Thank you to pandorasproxy for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
“Kill the Yanmen Commandery Prefect!”
In the grand hall, a rebuke echoed. A memorial was thrown onto the ground, and the Emperor’s eyebrows furrowed. He slammed the table and stood up, exclaiming, “Heavy snowfall, only reporting a disaster at the horse farm while concealing casualties within the commandery. Does he think he can deceive me?!”
In the present Zhao Empire, there was a well-established procedure for disaster relief. The severity of a disaster was categorized into ten levels. Upon encountering a disaster, officials were required to immediately assess and categorize it, tally the casualties, and report the information layer by layer to the imperial court. In the case of a major disaster, the provincial governor must personally inspect and assess the situation, and they could use the provincial treasury to provide immediate relief. The results of the assessment were compiled into a report and subjected to verification by the Ministry of Revenue. Any delays, concealment, or false reporting would be severely punished!
The stringent disaster relief procedures have been in operation for several years, successfully addressing floods and droughts promptly. However, unexpectedly, the first case of dereliction of duty occurred in Bing County, and in the critical location of Yanmen Commandery at that. If there were incursions by Xianbei, Qiang, or other nomadic tribes, would the Yanmen Commandery Prefect also conceal casualties, falsely report success, and take credit for unwarranted merits?
What’s more distressing is the background of the Yanmen Commandery Prefect. This individual is not from a prestigious family but a commoner selected through the imperial examination. If such a bold act of concealing information occurred, could it be related to financial issues in the local treasury? If the treasury is depleted, the situation becomes even more complicated. None of the officials in Yanmen Commandery, from top to bottom, can escape scrutiny.
One disturbing revelation leads to another. Just thinking about it sends shivers down one’s spine. Bing County, which he meticulously managed, has fallen into chaos. How could Liang Feng not be furious?
The Emperor, filled with anger, and the attendants and palace maids in the hall all knelt, trembling in fear. Liang Feng paid no attention to them and sternly commanded, “Summon Zhang Bin, Chi Jian, Duan Qin, Yan Bin, Cui Ji, and Guo Xing immediately to the palace!”
The named high-ranking officials were summoned for a severe reckoning. The palace attendants hurriedly delivered the orders, and in no time, the officials arrived at the Chugong Hall to face the Emperor.
During the private discussions in the court, there was no room for eavesdropping. Aware of the importance of the matter, the palace attendants retreated to a distance of three feet. Even so, occasional reprimands from the Emperor could still be heard. After a whole hour of discussion, the officials gradually took their leave, and a constant stream of documents continued to be delivered.
As the palace gates were about to close, the commotion in the Chugong Hall had not ceased. Miss Guo furrowed her brows and whispered to the nearby Huang Men, “Quickly summon General Yi to the palace.”
The Emperor had not been this furious for a long time, and it seemed only General Yi could quell this thunderous anger.
With a furrowed brow, Liang Feng quickly examined the documents in his hands. Besides those from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue, there were also confidential reports from Xinling. What was hidden beneath the documents was truly shocking. Even if Zhang Bin earnestly advised against it, Liang Feng had no intention of letting the Yanmen Commandery Prefect off the hook. Without punishment, how could there be a deterrent effect?!
Just as he was reading, someone suddenly said, “Reporting to Your Majesty, General of the Cavalry requests an audience.”
Liang Feng suddenly looked up, his eyes aflame, “Who leaked this information to him? Revealing court discussions, such audacity!”
This charge could truly lead to death. Lady Guo immediately knelt, “Your Majesty, forgive the transgression.”
Lady Guo was a trusted confidante accompanying Liang Feng from the beginning. Now that the harem lacked a principal figure, she handled the majority of the palace affairs. However, in the face of the Emperor’s anger today, she did not dare offer any explanation, simply bowing her head in submission on the ground.
“My lord, I have finished dealing with miscellaneous matters and hurried to the palace,” a voice pierced through the hall even before being summoned. Yiyan strode into the hall, his robes swaying as he knelt on the ground.
