novelraw Chapter 405: Wiping the Slate Clean
Chapter 405: Wiping the Slate Clean
Grandmaster Bao was somewhat puzzled. Such a big matter, Huangfu Yuxuan helping Marquis Anning, has he actually gone this far for Prince Li?
However, Grandmaster Bao himself harbored suspicions, and dared not reveal too much of his scrutiny. He lowered his gaze, simply waiting for the Emperor to decide on the matter.
Thinking of this, he still glanced at King Kang.
In King Kang’s memorial presented to the Emperor today, he must have spoken of the corruption, but Marquis Anning took the lead.
Marquis Anning surely received the news last night and immediately cleaned up the traces. Knowing that Yu Shikui couldn’t escape involvement, he chose to strike proactively, putting on an act of righteous betrayal. Thus, King Kang’s accusation might fall on deaf ears.
And Marquis Anning must have found a scapegoat, allowing himself to retreat unscathed.
Grandmaster Bao felt a slight sense of shame. His gaze discreetly fell on King Kang’s face, but he saw King Kang standing calmly, expressionless.
Perhaps disappointment and shock have already passed, only he did not witness them.
Grandmaster Bao lowered his brow and bowed his head, deciding to remain uninvolved.
However, King Kang must have suspected him; this matter required careful consideration.
The attending eunuch came over to take the memorial and handed it to the Emperor.
After reading it, the Emperor furiously threw the memorial to the ground.
Yu Shikui, again!
Yesterday, King Kang only took away Huangfu Jinxuan’s memorial. Wen Hao’s memorial was still delivered to the Emperor by the usual procedure. The Emperor, seeing that Yu Shikui had come up with such a method to eradicate the epidemic by killing the town’s residents, was outraged, cursing a few times: "Absurd!"
However, though his actions were absurd, they were ultimately intended to prevent disaster.
It was just recklessly bold, wanting to burn the Fourth Rank Military Commander and the Fifth Rank Governor together. Such overbearing arrogance, who gave him such courage?
Of course, the Emperor understood this was because Yu Shikui had allies in the Court.
The intrigues and scheming among the Court officials, the Emperor was well versed in, as long as it didn’t affect the foundation, he wouldn’t delve into every detail. But Yu Shikui’s actions were too brazen; he had the mind to demote him and reprimand Marquis Anning.
He hadn’t expected King Kang to present Huangfu Jinxuan’s memorial, uncovering the corruption. The Emperor already contemplated both murder and action against Marquis Anning.
The Marquis of Anning, a hereditary title with deep roots. Such families are not viewed favorably by the Imperial Family. The Emperor preferred to support new families; at least if the new families had rebellious intentions, they could be easily controlled, but removing a deeply rooted family is challenging.
Marquis Anning of the past remained prudent, but this generation dared to tamper with the imperial examinations?
Was this dissatisfaction with the firmness of their title?
The Emperor’s budding thought was blocked by Marquis Anning’s memorial that presented itself like a mint breeze soothing the anger ignited by King Kang’s memorial.
He did not believe Marquis Anning had no involvement in this matter.
But, Marquis Anning managed to present himself clean.
Marquis Anning wasn’t particularly clever, but he silenced any dissent.
The Emperor calmly said: "Having unworthy descendants is indeed a painful matter, Mr. Yu’s act of righteousness against kin is commendable."
Marquis Anning, indignant yet respectful, said: "Your Majesty, I am incompetent! Please bestow punishment upon me!"
The Emperor, with a faint smile, said: "Your loyal heart is evident to me. Since your conscience is so distressed, if I don’t punish you, it seems you would be even less at ease."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Marquis Anning failed to manage family affairs strictly, punished by forfeiting his salary for half a year, and confined for a month!"
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"
The Emperor’s gaze sharpened: "The Ministry of Justice is to immediately dispatch officials, escort Yu Shikui back to the capital for trial!"
The Minister of Ministry of Justice promptly stepped forward to accept the order.
"Court dismissed!"
Grandmaster Bao hadn’t anticipated the morning assembly would end this way.
The Emperor showed leniency toward Marquis Anning, but spoke not a word about King Kang’s memorial concerning Huangfu Jinxuan.
The officials dispersed, King Kang prepared to return to his residence. As he descended the steps in front of the hall, a eunuch emerged from the side of the palace and said: "Your Highness, please stay!"
King Kang paused, smiling slightly, and said: "Mr. Zhai, is there something you need?"
This eunuch, Zhai Hao, was a disciple of Eunuch Wei, the Emperor’s close aide, of course, he wouldn’t call him without reason.
Zhai Hao saluted, speaking in a sharp voice: "Your Highness, the Emperor summons you to the Diligent Governance Hall!"
King Kang said: "Please lead the way, Mr. Zhai!"
Inside the Diligent Governance Hall, the Emperor sat behind the desk, Huangfu Jinxuan’s memorial spread out in front of him. King Kang entered the hall and performed a proper greeting.
The Emperor glanced at him and said: "Rise!"
King Kang stood up.
The Emperor lightly tapped the table, pointing to Huangfu Jinxuan’s memorial, saying: "King Kang, what’s your opinion on the matter of corruption?"
King Kang replied: "Jinxuan may be troublesome, but he wouldn’t fabricate such things without basis. This matter must be true!"
"Marquis Anning stated that Yu Shikui used his name to bribe the Vice Envoy, altering his ranking; what do you think?"
King Kang realized, Marquis Anning’s choice of scapegoat was Lou Baokun, the Vice Envoy during the seventeenth year of the reign, who indeed had access to the examination papers.
He slowly said: "It’s possible! Without thorough investigation, I dare not speculate."
The Emperor stood up, stepped away from behind the desk, and slowly walked to his side, saying: "King Kang, if I entrusted this matter to you, how long would it take you to uncover the truth?"
King Kang hesitated slightly, retreated half a step, and with bowed head said: "Your Majesty, my capabilities are limited, not fit for such important tasks!"
"Don’t say that!" The Emperor slowly said, "You are a descendant of the Huangfu family; why would you find it difficult to undertake such tasks? In this Court, I see the Crown Prince and Prince Li are eager to move. You think I don’t know their intentions? They just see an opportunity to seek benefits for themselves, infuriating me..."
King Kang was taken aback, hurriedly kneeling and said: "Your Majesty, I am fearful..."
To hear the Emperor criticize the Crown Prince and Prince Li directly, while the Emperor could say such things, he didn’t dare listen.
The Emperor glanced at him with a faint smile and said: "Stand up! My point is, they have selfish motives; I don’t feel at ease entrusting them, so I’ve decided to assign you. What do you think?"
"I... am insufficiently skilled! I fear..."
The Emperor’s eyes darkened, speaking lightly: "If you don’t handle this, then I shall entrust it to Jinxuan. That young man originally discovered the matter. Though his actions might be reckless, he has some cleverness!"