Chapter 5368 Perilous Storm

Chapter 5368 Perilous Storm
The Imperial Study was completely silent.

Li Chengqian remained silent, his face grim. Liu Xiangdao stood with his hands at his sides, looking down at his toes. Ma Zhou was slightly embarrassed and extremely uncomfortable. Liu Ji wanted to do something but had no way to do it and was at a loss.

Liu Ji confirmed that he had never said this, but Chu Suiliang's manuscript clearly recorded it... The only possibility for the whole thing is that Chu Suiliang had wanted to frame him several years ago, so he laid the groundwork.

But how is this possible?

The current situation is that the Chu brothers are witnesses, and the manuscript is physical evidence. The witnesses are indeed true, and the handwriting on the manuscript is indeed that of Chu Suiliang... The evidence is conclusive and cannot be denied.

The only way to uncover the truth is to confront Chu Suiliang, but Chu Suiliang has already passed away...

Liu Ji didn't know how to explain himself.

After a long silence, Li Chengqian said to Liu Ji in a deep voice, "Since this matter concerns Emperor Taizong, it is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. Although there are witnesses and physical evidence at present, we cannot make a hasty decision. Let me arrange for people to conduct a thorough investigation before we make a decision."

Although there is almost no room for explanation in this matter, the Grand Secretary is the head of the prime ministers, and he should still be given the due dignity and respect.

Liu Ji's heart sank, but he could only bow and accept the order: "Your Majesty's will be obeyed."

Ma Zhou and Liu Xiangdao both glanced at Liu Ji, their thoughts unreadable, and remained silent.

If it were someone else, it wouldn't matter. Given His Majesty's usual "benevolent" style, he might not pursue the matter to the end. After all, Emperor Taizong had already passed away, and Chu Suiliang had also died of illness. A mere draft wouldn't cause any trouble.

However, this matter cannot be ignored or disregarded when it falls on Liu Ji.

Because Liu Ji was the Grand Secretary, the head of the prime ministers, he absolutely could not be tainted by such a stain, otherwise it would become a huge scandal if it were to spread in the future.

The foundation of Confucianism lies in "benevolence" and "filial piety." To govern the world with "benevolence" and to govern the family with "filial piety," Li Chengqian allowed someone who had once been indifferent to the life and death of Emperor Taizong and even looked down on him to become prime minister, which shook the foundation of Li Chengqian's rule.

The word "unfilial" is enough to erase all of Li Chengqian's achievements.

*****
As evening fell, snowflakes drifted down.

Lanterns were hung in the brothels and entertainment venues of Pingkangfang, making the swirling snowflakes appear colorful and dazzling.

Fang Jun was led by a servant to a private room on the third floor of Zuixianlou facing the street. He took off his cloak and changed his shoes at the door before entering the room.

Upon seeing Ma Zhou, dressed in casual clothes and wearing a turban, kneeling behind a table and pouring himself a drink, I couldn't help but laugh and say, "Today I originally planned to go to Lishan Farm to see the crops in the greenhouses, but I didn't expect to receive an invitation from the Chamberlain. After all, among the millions of people in the Great Tang Dynasty, only one in ten thousand can be invited to a banquet by the Chamberlain. I was overjoyed and flattered, and gladly accepted the invitation!"

These words made even the usually serious and rigid Ma Zhou laugh: "Do you think I'm a stingy person who's reluctant to treat others to meals?"

Fang Jun stepped forward and casually sat down, then asked with a smile, "Then tell me yourself, how many people have you hosted over the years?"

Ma Zhou: "..."

If you don't say it, you don't care; but once you bring it up, it seems like it's really true, and your face becomes a little embarrassed.

Fang Jun laughed loudly: "That's why I feel so honored to receive this invitation! Come, come, let me toast you."

It's not that Ma Zhou is stingy and unwilling to spend money on entertaining guests; he's just a complete workaholic who devotes all his energy to official duties and has no energy to deal with social obligations.
The title of "King of Scrolls" in the Tang Dynasty is truly well-deserved!

Ma Zhou smiled wryly: "Your words, Erlang, make me feel utterly ashamed."

The two had always had an excellent relationship in private. Fang Jun's poem "Every branch and leaf is full of affection" made him famous in the Tang Dynasty officialdom. However, they did not interact much in their daily lives, which was quite like the leisurely "gentleman's friendship is as light as water".

But no matter what, this is always his lack of social skills.

"It was just a joke, why should Prince Bin take it to heart?"

Fang Jun smiled and offered a toast.

Ma Zhou also put aside his embarrassment, talked about interesting things from the past, and drank a few cups.

After drinking a few cups of wine, Ma Zhou clapped his hands and dismissed the courtesan playing music behind the beaded curtain. His servants then closed the door.

Fang Jun was slightly surprised: "Is something the matter?"

Ma Zhou nodded, his face solemn, and recounted in detail what he had seen and heard this morning when he was summoned to the Imperial Study...

Fang Jun sipped his wine, listening quietly to Ma Zhou's story, occasionally interjecting with questions.

Finally, Ma Zhou whispered, "I feel this matter is not simple."

While in Chang'an, Chu Suiliang never mentioned Liu Ji's words. After resigning from his post, he returned to his hometown to study, write books, and teach his children, and he did not mention this matter again. Why did his two sons jointly submit a memorial after Chu Suiliang's death, impeaching Liu Ji?

Fang Jun nodded, agreeing with Ma Zhou's guess: "Logically speaking, the Chu brothers have no motive to do this."

