Chapter 5379 The Female Lead of This Place

Chapter 5379 The Female Lead of This Place
Royal study room.

On the floor mats by the window, the emperor and his ministers sat facing each other.

Li Chengqian took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "Your merit in presiding over the peace talks in the Abbasid Caliphate is truly outstanding, congratulations!"

Xu Jingzong was very modest: "The reason why we were able to deter foreign lands and shake foreign countries is all thanks to Your Majesty's strategic planning and the soldiers' desperate fighting. I have only contributed my meager strength. The situation was created by the general trend and the result was a natural outcome. I dare not take credit for it."

So why are treacherous officials repeatedly given important positions?

It wasn't that the king didn't see his true colors, but rather that his words were too sweet...

Moreover, regardless of their abilities, rulers throughout history have developed a confident personality by living in an environment where they are in a position of supreme power and dominance. They believe that they have the world under their control and that a mere treacherous minister is no exception. They can bring him down to earth at any time. What harm is there in letting him be arrogant for a while?

Compared to loyal ministers who speak frankly and honestly, treacherous ministers are far too easy to use...

The phrase "I dare not claim credit for Heaven's work" almost made Li Chengqian unable to suppress his smile, implying that the credit for this expedition against the Abbasid Caliphate should be attributed to him, the emperor.

Although he didn't think so in his heart, he needed merit to boost his prestige at this moment, and coupled with the kind and benevolent persona he had built up, it would be of great help and make the grand plan seem grand and powerful, so he shamelessly accepted the offer.

Li Chengqian nodded with pleasure, and then said, "The Chu brothers impeached the Grand Secretary with their father's posthumous writings. What is your opinion on this?"

Finally, the most crucial question was raised. Xu Jingzong's heart stirred. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "There is no smoke without fire. Although I greatly respect the Grand Secretary, Chu Suiliang would never have framed anyone. In fact, Chu Suiliang never made the manuscript public until his death, which clearly shows that he intended to cover up for the Grand Secretary."

False constructs are easily exposed and degenerate into vulgarity. Not only do they fail to achieve anything, but they also backfire spectacularly. The best strategy is to make everything true.

Whether Liu Ji said those things or did those things is no longer important; what is important is that Chu Suiliang did indeed record those words and deeds in his own handwriting.

As for whether Chu Suiliang misunderstood Liu Ji's words and actions, or had ulterior motives... who cares?
The key point is that this can remove Liu Ji from the position of Grand Secretary.

There's only one hole, but lots of radishes. How can you get in if you don't pull out the radishes from the hole?

Li Chengqian sighed softly: "The Grand Secretary has served Emperor Taizong diligently and conscientiously, and has been hardworking and dedicated since taking office. Now he is caught in a storm because of an impeachment, which is quite regrettable."

Xu Jingzong lowered his head slightly, hiding his gaze, a chill running through him.

This statement seems to show His Majesty's "benevolence," implying that even though Liu Ji had spoken rudely and disrespectfully to Emperor Taizong, His Majesty did not feel much remorse. However, in reality, His Majesty was extremely ungrateful.

Whether it's "diligent and conscientious" or "hard-working and conscientious," these are all "hard work," but they mean that Liu Ji is not considered to have any "merit."

What kind of evaluation is it for a high-ranking official like the Grand Secretary, who has served for many years without achieving anything?

Now they've used it and then discarded it; their ingratitude is extreme.

Although he felt sorry for His Majesty's cold-heartedness, he naturally couldn't say it out loud.

"The Grand Secretary, who oversees all affairs of state, is the role model for all officials. His words and actions must be prudent and flawless. Now that his reputation has been damaged, he has truly failed His Majesty's trust. Especially at this critical time, the Grand Secretary has not only failed to assist His Majesty in overcoming all difficulties, but has also caused the prestige of the central government to decline greatly. He has truly... failed to live up to the trust placed in him, which is heartbreaking."

These words were almost tantamount to a "final verdict" on Liu Ji, rendering all his past merits and hard work meaningless.

When faced with matters of great righteousness or personal gain, the ruler and his minister were ruthless to each other.

Li Chengqian frowned: "While it is true that the position of Grand Secretary should be replaced, I truly cannot bear to do so."

Xu Jingzong understood immediately: "Your Majesty is indeed benevolent and unwilling to punish me for past offenses, but the laws of the state are in place. To speak or do anything that slanders or despises Emperor Taizong is an unforgivable crime, and this is the filial piety of Confucianism. As for me, I was deeply indebted to Emperor Taizong when he was still a prince, and I cannot bear to see his divine power diminished. Even if it means going through fire and water, I must do my utmost!"

The meaning behind these words is quite clear: Your Majesty cherishes your reputation and honor, so please support me from behind, while I will charge into battle bare-chested.

*****
As darkness fell, the snowflakes fell even more heavily.

When Liu Xiangdao arrived at Xuanqing Temple by carriage, he saw his personal guards, wearing sable hats and fur coats and with swords at their waists, standing guard outside the gate. There were also squads of cavalry patrolling back and forth to monitor security.

People who had been waiting outside the gate came forward to welcome Liu Xiangdao into the mountain gate.

Neither Princess Jinyang, the hostess of this place, nor Fang Jun, who extended the invitation, needed to wait outside the door...

After passing the main hall, Fang Jun was seen standing at the entrance of a side hall. He was dressed in a blue robe and a turban. Despite the falling snow, he stood upright and had a handsome appearance. He did not look like the powerful Grand Commandant of the court, but rather like a refined and elegant young man from a wealthy and dignified family.

