134: The second brother angrily slapped Li Chengqian! Fuck the prince!

Chapter 134: Second Young Master Angrily Slaps Li Chengqian! To Hell with the Crown Prince! (13)

While Lai Mingcheng, Chen Pingping, and Fan Xian were in a standoff, the officials in the hall were not idle.

These people were gradually beginning to understand the meaning of entrapment.

“The Supervisory Council arranges an informant to send you one hundred thousand taels of silver; will you be tempted? What if it’s a million taels? If you accept it, that’s bribery!”

“The Supervisory Council arranges a courtesan to seduce you, but it turns out that courtesan is a Northern Qi spy they captured… If you fall for it, that’s colluding with an enemy nation!”

“No one is a Saint; which official can withstand such a test?”

No sooner had Chen Pingping finished saying that the Supervisory Council’s great authority was bestowed by His Majesty, than Lai Mingcheng immediately followed up with his suggestion.

“Your Majesty, the two charges I am bringing against Fan Xian are: first, extortion and bribery, which is a proven crime with complete human testimony!”

“Second, entrapment and abusing the law, which must be severely punished. I hope Your Majesty will judge clearly!”

Everyone already knew that Fan Xian was Emperor Qing’s illegitimate son.

Emperor Qing, of course, did not want to punish Fan Xian; at this stage, he still needed to play the role of a benevolent father and properly nurture Fan Xian.

“ Qing of the Court of Judicial Review, you can make the final decision on all major cases in the country. What is your opinion on this case?”

As the Qing of the Court of Judicial Review stepped forward, Emperor Qing added, “Do not say it is all up to My Saintly judgment!”

According to the rules, dealing with a Director of the Supervisory Council was to be decided by the Emperor’s Saintly judgment. The words on the tip of the Qing of the Court of Judicial Review’s tongue were swallowed back down.

Although there were people loyal to the Crown Prince within the Court of Judicial Review, the Qing of the Court of Judicial Review was not one of them.

“Your Majesty, before Fan Xian carried out the entrapment, he had consulted Director Chen.

And Director Chen’s actions cannot be questioned by other yamen…”

At this point, Chen Pingping immediately took over the conversation, “Your Majesty, this matter is all due to this old official’s lack of foresight.”

“This old official will certainly improve the regulations. In the future, if such matters arise again, this old official will also keep records beforehand for inspection, so as not to be without evidence.”

“In this way, if problems arise again, the Three Judicial Offices can be invited to jointly review and adjudicate.”

The Qing of the Court of Judicial Review waved his hands repeatedly, saying, “No, no, no, it is sufficient for the Supervisory Council to keep records beforehand; the Court of Judicial Review will absolutely not interfere.”

“Keeping records beforehand will facilitate Your Majesty’s Saintly judgment!”

The Supervisory Council was independent of all other government offices and held immense power, so the Qing of the Court of Judicial Review dared not provoke it.

His meaning was that if the Supervisory Council wanted to use any illicit means in the future, they should first leave evidence. With evidence, the Emperor would be able to speak for them.

Otherwise, if the Emperor couldn't find a way out, he would have to bring in the Court of Judicial Review.

Chen Pingping’s heart was calm; what was entrapment? The Supervisory Council had done things a thousand times more serious than this.

It was just that Fan Xian had blown things up this time and was caught by Lai Mingcheng.

Emperor Qing nodded after listening, saying, “Although the Supervisory Council is directly under My command, it is not above the law.”

“Since Chen Pingping knew about it beforehand, then this matter is Director Chen’s responsibility.

Punish Chen Pingping with a year’s salary deduction and improve the Supervisory Council’s regulations!”

“Although Fan Xian’s enforcement had flaws, he acted out of public interest and was executing Director Chen’s orders, so he will not be punished.”

Chen Pingping cupped his hands and said, “This official accepts the punishment, and this official thanks you for your grace.”

Fan Xian was originally unconvinced, but seeing that Chen Pingping had accepted the punishment, he had nothing more to say.

Lai Mingcheng was also dissatisfied, but he still had plans to impeach the Supervisory Council specifically later, so this matter was left at that.

“Your Majesty, the third party this official wishes to impeach is the Cui Family, one of the Imperial Treasury’s distributors!”

