Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Those who had been arranged outside the hall immediately rushed in and took the men away.

Before the assembled officials could react, more than a dozen people, led by Zhang Shi, were dragged out.

Then, cries of anguish echoed from outside the hall.

Emperor Jing sat solemnly on the dragon throne, scrutinizing the officials below.

The rest of them were trembling with fear. Judging by the situation, His Majesty had planned this all along!

It seemed things were going to get ugly today... This Fang Zheng Yi is truly amazing! He can still make a great contribution even when he's so far away from the capital!

His Majesty's favor is growing even stronger. He probably doesn't treat the Crown Prince as well as he treats Fang Zheng Yi!

Seeing that no one spoke, Emperor Jing said faintly, "The late Emperor Taizu established the Six Bureaus of Scrutiny and the Censorate with the intention of curbing corruption, abuse of power, and exposing corrupt officials."

"The people selected for these positions all come from the common people and are known for their impartiality, integrity, experience, and maturity."

"But what about now? You are forming cliques and engaging in private interests, openly framing meritorious officials of my Great Jing. You rely solely on hearsay to try to plant false evidence!"

"In my opinion, the officials of the Six Bureaus and the Censorate are nothing more than an incompetent bunch who talk tough but accomplish little!"

"In the future, do not bring matters to the forefront unless you have a firm grasp of the facts. If the situation is wrong, it's not just embarrassing and disappointing, but it also damages the reputation of my Great Jing!"

"From this day forward, all reports based on hearsay must be submitted to the Grand Secretariat for review. During court sessions, if your statements lack concrete evidence, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Below, people began exchanging glances, conveying messages with their eyes.

His Majesty had just recovered from a serious illness, yet he came to the hall and unleashed his imperial wrath, punishing many people.

Everyone was frightened.

However, what he just said was quite serious.

To condemn all censorial officials with one blow – who could accept that?

To say that we talk tough but accomplish little, isn't that calling us useless? This is unbearable!

Even censorial officials who hadn't participated in the impeachment of Fang Zheng Yi couldn't help but step forward: "Your Majesty, reporting based on hearsay is an ancestral custom. The Six Bureaus are in charge of remonstrance and investigating the affairs of the Six Ministries and all departments. Major matters must be reported back, while minor matters are signed and promulgated."

"While the matter concerning Lord Fang was indeed unexpected, the claim of forming cliques is unfounded. Your Majesty, you must not throw out the baby with the bathwater!"

Emperor Jing snorted coldly: "Then explain to me why the news of Fang Zheng Yi colluding with the Northern Rong was only reported today? Why did so many people launch an attack at the same time? Could it be that you, my esteemed ministers, have reached such an understanding that you all agreed to say the same thing at the same time?"

"Could it be that because this matter is of great importance, you secretly prepared to investigate or discuss a result before reporting it to the palace? Surely not?"

"This... Your subject... doesn't know."

The censorial official was drenched in cold sweat and retreated.

There was no way to explain this. He hadn't participated, but the evidence had already been presented. Who would have thought the Emperor would play such a move?

While they were talking, the beating outside had finished.

Since they were beating with intent, they naturally beat with great force. Fortunately, it was only five strokes, and those with weaker constitutions would certainly be taken care of.

Those who were punished would not suffer too much internal injury.

First, a guard stepped forward to report, then more than a dozen people staggered back into the hall.

Each of them had a look of fear and unease on their faces.

Seeing this, Emperor Jing said: "Are any of you dissatisfied?"

"Your subjects dare not!" The officials endured the pain in their buttocks and knelt down.

"You may submit verbally, but your hearts may not be convinced." Emperor Jing smiled slightly: "Bring him in!"

Before long, to everyone's surprise, an old man with a withered face was dragged into the hall by two guards.

Emperor Jing smiled and said: "Master Yan, it's been a long time."

Old Yan knelt down, his eyes filled with despair, and kowtowed deeply, wailing, "This old subject pays respects to Your Majesty!"

Emperor Jing's face, which had been smiling, gradually turned cold: "Why do you call yourself a subject?"

The two of them had already met yesterday. As for the relationship between the Yan family and other ministers, the Eastern Depot was naturally clear.

By comparing the people who submitted the reports, the Yan family was quickly identified. Countless guards were dispatched to surround the Yan family.

All officials entering and leaving the Yan family were investigated in less than half an evening under the full operation of the national violence apparatus, including all correspondence!

Old Yan was the first to be押押入入宫宫内内之之人人，，经经过过一一晚晚的的威威逼逼刑刑讯讯，，加加上上不不少少佐佐证证在在前前，，该该招招的的已已经经招招了了。

Whether he could save his life depended on today!

