I Am Truly Not a Treacherous Minister Your Majesty

Chapter 83 Joint Petition

Tai’an City, Yufeng Banquet Hall.

Officials including Yilang, Daifu, and Tingwei gathered here, toasting and enjoying themselves.

However, this seemingly official banquet actually involved a major issue.

That is the handling of Rongsheng Wang—the fifth prince.

“Let me say something first,” Yilang Qin Jun said among the officials’ conversations, “Everyone, we are gathered here today not for anything else, but for the matter of Rongsheng Wang. As we all know, Rongsheng Wang is a meritorious minister of our dynasty and the younger brother of His Majesty. Emotionally and rationally, this matter should be handled properly. I believe that although Rongsheng Wang has offended the holy majesty and attempted to usurp the throne, which is a crime deserving death, but…”

He glanced around at the people and then continued:

“But, I believe that Rongsheng Wang has made great contributions. Without Rongsheng Wang, it would have been difficult to recover the southern border of our Great Xia back then. Therefore, Rongsheng Wang cannot die.”

“Yes, everyone think about it, this is also for the good of His Majesty. Rongsheng Wang is a great meritorious minister and the younger brother of His Majesty. If His Majesty really kills him, what will the people think? They will think that His Majesty is taking the opportunity to eliminate dissidents. This is very detrimental to our Great Xia.” Someone immediately echoed Yilang Qin’s view.

The old Tingwei sitting aside listened to everyone’s discussion and stroked his graying beard: “Everyone, you may have forgotten a more important point. If His Majesty executes Rongsheng Wang now, what will happen to Rongsheng Wang’s followers?”

The officials present fell into a brief silence.

“For example, Yilang Qin, I remember that you had a close relationship with Rongsheng Wang. Our Majesty now needs an opportunity to kill the chicken to warn the monkey. What do you think His Majesty will do to those ‘comrades’ who were close to Rongsheng Wang?”

As he said this, his gaze also swept over everyone in the room.

In fact, everyone here today knows why they are here. Among those present, how many dare to say that they have not had close contact with Rongsheng Wang?

Now that Rongsheng Wang has launched a rebellion and been captured, and his former crown prince Chunshan Wang has been handed over to the Tingwei Mansion for trial by His Majesty, if His Majesty deals with Rongsheng Wang according to the normal standards for rebels, then those who were close to Rongsheng Wang…

It is precisely for this reason that everyone gathered together today. In fact, there are not many people involved in the rebellion plan, and even if there are, they only provided some economic or political support in secret. But who can guarantee that His Majesty will not eradicate them completely?

“We old ministers all served the late emperor. The late emperor was decisive but not without benevolence. Now, although His Majesty has a heart for the world, he cannot tolerate the slightest sand in his eyes. The matter of Rongsheng Wang seems to be a trial for rebellion, but it may actually involve His Majesty’s future governance policy.”

After saying this, the old Tingwei closed his eyes, waiting for others to speak.

“Tingwei Rong is right. How to deal with Rongsheng Wang is related to His Majesty’s future governance methods. Therefore, we must find a way to make His Majesty realize that Rongsheng Wang cannot be killed now.”

“I don’t think there’s any problem with that,” Qin Yilang said. “How about this, in a few days, during the morning court session, we gather a few more people and jointly submit a petition to persuade His Majesty to spare Prince Rongsheng’s life, explaining the pros and cons. His Majesty is wise and decisive, and he will not make a mistake in such matters.”

“Alright, let’s do that!”

………………………………….

Today, Xiayu Xiao was once again faced with memorials.

The monthly court session was more of a ceremonial representation of her diligence, as almost all decisions could be made directly in her study, and for major decisions, she could simply call the relevant officials for a meeting.

Moreover, with the increasingly efficient operation of the Daxia system, many matters did not require everyone to gather for discussion. After her approval, they could just communicate with each other, making frequent court sessions unnecessary.

So, today, she attended the court session with a routine mindset, but was immediately displeased by a group of ministers submitting a collective petition.

She looked at the memorial in front of her, which bore the seals of numerous ministers and many signatures, filled with arguments against executing Prince Rongsheng.

After reading the memorial, Xiayu Xiao looked up at the seemingly respectful ministers.

She sneered and raised the memorial in her hand: “My beloved ministers, you suggest sparing Prince Rongsheng, but have you considered that since the ancestors of Daxia, treason has always been a crime punishable by the extermination of one’s entire family?”

Of course, since he was her own brother, she wouldn’t go as far as to sentence her family to extermination, but she couldn’t compromise on such a principled issue.

If treason were a crime that could escape the death penalty, wouldn’t the world be in chaos?

“Your Majesty, we believe that since you have just ascended the throne, if you immediately execute Prince Rongsheng, it will inevitably lead to criticism. After all, regardless of everything, Prince Rongsheng has made significant contributions and is your family. If you kill him just like that, how will the world view you?”

“Treason is a crime that deserves death.”

At this moment, a doctor suddenly spoke up.

“What do you mean by that? This is the biggest issue since Your Majesty’s ascension. Now, the entire nation, and even foreign countries, are watching Your Majesty, waiting to see what decision you will make. If Your Majesty acts rashly, it will undoubtedly lead to criticism and even be used by those with ulterior motives…”

In response, the old minister said.

In fact, considering this statement alone, it wasn’t wrong. This was a major issue, and Xia Yun had made such a big deal out of it that many eyes were now on her, watching how she would deal with her rebellious brother.

However, Xiayu Xiao had already considered this.

Killing her brother, although it would indeed earn her a reputation for being cold-blooded and ruthless, would also bring significant benefits. After taking action, Xiayu Xiao could gain considerable prestige and stabilize the internal situation of the country to some extent. She needed this execution now.

Thinking of this, Xiayu Xiao couldn’t help but turn her gaze to Qin Ji, who was closest to her.

She looked at this powerful minister, who, despite often helping her with her low blood pressure, was still reliable in his overall abilities.

Come on, Qin Ji, save me.