This was an extreme breach of etiquette, not to mention the informal address of “My lord.” However, the seated emperor only frowned and said, “Rise. Have you had your evening meal?”
Yiyan stood up, “Not yet.”
“Summon the meal,” Liang Feng threw down his brush and instructed.
Lady Guo breathed a sigh of relief, carefully stood up, and exited. It seemed calling General Yi here was indeed the right decision. If not for him, who knows when the emperor would have been willing to eat.
With the palace attendants gone, Liang Feng spoke, “Are you here to persuade me not to execute the Yanmen Commandery Prefect? This is not just about concealing the disaster report but also about embezzlement from the treasury and misappropriation of military funds. Multiple charges warranting execution!”
The emperor’s tone remained unfriendly, but Yiyan shook his head, “As a military man, I don’t involve myself in political matters. My lord might as well have a meal first and rest for a moment.”
This response caught Liang Feng off guard, and the fiery temper seemed to cool a bit. Seizing the opportunity, palace attendants brought in the evening meal, and Liang Feng then stood up, cleaned his hands, and joined Yiyan at the table.
The emperor’s meals were not extravagant, consisting of only six dishes each. Even when dining with the Crown Prince or Yiyan, the quantity increased, but the variety of dishes remained the same.
As Liang Feng lifted his ivory chopsticks and picked up two mouthfuls, he suddenly spoke, “I know there’s a saying that officials are exempt from corporal punishment, and corruption is something that cannot be entirely eradicated. However, at the beginning of a dynasty, we absolutely cannot compromise on principles. Those are hundreds of lives at stake! If we don’t execute him, how can we maintain peace and govern the country? Moreover, Yanmen is a border region, and keeping such a waste at the frontier may cost the lives of many soldiers. I’m not turning a blind eye to corruption; I’m just using this as a warning to others…”
He didn’t want to emulate Zhu Yuanzhang. Even if they set stricter standards for corruption and more severe punishments, it wouldn’t stop the temptation of “greed.” Killing tens of thousands of corrupt officials to feed more hungry ones was a foolish act. He could reward and overlook certain gray areas, but he couldn’t let it interfere with state affairs!
Because that man was selected through the imperial examination, a harsh punishment was even more necessary!
However, the suppressed anger didn’t provoke Yiyan into arguing. He just picked up a golden spoon, scooped some soup for Liang Feng, and handed it over, “If my lord wants to execute, he can. Why let it affect your health? This soup is good; have some to warm your stomach.”
The attitude of this flattering minister left Liang Feng somewhat speechless. Accepting the bowl, he took a sip. The soup was smooth and refreshing, quickly soothing the anger in his chest.
With this interruption, Liang Feng ceased discussing the matter and quietly finished his meal. When he put down the chopsticks again, he sighed, “Boyuan, have I changed?”
Just a few days ago, the Crown Prince and officials proposed changing his birthday to “Qianqiu Festival.” The celebration of a monarch’s birthday should be a joyous occasion for the entire nation. The Crown Prince, displaying filial piety, suggested this change, and Liang Feng agreed. As the ruler, he was already an example, and any grand celebration for the stability and expansion of the dynasty was justified.
Everyone around him seemed to be undergoing gradual changes. Even the Crown Prince, Liang Rong, now spoke cautiously, considering the propriety of his words and maintaining the decorum between ruler and subject. As the dynasty grew more stable and the territory expanded, Liang Feng’s authority strengthened, and his words carried immense weight, with actions following his decrees.
In this isolated and lonely environment, where he couldn’t even openly rebuke or defy orders, had he transformed into someone unrecognizable? Was he no longer the person he used to be, but rather a complete emperor?
Like the recent burst of anger, he couldn’t even restrain his urge to kill. He simply wanted to swiftly eliminate those who disrespected royal commands.
“The lord has not changed. If he had, he wouldn’t get angry and execute a prefecture governor for the sake of the common people,” replied a calm voice. Liang Feng lifted his gaze to look across. The person on the opposite side stared at him with concern, displaying neither fear nor flattery, only genuine care. This was the only person who dared to address him as “lord” in private, not “your majesty.”