“The Supervisory Council received the confession and denunciation from the Cui Family’s Second Young Master, who fully disclosed their smuggling activities with Northern Qi.”

“The shopkeepers of over a dozen shops involved in this case are still reporting and exposing at the Supervisory Council, the Ministry of Justice, and the Court of Judicial Review.

This official has compiled all the criminal evidence and dossiers into a joint memorial. I request Your Majesty to review it!”

“As an Imperial Treasury distributor, the Cui Family has received great imperial favor, yet they committed such acts of self-theft, truly showing disregard for the law and being blinded by greed!”

Eunuch Hou handed the thick memorial from Lai Mingcheng to Emperor Qing, who merely glanced at it casually.

The principal officials of various ministries had already submitted memorials on this matter, and the case was very clear.

“The Cui Family has failed Me!”

“Of the fourteen types of Imperial Treasury products, the Cui Family distributed six. This can be considered a tremendous favor.”

“Unexpectedly, the Cui Family actually smuggled with an enemy nation, using vile methods and acting audaciously!”

“Court of Judicial Review, Ministry of Justice, Supervisory Council, do you have any objections to this joint memorial?”

The several principal officials had no objections, so Emperor Qing again called upon the Qing of the Court of Judicial Review.

“ Qing of the Court of Judicial Review, do you also agree to the final criminal penalties?”

The Qing of the Court of Judicial Review replied, “The criminal penalties were personally reviewed and approved by this official!”

“Eighteen individuals from the Cui Family directly involved in smuggling, and thirty-two external participants, are all to be beheaded and displayed to the public.”

“All of the Cui Family’s property is to be confiscated, and the remaining individuals are to be exiled to Kui Province, never to be released!”

Emperor Qing snorted coldly, “If it were an ordinary merchant family, such a judgment would be justifiable!”

“But these are Imperial Treasury distributors; they managed My Imperial Treasury, and they stole My silver!”

“The Cui Family is utterly wicked and unforgivable. Their entire family shall be executed as a warning to others!”

The Cui Family was a prominent clan; a full family execution would likely mean hundreds, if not thousands, of heads rolling.

Emperor Qing had long suspected the Imperial Treasury smuggling and now that it was confirmed, he naturally wanted to deal with it severely.

“Lai Mingcheng, who else do you wish to impeach?”

Seeing Emperor Qing’s severe punishment for the Cui Family, Lai Mingcheng seemed to see hope.

“The fourth party this official wishes to impeach is Count Sinan Fan Jian and his son!”

“The second imperial complaint by Yuan Meng, the proprietress of Embrace the Moon Brothel, has been concluded by the joint trial of the Three Judicial Offices. I will impeach the principal culprit, Li Chengze, later.”

Li Chengze, who had been feeling anxious, was now numb.

He wasn't the first to be impeached, nor the third or fourth, so it seemed he would have to wait a while.

“Your Majesty, the Fan Family is implicated in the Embrace the Moon Brothel case. Count Sinan’s son, Fan Sizhe, was misled by others into privately opening a Brothel, which greatly harmed moral education!”

“The Fan Family failed in raising their son, damaging their official reputation. Both father and son of the Fan Family should bear responsibility!”

Emperor Qing took the memorial handed over by Eunuch Hou and casually said, “Fan Jian, Fan Xian, do you have anything to say?”

Fan Jian stepped forward and reported, “My second son, Fan Sizhe, is indeed unruly and was misled by others into becoming the owner of Embrace the Moon Brothel.”

“Although he was named the owner, he only cared about money and could not distinguish right from wrong. All the acts of forcing good women into prostitution were carried out by Yuan Meng.”

“Fortunately, Uncle Prince Yong discovered this matter in time, closed Embrace the Moon Brothel, and ordered Fan Sizhe to return home for self-reflection.”

“Now Fan Sizhe has sincerely repented and deeply understands his wrongdoing, for which he has been severely punished by this official with family law!”

Lai Mingcheng replied, “Official Fan truly lives up to his reputation as an old official in the court, unlike some young people who shamelessly deny their mistakes.”

Upon hearing this, Fan Xian nearly lost his temper, but was fortunately held back by Xin Qiwu next to him.

Lai Mingcheng continued, “Your Majesty, since Fan Sizhe served as the owner, he must be punished.”

