HLnovel Chapter 260 Understatement
Chapter 260 Understatement
Chapter 260 Understatement
The first person to learn from Hongdu Sect was Bian Rang, the minister of Taichang Temple.
He was a man known for his rigorous studies, with a face as sharp as a knife and eyes as bright as thunder and lightning.
But he was not a pedantic person. After learning the general situation, he stood at the door and waited for others.
A group of doctoral students from Hongdu School came back to the door from all corners in fear, looking at Bian Rang with uneasy expressions, and complained to him in unison.
"Taichang, this, this, that Yong... it's none of our business..."
"Yeah, we are only responsible for teaching. We don't know about those things..."
"Brother Bian, you, you have to protect us..."
Bian Rang's face turned pale. He couldn't hear any of these nonsense words. What he was thinking about now was how to protect himself.
At this time, the pot-bellied Prime Minister Yang Biao was the second to arrive. He wiped the sweat off his face as he walked, and even staggered, unable to stand steadily.
Bian Rang immediately went to meet him, raised his hand and said, "Prime Minister, His Majesty is inside."
Yang Biao wiped his sweat, his face full of anger and annoyance, and cursed: "What a good thing you did!"
Bian Rang smiled bitterly and said, "Prime Minister, it has come to this point. Even if you kill me, His Majesty's anger will not be appeased."
Yang Biao listened with even more hatred, and his face was covered with more cold sweat. He turned his head to look inside the door, walked closer, and whispered: "Tell me honestly, did you participate in these things?"
Bian Rang raised his hand and said with a firm and sincere expression: "Prime Minister, don't worry, I will not have any involvement in this!"
Yang Biao felt relieved after listening to this, and then asked, "Hongdumen School and Imperial College, how many things are you hiding from me?"
He moved the corners of his face and said, "I don't know about this."
Yang Biao's eyes widened, revealing a rare murderous intent.
Bian Rang was slightly surprised and said quickly, "Prime Minister, you also know what kind of people the students in the Imperial College are. You can control those students, but you can't control what's behind them. This Hongdu School is just as complicated, with all kinds of people in it, and I can't do everything myself, so I really don't know how much Your Majesty knows..."
Yang Biao's face was covered with cold sweat and he was extremely panicked.
The chaos in Hongdumen School and Taixue was something everyone knew long ago.
But since a few years ago, the palace has been emphasizing the importance of "education". It has given many instructions to Hongdu Menxue and Taixue, and made repeated secret inspections.
I never expected that I would encounter such a thing in the palace!
Seeing that Yang Biao was silent, Bian Rang said, "Prime Minister, no matter what, you have to save me today..."
Yang Biao snorted angrily and wanted to curse, but seeing so many people at the door, he had to hold back and said, "After we go in, act according to circumstances and don't talk nonsense!"
"Yes, yes, yes." Bian Rang responded repeatedly, completely lacking the rigid and strict attitude he had in his previous teaching.
At this moment, Fu Wan, Sima Jun, and Zhong Yao arrived almost at the same time. Except for Sima Jun who had a blank expression, the other two had nervous expressions on their faces.
"Prime Minister, this..." Fu Wan came closer, hesitating to speak.
As the chief of the Imperial Censorate, his status should be equal to that of the prime minister, or even slightly higher. However, the status of the Secretariat was highlighted after Liu Bian's repeated reforms, and Fu Wan was Liu Xie's father-in-law, so his status was much lower than that of the Secretariat.
Seeing the three judicial officials, Yang Biao said with a sullen face, "It has come to this point. You don't have to hide anything. Tell me honestly, how much filth is there in Hongdumen School and Imperial College?"
Upon hearing this, Fu Wan turned to Sima Jun and Zhong Yao.
Sima Jun, the Minister of Criminal Affairs, paused for a moment and said, "Prime Minister, the Criminal Affairs Department has indeed investigated some cases at Hongdu School, most of which were fights and brawls, and have not found such borrowing."
Zhong Yao said, "The Supreme Court has not received any reports concerning the students of the Imperial College and Hongdu Gate."
Yang Biao suddenly laughed in anger, staring at the three people and said, "At this moment, you are trying to shirk responsibility! Aren't you afraid that when you go in to see His Majesty later, I will hold you three accountable first!"
Seeing Yang Biao getting angry, Fu Wan hurriedly whispered: "Prime Minister, this incident happened suddenly and we were not aware of it. Please help us in front of His Majesty."
The current political situation seems stable, but in fact it is full of crises. It cannot be said that everyone is in danger, but it is not a peaceful time either.
Bian Rang followed closely and said, "Prime Minister, can you persuade His Majesty to hand these matters over to the Taichang Temple for handling?"
Yang Biao wiped his sweat, sneered and said, "Do you think you can still keep the Minister of the Ministry of Rites? Do you think His Majesty asked us to come here to plead for you?!"
Bian Rang's expression changed. Seeing that Yang Biao was so panicked, he became even more worried.
"Gentlemen,"
At this time, Liu Xie came to the door, looked at Yang Biao, and said to the others, "Your Majesty is waiting inside."
When Yang Biao saw Liu Xie, he didn't bother to greet him. He ran over in small steps and whispered, "King of Bohai, Your Majesty, are you furious?"
Liu Xie turned around and walked in side by side with Yang Biao, whispering, "Prime Minister, this is too much."
Yang Biao couldn't stop sweating on his face. He looked inside with a dry mouth and said, "King Bohai, if so, please help me later."
Fu Wan chased after him and said, "King of Bohai, you must not, you must not start a war..."
Liu Xie looked at his father-in-law, his heart moved, and he immediately remembered what they had discussed a few days ago. His expression gradually became solemn.