Hearing Emperor Jing say such ruthless words, completely disregarding their previous relationship as ruler and subject.

Old Yan was speechless and could only look at Emperor Jing in despair.

"Master Yan, do you hold a grudge against me for killing Yan Guoan?" Emperor Jing asked.

"Dare not... dare not! This commoner dare not... Yan Guoan deserved to be killed, Your Majesty is wise!" Old Yan raised his head and said hastily.

Now Yan Guoan was no longer important, what was important was whether the Yan family could be saved!

Having left the court, he was still colluding with former subordinates and forming cliques, which was almost like rebellion. Being able to save his life would be a blessing!

"Then why did you collude with court officials to impeach Fang Zheng Yi? You have left the court, do you know what the consequences are for disrupting court order?" As Emperor Jing spoke, his eyes swept over the ministers who had just been beaten.

Those who met his gaze could not help but tremble with fear.

Old Yan gritted his teeth and did not say a word.

What should he say at this time? What could he say? It no longer mattered. The lives of the entire Yan family were already in the Emperor's hands.

Besides, he had already been interrogated once yesterday. Now, he was just accompanying the Emperor in a play, giving others a warning.

It was better to shut up than to say more and make mistakes!

"Very well, if you don't want to speak, I will speak for you. My esteemed ministers, seven or eight of those who were punished today have already communicated with Master Yan in advance."

"You don't have to rush to deny it. The confessions and letters are all here. If you have a clear conscience, feel free to ask me for them. I will definitely satisfy you!"

"To collude with people outside the palace, influence court affairs, and slander important ministers, the crime deserves the extermination of three generations!"

"Your Majesty, spare us! Your Majesty, spare us!! This commoner was momentarily confused! I beg Your Majesty for leniency! This commoner also has... the iron certificate of immunity from death bestowed by the late Emperor!" Old Yan wailed repeatedly, banging his head on the ground.

As soon as these words came out, it was almost like admitting guilt.

The other censorial officials who had been beaten also felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave, looking at Emperor Jing in despair.

Li Yuanzhao's eyes were filled with brilliance.

Wonderful! Today, Father is truly wonderful. When did this old man get brought here? He didn't even know. Father was clearly in the Imperial Study, yet he secretly arranged so many things behind his back?

"Hehe, I almost forgot that you have the iron certificate of immunity from death bestowed by the late Emperor." Emperor Jing smiled slightly: "Then this crime will be temporarily waived. However, I haven't seen Master Yan for so long and I miss him very much. Stay in the palace for a few days and reminisce with me. Guards, take Master Yan down to rest."

The guards stepped forward and dragged Old Yan, who was still in a state of panic, down.

"Do you have anything else to say?"

With a thud!

An official knelt down abruptly and shouted loudly: "Your Majesty, spare us!! This subject did indeed have dealings with Lord Yan. Lord Yan also informed me of the crimes committed by Lord Fang. After this subject knew, he immediately reported it and had no intention of forming cliques... This subject is innocent!"

Immediately afterwards, the others hurriedly echoed.

Emperor Jing just watched silently, and only spoke after everyone had finished: "As for the details, I will investigate! Guards, take all the involved criminals into the dungeon for careful interrogation!"

"This subject is innocent!!!" Continuous cries of injustice kept coming out until they were dragged far away.

Zhang Shi stood trembling in place, his heart filled with regret.

He didn't expect His Majesty to be as decisive and swift as when he was young.

Even more regretful was why he couldn't help but stand out... If Old Yan hadn't confessed, then there would still be room for maneuver.

Now it seemed that hope was somewhat渺茫了..

Emperor Jing slowly stood up and said: "I didn't expect so many things to happen just because I was sick."

"The Prince of Wu rebelled, court officials formed cliques, and censorial officials were incompetent. In the end, it's because I was blind to talent and closed my ears. Therefore, from today onwards, I think some rules should be changed!"

"Guo Banban, announce the decree!"

Guo Tianyang took the prepared imperial decree and announced loudly: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Embroidered Uniform Guard is hereby established, ranked as a Third Rank official, and its subordinates... the Seven Offices of Horse Training, all ranked as Sixth Rank officials... From now on, all matters pertaining to treason, rebellion, spreading false rumors, betraying the imperial court, communicating with princes and foreign tribes, harboring traitors and thieves... must be reported truthfully!.... Fang Zheng Yi, young and promising, with outstanding political achievements, is hereby specially appointed as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, by imperial order!"

.......

I said that my girlfriend was joking with everyone, how could anyone take it seriously... I am really an honest person!