bayedsolid Chapter 298 The King Doesn't Hold Morning Court
Chapter 298 The King Doesn't Hold Morning Court
A loud "bang!" startled the eunuch standing at the door.
"What kind of case is this?! Did Wang Yanhua take money or was he threatened?" Shen Lian angrily threw the newspaper in his hand onto the table.
"San Dezi, go and call Wang Kaiyun and Chang Le over here!" Shen Lian said loudly after taking a sip of tea.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" San Dezi hurriedly led a young eunuch and rushed towards the inner cabinet.
Shen Lian picked up the newspaper again and read it carefully. The China Daily had written the whole story of the case very clearly, and the report was fairly impartial, without favoring either side, simply stating the facts.
Even so, Shen Lian could already imagine how the common people were talking about the court. Officials protecting each other, imperial relatives oppressing the people, nobles treating the people like dirt, and so on.
That Wang Yanhua deserves to die!
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Wang Kaiyun led Chang Le into the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Seeing the Emperor's displeased expression, both of them felt a tightness in their chests.
"You've all seen the newspapers, right? What are your thoughts?" Shen Lian had calmed down and asked calmly.
"Your Majesty, we have seen it! We have not yet received the case file from Shuntian Prefecture. If it is really as the newspapers say, the Shuntian Prefecture's judgment may be a little lenient, but it is generally still good."
Seeing that the eldest brother remained silent, Chang Le had no choice but to bite the bullet and speak.
"Mr. Wang, what do you think?" Shen Lian remained noncommittal.
“Your Majesty, if Zhao Yide did not directly instruct him, but his subordinates acted on their own and beat Jin Laoyan’er, ultimately resulting in the man being accidentally killed.”
“Zhao Yide is only responsible for inadequate supervision, so it’s not wrong to make him pay compensation. As for Jin Er and the others who killed someone, imprisonment or exile are both appropriate,” Wang Kaiyun said after thinking for a moment.
Shen Lian shook his head; they still didn't understand what he meant. Actually, it wasn't their fault. Historically, cases involving the royal family were handled with extreme caution by officials. They probably all considered the verdict in this case to be quite fair!
“You lot! Now that we have established a new dynasty, we must break with the old rules and bad habits of the previous dynasty.” Shen Lian shook his head.
"Don't think that Zhao Yide is just a relative of the imperial family, a minor viscount. Even if he were a prince or royal prince, he would be severely punished for breaking the law!"
"As members of the royal family, we must set an example for the people. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard."
"Chang Le, your Censorate, together with the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice, must immediately re-examine this case. You must conduct a thorough investigation! After the investigation is complete, submit the case file to me."
"Furthermore, Wang Yanhua is to be immediately suspended from his duties pending investigation. Investigate whether he accepted bribes or was threatened."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Chang Le and Wang Kaiyun hurriedly left.
Shen Lian was preparing to make an example of him. Now that his brother-in-law had jumped out, how could he let him off easily? Anyway, he wasn't a good person, so it was a good opportunity to make an example of him.
"San Dezi, send someone to the newspaper office with an imperial edict. Tell them that I am very pleased that the newspaper office has been able to report fairly without fear of powerful figures."
Shen Lian was very satisfied with the China Daily. It was well worth the effort he had poured into it. With their oversight, he could stay informed and obtain more news in a timely manner.
"Xiao Man, did you behave today?" After getting off work, Shen Lian went to Xiao Yue'er's palace.
Of the three women, he preferred being with Xiao Yue'er. Xiao Yue'er was not only gentle and kind, but also completely obedient to him. She harbored no ulterior motives, simply staying in the palace to be a wife and mother.
"Father, Xiaoman is the best girl!" Upon seeing her father arrive, Shen Xiaoman jumped up happily, ready to run over. Suddenly, she slowed down and walked over obediently.
Seeing her like this, Shen Lian couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed that the teachings of those old women had indeed had an effect.
Right now, we're just teaching them some rules. They'll start reading and writing next year when they turn five.
Shen Lian plans to establish a prestigious primary school in the inner city, where the children of ministers and nobles will attend. He will also send his own children there.
It's not good to keep children in the palace all the time. They need to go out and see the world from a young age and interact with more people to avoid developing bad habits.
"Your Majesty, since Shuntian Prefecture has already tried Zhao Yide and found no major fault, why do you still want the three judicial departments to conduct a joint trial?" Xiao Yue'er asked breathlessly while enduring Shen Lian's teasing.
"What? You found out too?" Shen Lian raised his head from between the towering mountain peaks.
"Today in my sister's palace, Ruyi was crying and pleading with His Majesty to spare her brother this time."
"It's not that I'm unwilling to forgive him, but his actions have gone too far. The whole world is watching! If I don't punish him severely, how can I face my ministers? As a member of the imperial family, he should be even more strict with himself."
Seeing that the Emperor had spoken, Xiao Yue'er said no more. She hadn't wanted to get involved in these matters in the first place, but she had mentioned it casually because she saw Zhao Ruyi crying pitifully.
"My beloved consort, let's not talk about those unpleasant things now! Let me see your two treasures, I feel they're getting more and more upright and supple!" Shen Lian said sullenly, his head down.
Xiao Yue'er straddled Shen Lian's lap, her pretty face flushed. She didn't know why, but she had never been small to begin with. After having two children, it seemed like she had gone through a second puberty.
Some parts swelled and grew. She was somewhat distressed; looking throughout the entire harem, no one was more magnificent than her.
Fortunately, His Majesty's growing fondness for her made her feel a little better.
The aroma of the pastries filled Shen Liansu's heart, and he couldn't help but think of a poem;
Fragrant hair: Seven feet long, black hair styled in an elegant, feminine way. Unaware that she lies on her pillow, she finds the fragrance of green clouds all the more delightful.
Frankincense: A piece of red silk, strong and delicate, with the light of white jade. Try opening its chest to explore, and you will find it even more fragrant than trembling butter.
Cheek fragrance: The hibiscus has lost its new beauty, the lotus has fallen and its makeup is worn out. Both are comparable, but can be likened to the fragrance of powdery cheeks.
Neck fragrance: How can a cicada's legs compare? Its long whiskers resemble a phoenix. Last night, on my joyful arm, its fragrance must have lingered on my neck.
The fragrance on the tongue: The soup tastes delicious, and the words spoken are like music from the palace. Who knows what warm, sweet fragrance is in the mouth of my beloved?
The fragrance of my breath: It has nothing to do with the smell of alcohol, nor is it the scent of lip balm. Yet, I suspect that the flowers can speak, and the fragrance is carried by the wind.
Hands fragrant: Having plucked the buds of the Imperial Garden, we also visited the mulberry trees in the Imperial Garden. Upon returning, we held hands, the delicate fragrance of spring bamboo shoots filling the air.
Scent of Feet: Phoenix boots, their seams undone; silk stockings, their light frost removed. Who will carve out a soft, fragrant hook from warm white jade?
Her body fragrance: Her skin trembled as she loosened her belt, and her heart raced at the touch. Who knew that beneath her silken skirt lay a captivating, otherworldly fragrance?
Fragrant Skin: A thousand flowers brewed from coughs and saliva, skin adorned with lilies. Nothing more than a lotus sinking in the water, born with a body full of fragrance.
Her cloud-like hair, flower-like face, and golden hairpins swayed in the breeze; in the warm boudoir, she spent the spring night. The spring night was fleeting, and as the sun rose high, the emperor ceased holding morning court.
Shen Lian finally understood why Emperor Xuanzong of Tang did not want to hold morning court.