“This official suggests that all income earned by Fan Sizhe and the other owner from operating Embrace the Moon Brothel be confiscated, and Fan Sizhe and the other owner each be fined one hundred thousand taels of silver!”

“The confiscated property and fines should be paid to the forcibly bought women, to be used for restarting their livelihoods!”

“Both father and son of the Fan Family shall have their salaries docked for half a year as a warning!”

The Third Prince was too young, so Lai Mingcheng spared his reputation.

Upon hearing this amount, Fan Jian was immediately startled; if he had no illicit income, such a punishment would be enough to bankrupt him.

Emperor Qing slowly said, “Since Fan Sizhe and that other owner are so greedy, they should be severely punished. Granted!”

Seeing that Fan Jian did not appeal, Fan Xian naturally remained silent; matters that could be resolved with money were the easiest.

This matter was a trap set for him by Li Chengze. Fortunately, no lives were lost, otherwise it would have been even more troublesome.

Fan Xian touched the memorial in his sleeve, staring at Lai Mingcheng’s back.

Lao Lai, Lao Lai, the next one should be Li Chengze, right?

Emperor Qing approved Lai Mingcheng’s suggestion, making Lai Mingcheng even more full of Battle Intent.

“Your Majesty is sagacious!”

“The fifth person this official wishes to impeach is Second Prince Li Chengze!”

“Li Chengze’s first major crime: he is the principal culprit in the Embrace the Moon Brothel case!

For the purpose of factional struggle, he incited others to open a Brothel, forced good women into prostitution, and even intended to commit murder!”

“Li Chengze’s second major crime: he is the mastermind behind the major Imperial Treasury smuggling case!

The Cui Family’s Second Young Master has already confessed that most of the smuggling income was handed over through Li Chengze’s guards.”

“Millions of taels of silver annually, which should have entered the national treasury, all went into Li Chengze’s pockets!

The Cui Family’s accountant and the account books in his possession are all irrefutable evidence!”

“This official humbly requests Your Majesty to grant permission for a thorough investigation into the whereabouts of Li Chengze’s large sums of gold and silver!”

Emperor Qing did not respond directly, “Do other government offices have anything to say?”

At this moment, Fan Xian also took out a memorial and, following Lai Mingcheng’s words, said, “Your Majesty, the Supervisory Council’s anti-corruption efforts this time have yielded considerable results!”

“Since Censor Lai wishes to impeach the Second Prince, this official will also report the anti-corruption results related to the Second Prince to Your Majesty!”

“Among them, more than twenty officials found in the capital with unexplained large sums of gold and silver are subordinates of the Second Prince!”

“Among officials of the fourth rank and above found in the provinces, thirty-eight are subordinates of the Second Prince. Their corruption and abuse of power are shocking, and all have been verified!”

Emperor Qing flipped through the memorials regarding the Embrace the Moon Brothel and Imperial Treasury smuggling cases, and the anti-corruption results that Fan Xian had just presented.

Li Chengze, oh Li Chengze, to have allowed so much solid evidence to be found.

At this moment, Li Chengze voluntarily walked to the center and knelt down with a thud.

Emperor Qing sighed, “Li Chengze, do you have anything else to say?”

Li Chengze prostrated himself directly on the ground, “This son has nothing to say. Please, Your Majesty, grant this son death!”

Emperor Qing patted the memorial in his hand and said with a sigh, “Strip him of his princely title and confine him to his princely estate for life.”

Upon hearing this result, Li Chengze felt as if struck by lightning. Being mentally prepared was one thing, but the boot finally dropping was another.

Emperor Qing’s words meant that his hope of seizing the throne was completely shattered.

Li Chengze sneered a few times, and just as he was about to speak, he heard Lai Mingcheng speak again.

“Your Majesty, Li Chengze has taken a total of over ten million taels of silver from the Imperial Treasury. The whereabouts of this silver must be investigated!”

“Furthermore, it is widely known that the Cui Family is under Li Yunrui.

However, there is no direct link between the smuggling and Li Yunrui, which is also quite suspicious!”

“In short, Li Chengze’s crimes should be investigated more deeply, and the case should not be concluded so hastily!”

Regarding Lai Mingcheng’s accusations, Emperor Qing’s voice was surprisingly calm.

