Ju interrupted him, saying: 'The evidence is solid; you still dare to deny! Come, take Li Wan into custody now!'"

"At Liu Ju's order, the guards waiting nearby rushed forward like fierce tigers, surrounding Li Wan."

"Li Wan stared wide-eyed, face full of disbelief; he never expected Liu Ju to be so decisive—his clever plans instantly came to nothing."