133: Fan Xian: I respect the law as I wield my sword!

Chapter 133: Fan Xian: I Uphold the Law Like a Sword! Lai Mingcheng: Bah! You're Entrapment!

Hearing the conversation between Emperor Qing and Prince Yong, the officials in the hall truly witnessed Prince Yong's arrogance.

He hit the Crown Prince, yet he blamed the Crown Prince for not giving him the position, as if his actions were well-reasoned and justified.

“Your Imperial Younger Brother is terrified!”

Li Chang'an exclaimed, expressing his respect for the Emperor.

The Crown Prince gritted his teeth, one side of his face already swollen, and he began to secretly harbor resentment.

Emperor Qing saw it and was very satisfied.

He liked conflict, he liked his subjects to contend, and he liked his heirs to contend.

Only with contention could there be checks and balances, and only then could the majesty of imperial power be demonstrated; only with contention would he not be hollowed out by those below him.

Emperor Qing clearly did not want to mention this matter again, so he began the court session as per usual practice.

The first to report was about the border war. Qin Ye was old, so Deputy Head of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Qu Xiangdong, reported on his behalf.

“There have been no incidents on the Northern Qi border recently, but rebellions have broken out within the vassal states of Northern Qi.”

“Half a month ago, the Western Qin suddenly raised an army and declared independence, and now it has annexed five Northern Qi vassal states.”

“Northern Qi dispatched an army of 100,000, but the Xi Qin Grand General Han Xin defeated them with fewer troops, annihilating them completely!”

Hearing this news, the Southern Qing officials began to gloat, as a military disaster in an enemy country was indeed good news!

“After the fall of Northern Wei, besides Northern Qi, there were more than a dozen vassal states, and those vassal states all became Northern Qi's dependencies.”

“Northern Qi's national army is only around 500,000, so 100,000 troops are enough to cause significant damage!”

“The five states destroyed by Xi Qin were all relatively strong; the remaining smaller states will surely be swept away!”

“That's not necessarily true. Northern Qi has a Great Grandmaster. If Ku He gets angry and massacres the Xi Qin imperial family, Xi Qin will be annihilated in an instant!”

Fan Xian had heard Han Xin's name in the Supervisory Council. Before, he also knew that Li Chang'an's personal eunuch was named Zhao Gao.

He had always thought it was a coincidence of names, especially since he had heard the Crown Prince's name in the history of his previous life.

Emperor Qing said, “Let's wait and see. The Great Grandmaster of Northern Qi should not sit idly by.”

Li Chang'an thought to himself, if he hadn't fought with Ku He, Ku He would indeed have acted.

But now, Ku He probably still needed to recover from his injuries.

After discussing the border affairs, Lin Ruofu reported on the major events of the Six Ministries. It was a full hour later before the court discussion session began.

After Eunuch Hou's announcement, “Those with matters to report, please do so; otherwise, court is adjourned,” the officials knew that today's main event had arrived.

Li Chengze had originally prepared a memorial for his defense, but later, with news coming from all sides, he simply gave up and resigned himself to his fate.

All government offices had made the smuggling case ironclad evidence; no amount of defense would be useful now.

The Qing of the Court of Judicial Review and the Minister of Justice both looked at Lai Mingcheng.

Both of these were the Crown Prince's men, but the Crown Prince had instructed them to let Lai Mingcheng take the lead.

After all, Second Young Master Cui had surrendered and reported himself to the Censorate, and Lai Mingcheng had always been outspoken, so it was most suitable for him to step forward.

Indeed, under everyone's gaze, Lai Mingcheng walked to the center of the main hall as if going to battle.

“Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!”

Emperor Qing was not at all surprised by Lai Mingcheng's appearance.

“Lai Mingcheng, who are you impeaching today?”

Lai Mingcheng straightened his back and said righteously, “I have many people to impeach!”

“The first one I want to impeach is the Jian Shu Bureau of the Imperial Harem!”

Emperor Qing said, “The Jian Shu Bureau of the Imperial Harem specializes in purchasing ingredients for the palace. Why are you impeaching them?”

Lai Mingcheng replied, “The Censorate has the power to report rumors and the responsibility to impeach all officials!