He knew the Chu brothers well; they were nothing more than two good-for-nothing playboys, far from being "upright and honest" or "loyal and resolute." The reason he impeached Liu Ji must have been supported by some vested interests.

However, the two members of the Chu family from Qiantang are far from the central government. Even if they impeach Liu Ji and remove him from office, what benefits would they gain?
If the impeachment fails, they will inevitably face a fierce and relentless attack from Liu Ji.

The gains and losses are completely disproportionate.

Ma Zhou looked worried: "There must be someone behind this. If they succeed, the consequences will be extremely bad."

It's no wonder he's worried. The Grand Secretary is the head of the prime ministers. After His Majesty weakened the power of the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, he is undoubtedly "second only to the emperor and above all others," holding great power and in charge of the government affairs hall. He is the undisputed number one in the civil service.

Liu Ji's impeachment and involvement in the power struggle will inevitably have a serious and far-reaching impact on the entire court. How could Ma Zhou, who is focused on his work, not be heartbroken?
Therefore, he sought out Fang Jun today to meet with him and hear his opinion.

Fang Jun sighed softly: "It's not that the Grand Secretary can't be replaced, or even dismissed or forced to retire, but if he leaves office in such a disgraceful manner, the consequences will be endless."

Ma Zhou said angrily, "Those people are wolfish and despicable, truly vile!"

In officialdom, everyone strives to "move up," with all eyes fixed on the person in front of them, hoping for the other's downfall so they can rise to the top.

In the past, progress was based on political achievements; those who were mediocre stepped down, while those who worked hard and diligently rose to power. Everyone's advancement or downfall depended entirely on their abilities.

However, once Liu Ji is impeached and removed from office, it will set a precedent for "impeachment politics." Whether there is impeachment or not, a wave of impeachments can be launched first. If you are lucky, you will remove others from office. If you are unlucky and fail to remove them, it doesn't matter. You can continue to impeach them later.

While this approach has some advantages in eradicating corruption, it also leads to mutual attacks, a climate of fear, and a chaotic and corrupt atmosphere in the officialdom, where no one can work with peace of mind anymore.

Because doing anything will inevitably lead to mistakes, and making mistakes will result in impeachment; the only way to avoid making mistakes is to do nothing.

If this continues, those at all levels will collude, and discipline will deteriorate.

This is unacceptable to Ma Zhou, the "King of Scrolls".

Fang Jun poured Ma Zhou a cup of wine and asked, "If Liu Ji were to step down as a result, who would be his successor?"

Ma Zhou understood what he meant and thought for a moment: "It's hard to say, but whoever it is, it has to go through the decision of the Council of State."

Generally speaking, whoever benefits the most is also the most suspected.

But even if Liu Ji is impeached and removed from office, no one can guarantee that the resolution of the Council of State will be passed. Doing so may very well benefit someone else, so what is the point?

Fang Jun shook his head and said, "Not necessarily."

The situation in the Council of State is now completely different from what it used to be.

Especially after Li Ji, the leader of the meritorious officials of the Zhenguan era, openly supported His Majesty, countless people followed suit and swore allegiance to His Majesty.

Ma Zhou's expression darkened: "It can't be that bad, can it?"

The Council of State Affairs is the highest political institution in the empire. It has always had a unique operating system that allows government affairs to be separated from imperial power, making the operation smoother, more direct, more accurate, and less prone to errors.

If the Council of State Affairs were to fall under the control of certain individuals and become a tool for power struggles, the smooth-running administrative system since the Zhenguan era would completely collapse, reverting to the old ways of the Wude era or even the Sui Dynasty, where every matter was decided by the emperor's word...

If the State Affairs Hall system collapsed, what about the Grand Council?

If all of this comes true, who will benefit the most?
It must be the emperor.

According to the theory of "whoever benefits the most is the most suspicious," it was actually His Majesty who instigated the Chu brothers to impeach Liu Ji?!

Fang Jun took a sip of wine and said, "It's quite necessary! Although Liu Ji and I have been fighting endlessly, those are all struggles for interests between civil and military officials, which is understandable. However, he has never simply supported the imperial power, especially on the matter of changing the heir apparent. His attitude has been ambiguous, and he has never truly supported His Majesty. Such a Grand Secretary is nothing short of a stumbling block for His Majesty. If we kick this stone away and replace it with a yes-man, it would be in His Majesty's best interest."

Ma Zhou went through all the ministers who might be promoted to "Chancellor" in his mind, but did not think anyone was the most likely candidate, so he asked, "Who could this 'yes-man' be?"

Fang Jun was quite certain: "The person who's been getting the most attention lately is probably that person."

"At the height of its popularity?"

Ma Zhou muttered something subconsciously, then exclaimed in surprise: "Minister of Rites, Xu Jingzong?"

Having sailed to the Abbasid Caliphate to preside over negotiations, some have already returned to the capital to report the successful outcome. When Xu Jingzong returns to the capital, the streets will be deserted and his prestige will soar.

Riding this wave of momentum, it is indeed possible that he could seize control of the Secretariat...

However, he frowned: "His Majesty is known for his benevolence; surely he won't dismiss Liu Ji?"

Fang Jun sighed softly: "Since Liu Ji can't explain this matter clearly, what face does he have to remain in a high position and cling to power? Although it is now the Renhe era, there are still many former officials from the Zhenguan era. For example, you, Prince Bin, can you allow someone who once slandered and belittled Emperor Taizong to serve as prime minister?"

His Majesty naturally wants to continue to cultivate his reputation and solidify his image as a benevolent and kind person, but he cannot dismiss Liu Ji, while Liu Ji can request to retire...