Chapter 302: Gentlemen Do Not Exhaust All Benefits to Leave the People Destitute

Li Shimin said nothing, his gaze fixed on Zhang XuanSu, and the other officials subconsciously looked at him as well.

At this moment, Zhang XuanSu truly had grievances he could not voice; he didn't know what the aristocratic family was thinking.

But judging from yesterday's situation, he feared he was merely a pawn, and after achieving his master's goal, a pawn to be discarded.

Facing so many eyes, Zhang XuanSu let out a light sigh and stepped forward.

"I am a subordinate."

"So it is Minister Zhang." Chen Yan had long known who had approached him first, and had learned Zhang XuanSu's specific circumstances from Li Shimin's mouth.

In short, Zhang XuanSu is a good official, but he was promoted directly by the aristocratic family.

Li Shimin had previously considered vying for this man; otherwise, Zhang XuanSu could not have attained the position of Assistant Censor, which appears low in rank but actually wields considerable power.

"I have heard that Minister Zhang has listed eight charges against me; each of these eight charges corresponds to something I have done, and each is sufficient to warrant my execution. I do not quite understand the details; could Minister Zhang repeat them for me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang XuanSu fully understood.

Chen Yan's words were somewhat untimely, but Li Shimin and the other ministers remained silent, evidently giving tacit approval.

From Li Shimin's and several Dukes' attitudes yesterday, and from having been summoned yesterday, Chen Yan's appearance on the Court today suggests...

This matter can no longer be brushed aside casually.

Li Shimin may wish to vindicate Chen Yan, to give him a platform, and Chen Yan's motives are hard to guess; from his current behavior, it is very possible that he seeks revenge.

Many people already sense that blood may be shed today.

And from whose body the blood will flow is already obvious.

Zhang XuanSu suddenly understood many things, realizing that today his accusation of a county Marquis, or even an Imperial son-in-law, would be inescapable.

He felt a deep sorrow and was about to repeat the words he had spoken yesterday.

Chen Yan, however, suddenly turned to Cui Minggan, "Minister Cui, Minister Zhang seems unable to speak; you said yesterday that the subordinate has merits and faults. Why not state the subordinate's charges yourself and then pass judgment?"

"This is a matter between you and him; why should I judge?" Cui Minggan frowned, expression unchanged, and said, "Moreover, yesterday I merely stood on the side of fairness and spoke truthfully."

"Speaking truthfully?" Chen Yan retorted, "Then what exactly is this method of speaking truthfully?"

"Why not, Minister Cui, state your reasons, point out where the subordinate's merits lie and where his faults are, one by one; otherwise, the subordinate will continue to think he has only merits and no mistakes."

"After all, I have always acted according to His Majesty's and the Crown Prince's orders; I truly do not understand where I went wrong."

As his words fell, Cui Minggan's face turned extremely unpleasant.

You say you acted on His Majesty's orders; how can I judge your right or wrong?

Say you are at fault?

If you, who acted on His Majesty's command, are at fault, does that not imply His Majesty is at fault?

Or admit you have only merits?

How laughable!

Above, a hint of surprise flashed in Li Shimin's eyes; he had not expected Chen Yan to be so eloquent, and in a few words had put Cui Minggan in a bind.

"A gentleman understands righteousness, a petty person understands profit."

At this moment, Wang Gui suddenly spoke, "Your merits and faults, we will not judge for now. Your Chen family is wholly loyal and heroic; your ancestors were heroes, your mother came from a scholarly family, and you were educated from childhood by the Empress herself. Are you not aware of the principle that 'unrighteous wealth and rank are like floating clouds to me'?"

Upon this remark, everyone's complexion changed; Li Shimin's eyes darkened.

Wei Zheng was about to speak in defense of Chen Yan.

But unexpectedly, Chen Yan spoke first.

"Minister Wang, you are indeed erudite," Chen Yan praised, "With just one sentence you quoted two famous lines from the Analects—'Li Ren' and 'Shu Er'—and have reduced me to dust."

"You call me a son who fails to honor his parents and elders, and a petty man who disputes profit with the people."

"However…" Chen Yan smiled and asked, "Minister Wang, after reading so many books, what insight have you derived?"

"Citing classics is one thing after another, Minister Wang, how many of those precepts have you actually practiced?"

"Why have I heard rumors that Minister Wang, for a single piece of crystal, would demand tens of thousands of strings of cash—what a grand display of power."

Chen Yan turned to Du Ruhui, "Minister Du, you and Minister Wang both serve as chancellors; why is it that after all these years your entire family fortune amounts to only a few thousand strings of cash in total?"

"I truly cannot fathom it."

This remark was fine left unsaid, but once spoken, almost all the officials present lowered their heads; some out of fear, others unable to suppress laughter.

Why does Minister Wang, once he opens his mouth, speak of tens of thousands of strings?

It's the family's contribution.

Yet why can a family that reads the sages' books produce so much money?

It's truly hard to guess.

Du Ruhui also did not expect Chen Yan to be so bold, daring to say such things.

But now that matters have come to this, pondering these meaningless points is futile; just as he was about to speak,

Chen Yan beat him to it again.

"Of course, rumors are still rumors; perhaps they were misreported, or perhaps our Tang Dynasty has two Ministers Wang."

"I do not believe Minister Wang would do such a thing."

Chen Yan paused, then said, "I have also read several great works; I recall the Book of Rites, 'Fang Ji' where Confucius said: 'A gentleman does not exhaust all benefits to leave the people with none,' meaning a gentleman must not seize all benefits but leave them to the populace."

"May I ask, gentlemen, have I achieved this?"

Have I achieved it?

The officials could not help but recall the news they had gathered after yesterday's court session, and fell silent.

Chen Yan has managed Weinan County in an orderly manner, ensuring the locals live prosperously; this is an indisputable fact.

And the premise of all this is naturally that Chen Yan has taken the benefits he allegedly obtained by competing with the people and returned them to the populace.

This cannot be refuted.

"Earlier I asked, Minister Wang, after reading so many books, what insight have you actually produced? Minister Wang still has not answered," Chen Yan said calmly, "Some words I did not wish to elaborate, some veils I do not wish to lift, but some people, having offended me, I have no reason to be timid."

"My father, my uncle, and the several uncles who watched me grow up all taught me: if a person does not offend me, I do not offend them."

"If a person offends me, then life and death become indifferent; if they don't submit, then fight!"

"Good kid!" Yuchi Gong couldn't help but cheer.

The act instantly drew everyone's attention; Yuchi Gong awkwardly coughed a few times, scratched the beard on his face, and sneered at Li Shimin.

"So, what exactly do you want to say?"

Wang Gui was not angry; his cultivation was excellent, and he asked calmly.

Chen Yan smiled, his tone gentle, "Actually it's nothing; I just want to tell everyone that one should eat when it's time to eat, and drink when it's time to drink."

"But don't be a dog catching mice; don't meddle in others' affairs."

"Damn it, if you have an issue with me, then come to Weinan County and spar with me."

"If I don't bring out your Shi, even if you cleaned up last night."

"......."