Recently, it was rumored that Eunuch Dai, the head of the Jian Shu Bureau, openly engaged in bribery. I deeply feel that this person is audacious and reckless!”

“Since he dared to openly bribe, it shows that private bribery and corruption have become the norm!

Therefore, the Censorate investigated thoroughly and has already uncovered the crimes of the Jian Shu Bureau!”

“Eunuch Dai, blinded by greed, resorted to unscrupulous means, exploiting vegetable farmers to extort bribes and embezzle funds!

He used vegetable prices to set traps, forcing many vegetable farmers to sell their children!”

“This person purchased three luxurious residences outside the city, far exceeding his salary level! The evil deeds of the Jian Shu Bureau have aroused public outrage!”

“Among the common people, the Jian Shu Bureau is privately called the ‘Flesh and Blood Bureau’! The Jian Shu Bureau not only embezzled and violated the law but also damaged the imperial family's reputation among the populace!”

Lai Mingcheng spoke at length, and Emperor Qing then consulted the Court of Judicial Review for its opinion.

The Qing of the Court of Judicial Review reported, “The Jian Shu Bureau is subordinate to the Imperial Harem. This case should be decided by Your Majesty's imperial judgment!”

Thus, Emperor Qing ordered someone to drag up Eunuch Dai, who had gone limp like a puddle of mud.

Eunuch Dai knew that Second Prince was almost finished, let alone a small fry like him.

Emperor Qing said to Lai Mingcheng, “Show him the evidence of his crimes.”

Eunuch Dai looked at the memorial Lai Mingcheng threw in front of him, on which the evidence of his crimes was listed in detail.

Eunuch Dai, who usually bullied vegetable farmers and junior eunuchs, had never seen such a display.

Eunuch Dai almost couldn't maintain his kneeling posture and collapsed, his voice trembling as he said, “This old servant was wrong!”

“Your Majesty, have mercy!”

At this moment, Eunuch Hou said to Emperor Qing, “Your Majesty, he has confessed.”

Emperor Qing didn't even want to say another word, “Annihilate him!”

Thus, two Imperial Guards directly dragged Eunuch Dai out.

Eunuch Dai, being dragged away, was still crying out miserably.

“Your Majesty, have mercy! This old servant is willing to lose everything and atone for his sins!”

“Your Majesty, have mercy!”

After Eunuch Dai was dragged away, Eunuch Hou said, “Censor Lai, please continue.”

Hearing Eunuch Hou's words, Li Chengze took a deep breath, then waited for Lai Mingcheng to open fire on him.

However, Lai Mingcheng said, “Your Majesty, the second person I wish to impeach is the Commissioner of the Supervisory Council, concurrently serving as the Head of the Department One, Fan Xian!”

When Lai Mingcheng mentioned Eunuch Dai openly bribing just now, many people thought Lai Mingcheng would gloss over this matter.

Fan Xian openly soliciting bribes, and Eunuch Dai openly offering bribes, this matter was almost common knowledge among officials.

After all, Fan Xian was an illegitimate imperial son, and the banknotes had been torn by Li Chengze, so it was understandable if Lai Mingcheng didn't impeach him.

Emperor Qing also became interested, “Lai Mingcheng, what is your reason for impeaching Fan Xian?”

Lai Mingcheng held up two fingers and said, “Two charges: first, soliciting and accepting bribes; second, arrogance and abuse of power!”

Emperor Qing looked at Fan Xian, who had just stepped forward, and said, “Fan Xian, do you admit your guilt!”

Fan Xian said loudly, “I do not know, I am innocent!

As for soliciting and accepting bribes, and arrogance and abuse of power, I do not know where to begin!”

Lai Mingcheng pulled out another memorial, “Fan Xian openly solicited and accepted bribes, witnessed by many people at the time, with numerous witnesses and their testimonies here. Fan Xian, you cannot deny it!”

Fan Xian spread his hands and said, “How can I admit to something that didn't happen?”

Lai Mingcheng immediately cupped his hands and said to Emperor Qing, “Your Majesty, since Fan Xian refuses to admit guilt, I request that the witnesses be summoned!”

At this moment, Li Chengze stepped forward directly, “Your Majesty, this son is the witness!”

