Chapter 431

At this moment, after listening to Tai'a's report, Liu Bian nodded slightly.

This result did not surprise him.

"Since it has been clarified that this matter was Yuan Shu's personal doing and has nothing to do with the rest of the Yuan family, then the punishment for Yuan Kui and his nephew Yuan Shao shall be waived."

"However, Yuan Shu's actions are tantamount to treason, and the members of the Yuan family cannot escape blame for this."

Liu Bian said this in a commanding voice, swept his majestic gaze over everyone, and said to Xun Yu:

"Wenruo, convey my decree: Yuan Shu has rebelled, and Yuan Kui and the others of the Yuan family failed to discipline him strictly. Considering they were completely unaware, and the Yuan family has made great contributions to our Great Han Empire, I specially waive the collective guilt of the Yuan family."

"Yuan Kui is demoted to Vice Minister of Works, Fourth Rank official, and fined one year's salary as a warning to others!"

"Yuan Shao is demoted to Lieutenant of the Yulin Army, Fifth Rank official, responsible for guarding the Luoyang city gates, and fined one year's salary as a warning to others!"

Hearing this, Xun Yu replied with a solemn expression:

"This humble subject obeys the decree!"

Immediately, Liu Bian wrote the imperial decree in front of everyone, stamped it with the Imperial Jade Seal, and handed it to Xun Yu.

Regarding this, no one felt it was the least bit inappropriate; in fact, they felt Liu Bian's punishment was too light.

One must know that what Yuan Shu committed was the grave crime of treason, which is punishable by the execution of one's nine clans.

Liu Bian only demoted and fined Yuan Kui and Yuan Shao; for the entire Yuan family, this was truly an immense display of imperial grace.

"There is one more thing: the cultivation methods you practice can be taught to your family members, but remember, for now, they can only be spread within your own homes."

"I intend to wait until the world is unified before spreading them to the common people. You must make this clear to your clansmen."

At this moment, Liu Bian said this to everyone with a solemn expression.

Upon hearing this, everyone was first overjoyed, and then said solemnly to Liu Bian:

"Thank you, Your Majesty! We subjects will definitely explain this clearly to our clansmen!"

Seeing this, Liu Bian nodded with satisfaction.

After resolving the matter of the Yuan family, everyone conversed for a while longer in Liu Bian's Imperial Study before rising to leave.

After everyone left Liu Bian's Imperial Study, on the way out of the Imperial Palace, Cai Yong was surrounded by the others.

At this moment, Yang Biao said to him with some envy:

"Lord Cai has truly raised a good daughter! It is a pity that there are no suitable women in my household; otherwise, how could this good fortune have fallen to you, Old Man Cai!"

After Yang Biao finished speaking, he looked with some jealousy at Cai Yong, whose beard was twitching.

"Exactly. Among us, only the four of us are a bit older. It is a pity! There are no women in our clans who are both talented and beautiful; otherwise, this good fortune would not have been yours, Old Man Cai!"

At this time, Wang Yun, who was at the side, also said to Cai Yong with jealousy.

"The two lords are absolutely right. Lord Cai, you must treat us today!"

At this moment, even Lu Zhi joined in, smiling as he spoke to Cai Yong.

"Hahaha, you lords are too kind. Isn't this all because His Majesty took a liking to my daughter!"

"Tonight, I will play the host and invite all you lords to my residence. We shall not stop until we are drunk!"

Hearing the envious and jealous tone of the four, Cai Yong also laughed loudly and extended the invitation.

"Hahaha, since Lord Cai has so graciously invited us, I must attend no matter what!"

At this moment, Guo Jia, who was watching and laughing from the side, immediately said happily upon hearing there would be wine to drink.

"Hahaha, if the Grand Military Strategist Guo can grace my humble abode, I will certainly treat you with great hospitality!"

Seeing this, Cai Yong also laughed heartily.

"In that case, we will shamelessly impose upon you tonight!"

At this moment, everyone looked at Cai Yong and said with a smile.

"That would be best. Lords, I will take my leave first to return to my residence and prepare. I hope you lords will definitely come tonight!"

At this moment, Cai Yong said loudly to everyone with a happy face.

"Lord Cai, rest assured, we will definitely attend on time!"

Seeing this, everyone also agreed with smiles on their faces.

"Lords, farewell!"

After bidding farewell to everyone, Cai Yong quickly headed toward the location arranged by the Ministry of Rites in Luoyang city. He had to finish conveying the matters Liu Bian had arranged before returning to his residence to prepare for tonight's banquet.

"Hahaha, look how smug Old Man Cai is. I really envy him for having such a good daughter!"

Watching Cai Yong's departing back, Yang Biao said with some envy.

"Enough, Lord Yang. This is not something one can envy. Old Man Cai's daughter is a famous and talented woman, and her appearance is even more outstanding. Stop being envious there!"

"We should hurry and arrange for people to distribute these identity jade tokens."

Seeing Yang Biao still being envious there, Wang Yun immediately said with a smile.

"That is correct. Let us hurry as well; this matter cannot be delayed, otherwise, if His Majesty blames us, we will not be able to bear it!"

Hearing this, Yang Biao's expression also tightened, and he said to everyone.

With the departure of everyone, the newly formed Six Ministries of the Han Empire also began to operate rapidly.

In a short while, the identity jade tokens had already spread throughout Luoyang city.

Countless commoners came to the streets and discussed the functions of the jade tokens with each other.

This was the first time they had come into contact with such a mysterious object, and for a time, they were all attracted by the powerful functions of the identity jade tokens.

Many people shouted things like "divine object," and some of the elderly even thought it was an immortal artifact used by gods.

However, after skillfully using the functions of the identity jade tokens, they all knelt on the ground in the direction of the Imperial Palace and thanked Liu Bian loudly:

"Commoners thank Your Majesty!"

For a time, the entire Luoyang city was as lively as if it were the New Year.

And Cai Yong, after conveying all the matters to his subordinates, hurried back to his residence.

"Hahahaha, Steward, tell everyone in the residence that I am hosting a banquet for the lords of the court tonight. Tell them to prepare everything well!"

Returning to his residence, Cai Yong had just entered the courtyard when he said loudly to the steward who came to greet him.

"Master, are you inviting all the lords of the court?"

After hearing Cai Yong's words, the steward asked with some confusion.

He needed to know how many people Cai Yong was hosting so he could be prepared.

"Prepare for more than ten people. Tonight, the Cabinet Ministers and the Ministers of the Six Ministries of the court are coming. Tell them to serve carefully."

"Moreover, do it according to the highest standards, and by the way, bring out the good wine I have treasured."

At this moment, the usually frugal Cai Yong was also making a rare display of extravagance, saying heroically to the steward.

Hearing this, the steward's expression became somewhat bitter, and he said to Cai Yong with a troubled look:

"Master, we don't have much money left in the residence. If we host it like this, we won't have enough for future expenses!"

"That's fine, just go ahead and arrange it. If there isn't enough money, I will find a way when the time comes!"

After hearing the steward's words, Cai Yong's expression froze, but then he gritted his teeth and said.

Today, no matter what, he had to prepare a sumptuous feast; otherwise, he would lose too much face in front of these high-ranking court officials.