Fang Jun smiled gently and clasped his hands in greeting: "I did not expect the sudden snowfall. I apologize for the trouble that you, Prime Minister, have rushed here through the wind and snow."

Liu Xiangdao laughed and said, "Encountering setbacks on the road is commonplace. As long as we enjoy our meeting today, what do a little wind and snow matter?"

Fang Jun laughed and stepped aside, saying, "Please."

Liu Xiangdao took off his cloak and handed it to the maid at the door, then stepped into the room.

Upon entering the room, one sees Princess Jinyang kneeling behind a table, her black hair like clouds, adorned with pearls and jade, her palace dress embroidered with colorful patterns, exquisitely beautiful. She is taking boiling water from a small red clay stove and pouring it into a teapot, her delicate hands sipping tea with a charming smile.

Unlike the aloof and privileged daughter of a noble family, she seemed more like the mistress of the house...

He quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Your Highness, this humble subject greets you."

"No courtesy, just stay on your own."

Princess Jinyang raised her head, her beautiful face and warm smile saying, "Prime Minister, please take a seat and have a cup of hot tea to ward off the chill."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Liu Xiangdao didn't stand on ceremony and took two steps forward, kneeling on the soft cushion on one side of the table.

Fang Jun also stepped forward and sat down opposite Princess Jinyang.

Princess Jinyang held the teapot in her delicate hands, filled the teacups with tea, and gently placed them in front of the two of them.

Liu Xiangdao was flattered and quickly bowed slightly to accept the teacup with both hands: "Your humble servant is overwhelmed with gratitude."

Princess Jinyang smiled gently, her demeanor graceful and dignified.

Liu Xiangdao glanced at Fang Jun and sighed inwardly.

Rumors about Fang Jun and Princess Jinyang have been circulating for a long time, with the truth and falsehood of which are quite interesting, but seeing it with my own eyes now still makes me feel emotional.

This guy is truly a womanizer and incredibly audacious...

However, this was not under his jurisdiction as the Imperial Censor, and he had come here today with a purpose.

When Fang Jun met privately to discuss their positions, the latter had Princess Jinyang accompany him, which was Fang Jun's way of showing his sincerity.

After taking a sip of tea, Liu Xiang got straight to the point: "The Grand Commandant previously submitted a memorial advising on reforms to the Censorate, but I wonder if you could elaborate on that?"

Fang Jun then laughed.

He had already written it clearly in his memorial, which Liu Xiangdao must have seen, so why did he need to meet in private to "explain it in detail"?
It's just an excuse.

Liu Xiangdao's purpose was to appear here.

All the rest is a promise.

Therefore, he did not repeat his previous memorial on reforming the Censorate, but instead asked: "Now the empire is becoming increasingly advanced and its national power is growing. In particular, since the reform of commercial taxes, the empire's commerce has flourished and the national treasury is full. Many merchants have gone abroad to sell the empire's silk, porcelain, paper, glass, cotton and other products to other countries, and brought back gold, silver and various strategic materials needed by the empire... Does the Prime Minister think that this can become the norm?"

Liu Xiangdao was slightly taken aback, not expecting Fang Jun to ask such a question.

What's there to question?

With the commercial tax fixed, people no longer regard commerce as a lowly profession, nor do they worry about being exploited or extorted during their business trips, which could lead to financial ruin. Everything operates within the agreed-upon framework, and all that is needed is to calculate costs.

This led to an extraordinary commercial boom in the Tang Dynasty. Many merchants who had previously relied on powerful families, aristocratic clans, high-ranking officials, and the imperial family began to "go independent," resulting in increasingly larger trade volumes and higher commercial taxes.

How can such things that benefit the country and its people not become the norm?

But since Fang Jun asked this question, there must be a reason for it.

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Xiangdao seemed to have gained some insight, and shook his head, saying, "It may not become the norm."

In this world, not everything that is "good" will be implemented, and not everything that is "bad" will be banned.

Everything has two sides; what is considered "good" is not good for everyone, and what is considered "bad" is not bad for everyone...

There is a balance to be struck in the process.

While the commercial tax reform has certainly enriched the national treasury, it has undeniably affected the interests of too many people.

Then he asked, "How do we solve this?"

Fang Jun said, "It's difficult in some ways, but easy in others. Nothing is more important than judicial independence."

Liu Xiangdao understood instantly.

By enacting laws, commercial taxes become an unalterable national policy, which no one may obstruct or even abolish.

It's not difficult to do this; it's just a law.

However, it is also very difficult to do so, because no law can bypass the emperor. Imperial power is supreme, and His Majesty's word is law. He can change any law with just one decree.

At a certain point in time, "centralization" is a good thing.

For example, Emperor Taizong.

During the chaotic period at the end of the Sui Dynasty and the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, a strong centralized government could quickly restore production and bring stability to a country that was in constant turmoil and rife with war.

However, at certain times, "centralization" has the opposite effect.

For example, Emperor Yang of Sui.

A series of erroneous decisions ruined the promising situation. The wealth accumulated by Emperor Wen of Sui was squandered in just over a decade, and the once mighty empire, which had dominated the world, fell into turmoil and headed for destruction.

The Tang Dynasty at present shares many similarities with the Sui Dynasty at its peak; its steady and methodical development is enough to make it stand out from the crowd and dominate the world.

The supreme imperial power thus became the greatest hidden danger.