Chapter 33: Making a show

When Hai Guanyu came out of the palace, his face was deeply tired and even his eyes were powerless, and all this was seen by others. Because it was a secret meeting, it was unknown what the emperor said to him, but just speculating from his expression and demeanor, people came to a bad conclusion. The conversation between the emperor and the prime minister was probably not so pleasant.

At the court meeting the next day, Hai Guanyu unexpectedly appeared in front of everyone. Although he knew that the prime minister had met the emperor and seemed to have talked about some unknown secrets in secret, He Furong and Xiao Yunchao still exchanged glances. At this time, the two seemed to have given up their always hostile attitude. There seemed to be a hint of undetectable loneliness on Hai Guanyu's face, and even mixed with helplessness. This was not a good sign in any case. People who had good things had secretly guessed the emperor's attitude.

However, when the emperor scolded He Furong for the rumors a few days ago and Sun Yong's confession, and then pointed the finger at Hai Guanyu, the ministers were shocked. The emperor never spoke to an old minister in such a tone, let alone a veteran of two dynasties like Hai Guanyu. The punishment was extremely severe. For a top-notch official like Hai Guanyu, the emperor almost deprived him of all his positions and left only the position of Grand Secretary of the Baohe Palace. Compared with this, three years of salary was just a trivial additional treatment.

Seeing that He Furong was first in charge, he naturally couldn't plead easily, so he could only show a few officials who had a good relationship with him. As for Xiao Yunchao, He Weitao was the first to stand up. He thought to himself that the emperor's stern attitude might have ulterior motives, and thought of Hai Guanyu's great contributions over the years, so he should have a lot of room for maneuver in his handling of the situation, so he was ahead of everyone.

He kowtowed deeply, and then said with a stern expression: "Your Majesty, Lord Hai has been an official for many years, and everyone in the court knows that he will never be corrupt and abuse the law as Sun Yong said, and he will accept bribes. I beg the emperor to take a clear look, otherwise it may hurt the hearts of important officials in the court."

Since this Minister of Justice, who has always been good at observing the style of the Ministry of Justice, how could the court officials behind fall behind? Yu Xinqi, the letter from the Ministry of War, glanced at He Furong's face and also made a list of remarks: "I am discussing the views of Lord He, Lord Hai has always been cautious in his official position. Although his disciples are all over the world, he is always humble and praised the scholars. Moreover, Lord Hai is rigorous in his family, and his son Hai Congrui is well-educated in great scholars. Therefore, please think twice and never punish the important ministers easily." Yu Xinqi is He Furong's close friend. When he saw someone in the Xiao family stand up, how could he miss such a great opportunity to give favors?

Following the two Shangshus was a second- and third-rank official. Although some had a very shallow relationship with Hai Guanyu, wouldn’t it be a fool to not act like a favor at this moment? Therefore, everyone was competing for the first place and said that he was a noble official and good minister who was rare in a century. Hai Guanyu knew their calculations, but he couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Even if he received this love now, what he would have waited for them later might be the emperor’s punishment. It was He Furong and Xiao Yunchao who were smart and drove a group of subordinates to rush forward, but he was watching the scenery behind him, but they couldn’t escape this time.

The emperor on the imperial throne sighed lightly. It seemed that this incident had nothing to do with the He Xiao family. If he was based on his original intention, he certainly did not want to blame the old minister Hai Guanyu, but he had to do so now. Since Hai Guanyu had already played a very disappointed appearance when he left the palace yesterday, he could not care about the feelings of the ministers. I believe that the person behind the scenes wanted a furious monarch who had lost his mind, otherwise it would not be a big deal of 200,000 taels at a time.

The emperor slowly stood up, his cold eyes swept over the ministers, and the court, which was still noisy just now, suddenly became quiet. Somehow, the leading officials felt like a disaster was coming, and they couldn't help but feel nervous. Did the emperor think they had angered the king's authority? Just as they were complaining secretly, the emperor's cold voice came from above his head: "My dear friends, it seems that you are dissatisfied with my will? Naturally, I will not believe in the one-sided words of Sun Yong, the villain Sun Yong, but there must be a reason for the groundlessness. If it weren't for the loss of Haiguanyu's actions, Sun Yong would not be able to make up this framed words no matter how bold it is!"

The officials couldn't help but speak silently. The emperor's words were quite unreasonable, but now they were already furious. How could they dare to refute it? Seeing that the ministers were speechless, the emperor raised his voice a little more: "You are important officials of the court. Do you not even distinguish between the severity of the matter when making suggestions? Haiguanyu is a veteran of two dynasties and has made contributions to the court. However, the prince violated the law and committed the same crime as the common people, let alone a prime minister! If I don't deal with him, what would the people think? According to our laws and regulations, those who are corrupt and abused the law should be dismissed and then Jiao Dali Temple should be punished. I just removed Haiguanyu's position as the minister of the commander and the position of the Minister of the Inner Guard. As for the position of Grand Secretary of the Baohe Palace, it is very kind. If Sun Yong can prove this matter later, he will be falsely accused him of justice!"