Liang Feng extended his hand, gripping the other person’s hand. It wasn’t a pair of delicate hands but rather firm and powerful ones, with clearly defined muscles. Even if charging on horseback, they could firmly hold on.
“What Zhang Bin said is correct. Even I cannot arbitrarily kill a prefecture governor,” Liang Feng spoke slowly, “There is the Ministry of Punishments and the Grand Court. Punishments must match the crimes. Killing will only breed panic.”
The realm was not yet settled; he couldn’t act recklessly. He could punish, demote, or even exile, as long as the offenses weren’t heinous. Officials couldn’t be arbitrarily killed. This was an age-old rule—no corporal punishment for high-ranking officials, and no debasing of the common people. Stability in governance was more crucial than dealing with issues like concealing information or corruption.
This was a mindset more fitting for an “emperor.”
Yiyan didn’t respond verbally, only tightening his grip in return, enveloping Liang Feng’s hand.
From the palm, a familiar warmth emanated, providing him with a sense of direction, and anchoring his self-awareness.
Liang Feng gently closed his eyes and leaned back on the pile of brocade behind him, saying, “Perhaps I should go out for a stroll. Being cooped up in the palace every day is bound to cause health issues sooner or later. I want to see with my own eyes how this nation is governed.”
“The Northern region is stable; the lord can travel by boat. Or perhaps go to Mount Tai for the Enthronement Ceremony,” Yiyan’s voice slightly elevated. Compared to being confined in the imperial palace, he certainly hoped the lord would travel around or, like Emperor Wu of Han, ascend Mount Tai to commune with the heavens!
“Mount Tai?” Liang Feng chuckled, opened his eyes, and said, “Do you know how much it costs to make a trip to Mount Tai? Well, since we haven’t conquered the Jiangdong region yet, let’s not waste money on that.”
This was also the aspect that most distressed Yiyan. His lord was wealthy and influential, yet rarely spent on personal matters. The palace used the gardens from the previous dynasty, and the imperial buildings were not expanded. Instead, the neighborhoods and canals in Luoyang City were renovated, streets were smoothed, and sewage was managed, making the lives of the common people more comfortable.
But what was the significance of bestowing Mount Tai? His lord’s accomplishments in governance and military strategy were no less than those of Emperor Wu and Guangwu of Han.
“Then we’ll wait until the Southern region is pacified before going to Mount Tai!” Yiyan affirmed.
“Hahaha.” Liang Feng couldn’t help but laugh, “Forget about Mount Tai. I’d like to visit the seaside. The harbors of Haixing and Yantai were built by me. It’s time to check on them. Along the way, I can also observe the scenery of several provinces.”
When traveling, he would follow the Yellow River eastward and return via the Grand Canal, passing through Ye City. On this journey, he would undoubtedly see countless things he wanted to witness, accompanied by the person beside him.
“I will always protect the lord, staying close at every step.” As if understanding his thoughts, Yiyan replied.
“Aren’t you afraid of seasickness?” Liang Feng raised an eyebrow.
“The emperor’s dragon boat can probably outrun horses; how could I be seasick?” Yiyan replied with a serious expression.
Recalling the past swimming and boating in the Lingzhi Pond, the two burst into laughter.
Slowly rising from the couch, Liang Feng ostentatiously straightened his attire. “For your meritorious remonstrances, do you wish for a reward?”
“Does Your Majesty intend to reward me with favor?” Yiyan didn’t move, looking up and asking. In his gray-blue eyes, there was a full smile.
“Granted!”
Standing outside the hall all along, witnessing the emperor leave the Chigong Hall towards the sleeping quarters, Lady Guo let out a sigh of relief and said to the palace attendants around her, “His Majesty has General Yi to attend to him; there’s no need for night duty tonight.”
In just the time of a meal, the emperor’s anger was completely dispelled. Indeed, only General Yi had the most favor in the sovereign’s heart. She hoped that the morning court the next day would proceed more smoothly.
Having settled various matters, Lady Guo glanced once more at the dimming lights in the sleeping quarters and quietly withdrew without making a sound.