The imperial court has always been in turmoil, and many things have happened in the past six months, especially Yang Biao's position as prime minister, which has been shaky several times, but has been as stable as a rock and has remained in his position until now.
Bian Rang, Sima Jun and Zhong Yao behind him each had their own expressions as they followed Liu Xie and Yang Biao to the library.
In front of the library, guards stood in a line. Two embarrassed young men were forced to kneel on the ground, while Liu Bian, who was very conspicuous, sat on the steps, flipping through a thick account book in his hands.
There were crowds of people everywhere in the library, and I didn't know how many people were watching quietly.
Yang Biao, Bian Rang and others saw this scene, feeling anxious and strode forward.
"Your Highness, I, Yang Biao, Fu Wan, Zhong Yao, Sima Jun, and Bian Rang, are here to see Your Majesty."
When the five of them reached the steps, they all raised their hands in greeting.
Liu Bian hummed, looked up at everyone, and said with a smile: "No need to be polite. I have taken a look at this account book. In addition to the allocation from the court, there are also a lot of donations from gentry everywhere. The list of expenditures is also very detailed. It seems that Hongdumen School is indeed doing well."
The five people felt their scalps tighten for some unknown reason when they heard Liu Bian's "praise", and no one dared to say a word.
Liu Xie stood aside and saw Yang Biao trembling and unable to keep his body steady. After a moment's hesitation, he stepped forward and persuaded him, "Your Majesty, as far as I know, there are more than twelve schools of Hongdumen School and more than 50,000 students. The things involved are complicated and difficult to explain. Hongdumen School and Taichang Temple have made many contributions."
Liu Bian glanced at him, then looked at Yang Biao, Bian Rang, and the chief officers of the three judicial departments. His expression remained unchanged. He stood up with a smile, patted his butt, and said casually, "Royal brother is right. The Prime Minister is in charge of the Secretariat and commands all officials. He has worked hard and made great contributions. He should be rewarded and commended."
Yang Biao was not happy but surprised, he raised his hand and said: "I am mediocre and unworthy of your great use, Your Majesty..."
Liu Bian waved his hand and said, "You don't have to be so modest. In a few days, you will inspect the three prefectures on my behalf, and you can also visit Hongnong. You haven't been back for many years, right?"
Yang Biao was stunned and couldn't react for a while.
'On my behalf'?
Bian Rang, Fu Wan and others also looked surprised and doubtful. They did not dare to look up, but their eyes were flickering constantly.
The Hongdu Gate School is such a big matter, but Your Majesty did not even mention it, and instead wanted to reward the Prime Minister handsomely. What's the logic behind this?
"That's it for today."
Liu Bian patted his butt again, held the drowsy Liu Yu in his arms, and left.
This time, not only Yang Biao, Fu Wan and others were stunned, and Liu Xie was also full of confusion.
But no one dared to ask, so they could only send Liu Bian off respectfully.
"Your Majesty, we respectfully bid farewell to you!" Everyone raised their hands and watched Liu Bian and a large group of people walking towards the gate of Hongdu School.
Not until Liu Bian walked away did the crowd slowly stand up. Everyone looked at each other, without any sign of relief or relaxation on their faces.
For such a big matter, Your Majesty summoned the Prime Minister and the three judicial officials. Not only did you not mention a word, you even offered a huge reward to the Prime Minister?
Bian Rang was the most terrified. He raised his hands and tremblingly said to Yang Biao, "Prime Minister, please save my Taichang Temple!"
Yang Biao was now in a state of confusion, his neck felt cold, and his fat face even turned pale.
Logically speaking, he is responsible for what happened today, but it is not a big responsibility and he can completely shirk the responsibility.
But there is absolutely no such thing as 'hard work and great contribution'!
Fu Wan, Zhong Yao, Sima Jun and others remained silent, thinking about Liu Bian's unexpected reaction, and ignored Bian Rang's request for help.
Your Majesty did not say a word, not because you don't care and will let it go, but because you will be struck by thunder!
The longer this brews, the more powerful the thunder will be!
"Uncle, save me!" Yang Biao did not respond. Bian Yong, who was not far away, crawled over, hugged Bian Rang's legs and cried.
Having angered the current emperor, Bian Yong, who used to be arrogant and domineering and looked down on everyone, now felt afraid.
Bian Rang had a gloomy face, kicked him, and cursed: "Evil beast!"
After saying that, he looked at the three people from the Three Law Courts and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, this evil creature is responsible for everything. Please take him away for strict investigation!"
Fu Wan, Zhong Yao and Sima Jun looked at Bian Yong who crawled over and cried again, and no one said anything.
Yang Biao's mind was buzzing. He couldn't figure out Liu Bian's purpose. He wanted to finish the matter as soon as possible and leave. He frowned and said, "This matter is under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Department. Sima Shangshu, you take them away."
Sima Jun's face remained calm as he said, "Prime Minister, this matter has reached the emperor's ears, and it also involves the Minister of the Ministry of Rites. It is not something that the Ministry of Justice can handle, and it should be handled by the Censorate."
Fu Wan's heart skipped a beat. How could he dare to take on this hot potato? He quickly said, "The Censorate monitors all officials, but they have not been in office for the past few days. The Censorate cannot overstep its authority."
Seeing them shirking responsibility, Yang Biao looked at Zhong Yao and said, "How about the Supreme Court intervene directly?"
Zhong Yao bowed and said, "Prime Minister, will the Supreme Court open the trial directly?"
Yang Biao frowned deeply, and his brows hurt.
The three judges shirked responsibility, making him even more angry.