The emperor's unquestionable attitude suddenly awakened the court officials, and many people turned their eyes to Hai Guanyu. The old minister kneeling on the ground had a heavy face, his hands were tightly held together, and a complex look flashed in his eyes. Obviously, he had already expected this ending. Feng Wuhen, who was begging him, felt unbearable, but so many people just now were indifferent to his father's plea. He did not dare to stand up again under such unknown situations.

"I know I am guilty, and the emperor only gave me the punishment for dismissal, which is an extra kindness, and I have nothing to say." Hai Guanyu spoke out these words with great difficulty, as if he had suddenly grown old for ten years. "I will close my door to the mansion from tomorrow to think about my mistakes, and I hope the emperor will be able to be grateful."

The emperor's face relaxed a little. After all, Hai Guanyu, who was waiting for the crime, was once the best supporter for his first ascension to the throne. Even if he was acting, he should not be too much. "As long as you make a report, you should keep your door and think about your mistakes in the mansion. I will send someone to investigate this matter in detail."

After Hai Guanyu rested on the ground to thank him, the emperor sent two little eunuchs to send him away. Many of the ministers looked sad. The emperor looked at Feng Wuhen with a profound meaning, and then said seriously: "The country has its own national laws. Although I have always trusted Hai Guanyu, I cannot indulge the important officials. He Furong and Xiao Yunchao, there are quite a lot of comments that have impeached you two recently. You two should restrain your actions!"

He Furong immediately sweated heavily, and Xiao Yunchao was fine, but Sun Yong's confession was a big swipe. The emperor, a veteran like Lian Haiguanyu, was still merciless, let alone the person who had been guilty? He quickly kowtowed and apologized, waiting for the emperor's punishment. However, the Supreme, who was still furious just now, just said a few words. Just one year's salary was fined as a minor punishment, and even Xiao Yunchao was also dealt with. However, the emperor's last words in front of the ministers were as fierce as a thunderous strike, which shocked those who had ulterior motives could not control themselves.

"I know that many of you are greedy for bribes, and they all pretend to be noble. In fact, there are quite a few who have tens of thousands of assets in your family. Some of them have hidden in golden houses outside, and they have forgotten their official precepts at all! You might as well ask yourself, but it can withstand the investigation of the censor? People who have always been honest in Hai Guanyu will even spread greed, let alone you confused accounts who are unclear and confused? Go back and check your own actions. I will never be sympathetic to you!"

Shi Liushun's retreat made the ministers retreat in shame as if they were amnesty. Only the censors of the Supervision Bureau were extremely excited, as if they heard the signal of punishing corrupt officials from the emperor's words. However, Bao Huasheng was in a state of mind. He decided not to believe that Hai Guanyu would do such a stupid thing. Moreover, the emperor's attitude seemed to be too tough, especially when he took He Furong and Xiao Yunchao gently, he grabbed Hai Guanyu to death. Compared with He Furong and Xiao Yunchao, Bao Huasheng was only more favored by the emperor, and he had suffered heavy blows, so he was more cautious about the emperor's mind.

"Sir, now the emperor seems to be willing to purify the administration. Should we find two people with the most corruption among the court officials to impeach?" As soon as we walked into the yamen of the inspectors, a young censor suggested to Bao Huasheng impatiently.

"Don't be too hasty!" Before Bao Huasheng could object, Lian Yuchang hurriedly stopped him, "Brother Ling, the emperor's move today is quite meaningful and must not be rash. Impeaching these important officials with bribery must pay attention to the rules, so let Lord Bao decide." He looked at Bao Huasheng, with some expectations in his eyes. Although the words just now were true, according to his original intention, he wanted to uproot the corrupt officials in the court, but he could not do anything recklessly due to the situation.

"What Xiao Lian said is what I want to say. Now is not the time to act recklessly." Bao Huasheng glanced at the people who were eager to try, and poured a basin of cold water on his head. "It is important to know that the Supervision Bureau is now targeting the public. In the past few years, there have been almost hundreds of officials you impeached. The emperor has clearly observed and punished many severely. Therefore, many powerful people hate you." He paused a little, and saw that the faces of several people were depressed, and he couldn't help but comfort him, "The time has not come, don't worry, there is always a chance to show your skills, and don't be stuck for a while."

When everyone heard Bao Huasheng say this, they immediately agreed that they were very impressed by this boss. Compared to Feng Zhifan, the Zuodu Censor, who is not very in charge of affairs, Bao Huasheng is their best support in both methods and the Holy Family. After thinking for a while, when he saw his colleagues still looking very motivated, he couldn't help but smile: "Sir, since we can't pick up those big figures now, we can always start with some small officials, right? There are also many low-ranking officials in the capital who do not follow the official etiquette. Although their position is not obvious, they cannot indulge them."

Bao Huasheng pondered for a moment and nodded. These censors are all young and energetic people. If they are really idle, they will not be able to control them. Let them do it. "Okay, you can make a list first, and then I will talk about it after I review and agree, so as not to yell again that there is nothing to do."

Several censors smiled at each other, and Lian Yuchang was extremely happy when he made the suggestion. He pulled out the annoying nails and calculated the other. He didn't care about the grade.
Chapter completed!