Li Chengze was not flustered at all, and Emperor Qing followed suit, saying, “Li Chengze, tell us what happened then.”

“At that time, the Department One of the Supervisory Council sealed off the Jian Shu Bureau, and Fan Xian openly hinted at soliciting a bribe.

Later, he directly took the 3,000 taels of banknotes given by Eunuch Dai, and even openly counted them…”

Li Chengze recounted the situation at the time, and Fan Xian said, “The banknotes were all torn, so how can there be talk of accepting a bribe?”

Lai Mingcheng, however, shook his head helplessly, “That year, when Prince Yong was impeached, it was because he didn't understand criminal law and legal principles.

Today, you, Fan Xian, are just as ignorant!”

Li Chang'an looked at Lai Mingcheng helplessly,

Do you still need to mention me at this point? Is it necessary?

Fan Xian asked curiously, “Censor Lai, did I accept a bribe without knowing it?”

Lai Mingcheng said righteously, “Fan Xian, after you accepted the banknotes, you ordered the Department One of the Supervisory Council to withdraw and let the Jian Shu Bureau go.”

“At this point, the power-for-money transaction was complete. Eunuch Dai's 3,000 taels of banknotes bought your release of the Jian Shu Bureau. Accepting money for services rendered, the bribe was accomplished!”

“Later, Second Prince destroyed your banknotes; that was his deliberate destruction of your property, and Second Prince should compensate you for it!”

After Lai Mingcheng finished speaking, Li Chang'an secretly praised him, this old man really had some tricks up his sleeve.

The ministers in the hall also nodded, if Fan Xian had indeed issued the order to let the Jian Shu Bureau go, he would indeed have accepted a bribe for services.

Fan Xian was also a bit stunned. As expected of the head official of the Three Judicial Offices, his case analysis was very thorough.

Li Chengze said loudly, “Your Majesty, it was my fault for deliberately damaging Fan Xian's property, and I am willing to compensate him!”

Upon hearing Li Chengze's words, Fan Xian immediately said, “Second Prince, stop! That's not how you calculate this!”

“You didn't destroy my property, and the banknotes weren't mine at all. I didn't accept a bribe!”

Lai Mingcheng said coldly, “Lord Fan, I just explained it very clearly.

If you don't understand criminal law, then be more humble and don't deny things casually!”

Emperor Qing said to Fan Xian with interest, “Fan Xian, do you have anything else to say?”

Fan Xian suddenly smiled, “Censor Lai, have you ever heard of fishing? Without bait, will the fish take the hook?”

Lai Mingcheng frowned, “Are you saying you deliberately accepted bribes to lure the Jian Shu Bureau?”

Fan Xian said with a smile, “Yes, actually, I had long heard of the evil deeds of the Jian Shu Bureau.

Everyone in the Supervisory Council upholds the law like a sword!

The idea of eliminating traitors for the country, you and I are truly kindred spirits, Your Excellency!”

As Fan Xian was smiling, Lai Mingcheng suddenly erupted in anger!

“Bah!”

With that exclamation, Emperor Qing, behind the curtain, painfully rubbed his forehead.

Fan Jian and Chen Pingping both frowned. This old man is at it again! He's overreacting!

Indeed, Lai Mingcheng pointed at Fan Xian's nose and said, “Who is kindred with you!

This official speaks out of righteousness and adheres to the law impartially, while you openly accept bribes and abuse the law with arrogance. We are not on the same path!”

Fan Xian said somewhat angrily, “Lai Mingcheng, didn't I just explain it very clearly?”

“I wanted to investigate the Jian Shu Bureau just like you. I used myself as bait, entering the situation myself!”

“Because of my actions, you also noticed the Jian Shu Bureau.

In the end, you uncovered their crimes, and Eunuch Dai was brought to justice. Isn't that good?”

Many ministers in the hall also thought so, not understanding why Lai Mingcheng was angry.

Lai Mingcheng then said, “Fan Xian, your understanding of criminal law is even worse than Prince Yong's when he was fourteen.”

As soon as these words came out, Li Chang'an immediately interjected, “This Prince is not involved in this case. Censor Lai, please be careful with your words!”