“Li Chengze has been stripped of his princely title, but he is still My son. This matter ends here!”

“As for Li Yunrui, despite so many people denouncing, exposing, and reporting, there is not a single piece of concrete evidence pointing to Li Yunrui.”

Lai Mingcheng argued, “Your Majesty, we only need to ask the Supervisory Council to interrogate Li Chengze, and there will surely be progress!”

Fan Xian, seizing Lai Mingcheng’s pause for breath, immediately added, “This official seconds that motion!”

Emperor Qing immediately shouted, “Fan Xian, shut up!

Lai Mingcheng, do you have any concrete evidence to accuse Li Yunrui?”

Lai Mingcheng caught his breath and continued, “Although there is no concrete evidence, Li Yunrui has managed the Imperial Treasury for many years, and it is widely known that the Cui Family and Ming Family are both under Li Yunrui…”

Emperor Qing suddenly interrupted Lai Mingcheng, “It is widely known, yet why am I the only one who doesn’t know?”

“Among those in the great hall, who else knows that the Cui Family is under Li Yunrui?”

Emperor Qing’s authority had been built up over many years, and the great hall was silent. This attitude was very clear: he still did not want the fire to reach Li Yunrui.

As long as Li Yunrui did not rebel, Emperor Qing would tolerate her, especially since Li Yunrui had essentially handed over control of the Imperial Treasury’s finances.

Lai Mingcheng looked at the assembled officials, each of them stammering and their eyes darting about, and was instantly filled with rage.

“Gentlemen, the time has come to speak loyal words for the country! You must prioritize the Great Qing’s foundation!”

“When scholars die for remonstrance and warriors die in battle, only then can the Great Qing’s court be clear, its cosmos bright, and its dominion unified!”

“My fellow colleagues, we have toiled over the scriptures of the Saints for this very day! This court is the battlefield for us civil officials!”

Almost all the officials inwardly added, “But this world belongs to the Li Family.”

“Lai Mingcheng! But this world, it is the world of my Li Family, hahaha!”

Everyone looked at Li Chengze in astonishment. He had suddenly stood up, letting out a series of shrill, mocking laughs.

“I’ve been stripped of my princely title now, so you can’t investigate me, let alone Li Yunrui. What are you thinking?”

“Uncle Prince Yong taught you when I was fourteen that the Great Qing’s criminal law is merely a tool for my Li Family to rule the world!”

“With a salary of just over a hundred taels of silver a year, why are you risking your life, hahaha!”

At this moment, Li Chengze seemed to have no burdens whatsoever, laughing wildly and unrestrainedly.

Li Chang’an, who was usually unrestrained, only now realized that the truly desperate Second Young Master was the truly mad one!

But, when you’re arguing with Lai Mingcheng, do you always have to drag me into it?

Emperor Qing flared up in anger, “Li Chengze, don’t feign madness!”

Lai Mingcheng pointed at Li Chengze, so enraged that he began to stutter, “Li Chengze… you! You! You are arrogant!”

But Li Chengze ignored him and continued to mock Lai Mingcheng, “Lai Mingcheng!”

“Everything you say and do is correct, but you’re a bit naive!”

“The problem that Uncle Prince Yong could see through at fourteen, you still can’t understand!”

“Can all those criminal laws you’ve studied determine life and death?”

“The one who can determine life and death is My Old Man on that imperial throne! Hahaha!”

Li Chengze’s public outburst of madness stunned everyone, leaving them unsure of what to do with him.

Li Chengqian squeezed his own thigh hard, fanned his eyes, and instantly burst into tears.

He wailed and pounced forward, grabbing Li Chengze’s arm with a pained expression.

“Second Brother, calm down! Second Brother, this… I am in great pain!”

“Wuwuwu… Second Brother, are you alright? What happened?”

Li Chengze’s smile suddenly grew brighter, and then he suddenly swung his arm, slapping Li Chengqian away again.

“Bah! Li Chengqian, stop pretending! Hypocritical! Disgusting! Base!”

“You little bastard, I’ve wanted to hit you for a long time!”

“To hell with the Crown Prince!”

PS: If we were to be strict, these matters at the imperial court should be reported by different government offices. However, to reduce the appearance of irrelevant supporting characters, let’s just let Lao Lai handle everything.