Lai Mingcheng cupped his hands and said, “My apologies. Your Highness's ignorance of criminal law back then left an indelible impression on this old official.”

Li Chang'an was speechless, but Li Chengqian was amused. It takes a villain to deal with a villain!

Lai Mingcheng then said to Fan Xian, “Lord Fan, you are the Commissioner of the Supervisory Council, wielding great power to enforce the law and decide life and death. You must study criminal law well.”

Fan Xian was momentarily speechless. This was equivalent to the Prosecutor General of the highest national procuratorate telling you, “Young man, learn some law.”

“Censor Lai, what exactly do you want to say?”

Lai Mingcheng said, “I ask you, when Eunuch Dai came to see you at the Jian Shu Bureau, was he already thinking of bribing you?”

Fan Xian said, “No, he was thinking that Second Prince would back him up.

It was only when Second Prince remained silent that he thought of bribing me.”

Lai Mingcheng asked again, “Was it your hints, both explicit and implicit, that sending money would settle the matter, that made him send you the silver?”

Fan Xian answered frankly, “Yes, as I just said, this was fishing. If I didn't hint at him, how would he send me money?”

Lai Mingcheng nodded, then cupped his hands towards the imperial seat and said, “Your Majesty, Eunuch Dai originally had no intention of bribing, but Fan Xian, as a national law enforcer, enticed him to commit the crime of bribery.”

“A law enforcer enticing others to commit crimes, and then punishing them in the capacity of a law enforcer.

This behavior itself is a violation of the law! To use Fan Xian's own words, it can be called entrapment!”

“Fan Xian constantly claims to uphold the law like a sword, yet he himself engages in entrapment, disregards the law, and knowingly breaks the law!”

Li Chang'an gasped. Fan Xian and Lai Mingcheng, working together, had actually invented the concept of entrapment, which didn't exist at the time.

And what Lai Mingcheng said also aligned with the principle that crime requires the unity of subjective and objective elements.

Eunuch Dai originally had no intention of committing a crime. Fan Xian's method of law enforcement, which enticed Eunuch Dai to commit a crime, was itself a violation of the law.

Then, Lai Mingcheng turned to the ministers in the hall and said, “Gentlemen, you are all capital officials, and you are all supervised by the Department One of the Supervisory Council!”

“And Fan Xian, the acting head of the Department One, not only thinks entrapment is fine but also boasts about it in court. Are you not afraid?”

“You originally had no intention of committing a crime, but Fan Xian sent people to entice you.

Then, he would deal with you in the name of the Supervisory Council. Are you not afraid?!”

The officials in the hall whispered among themselves, apparently not having considered this aspect.

Lai Mingcheng turned to Emperor Qing and said, “Your Majesty, it is understandable for the Supervisory Council to use these methods for intelligence gathering and dealing with enemies!”

“However, if such methods are used against officials, will they not also be used against the common people?”

“Such methods, I fear, will make officials uneasy and the people dissatisfied, which is not conducive to the long-term peace and stability of the country, Your Majesty!”

Emperor Qing remained silent, but Lin Ruofu said sarcastically, “The Supervisory Council has been arrogant for so many years. They casually use the methods meant for dealing with enemy spies for supervision and anti-corruption. Of course, they themselves wouldn't think there's a problem.”

Chen Pingping pushed his wheelchair to the center of the main hall, “Your Majesty, Fan Xian spoke to me before taking this action, and I agreed to it.”

“At that time, the Council had already obtained preliminary evidence of the Jian Shu Bureau's crimes, and Eunuch Dai was not an innocent person. Fan Xian's methods were not problematic.”

Lai Mingcheng immediately said, “Director Chen, do you have proof for your statement?”

Chen Pingping smiled slightly, “Censor Lai, the Supervisory Council's affairs are confidential. At this moment, only I and Commissioner Fan are aware of the details.”

Lai Mingcheng also let out a cold laugh upon hearing this, “So, in that case, whatever you, Chen Pingping, say, goes!”

“The power of your Supervisory Council has reached a point where it disregards the laws of the Qing Kingdom!”

Chen Pingping was even more unyielding, cupping his hands towards the imperial seat and saying, “Censor Lai, you should be aware!”

“The great power of the Supervisory Council was bestowed by Your Majesty!”