Joy of Life: I am Li Chengze, and I have mastered the Eight Wonders

Chapter 9 Loyal Minister
Putting aside Emperor Qing's unfathomable mood for the moment, in the capital in recent days, Li Chengze and
Ye Ling'er frequently shuttled between the streets and alleys.
Enjoying the rare leisure time, the friendship between the two people is growing deeper in this relaxed atmosphere.

This scene surprised and intrigued many people in the capital, and they all discussed the matter after His Majesty granted the marriage.

This perfect couple could become so close so quickly that some people even thought of the story of Fan Xian and Lin Wan'er.

They all praised His Majesty for his unique vision and how even his matchmaking was so precise and accurate.

One day, Li Chengze and Ye Ling'er were riding back from the suburbs. When they passed by the Supervisory Office, they happened to meet Fan Xian walking out of the office with a tired look on his face.

Seeing this, Li Chengze raised a playful smile and said jokingly:
"Oh, our Lord Fan is being treated as a cash cow by the Supervisory Office, and is being fleeced as much as possible?

Don't forget, you are now an eighth-rank master, how can you be so tired? "

Fan Xian looked at Li Chengze and Ye Ling'er, smiled bitterly, and complained:

"I've been so busy lately that I don't have time to rest."

"What important matter are you busy with? Tell me about it." Li Chengze asked.

"If it's a secret of the Supervisory Commission, I dare not say more." Fan Xian changed the subject, playing hard to get.

"It's okay. I'm not trying to find out any secrets." Fan Xian shook his head and explained:
"The president has temporarily assigned the management of the First Division of the Supervisory Office to me. My duty is to supervise all officials in the capital. Recently, Censor Lai claimed that he was short of manpower and hoped to transfer personnel from the First Division to assist him."

When Li Chengze mentioned "Censor Lai", his expression changed slightly, and he confirmed, "Are you talking about Lai Mingcheng?"

"It's this person. Is there another Censor Lai in the capital?" Fan Xian confirmed.

After these words were spoken, Li Chengze's expression became complicated.

He knew very well that Lai Mingcheng in the original work was an upright minister of remonstration, whose character was comparable to Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty, and his unfortunate death was even more regrettable.

Especially when he thought about the unexpected incident that Lai Mingcheng encountered because he asked Fan Xian to mobilize the Supervisory Office for help,
In the end, he was brutally beaten to death, and Li Chengze couldn't help but feel an indescribable indignation and injustice in his heart.

"Reminder: Trigger the active mission 'Loyal Minister'."

"Mission requirement: save Lai Mingcheng's life!"

“Mission reward: 50% comprehension of the Golden Light Mantra.

"Your Highness, you seem a little worried. Is there something wrong with this matter?"

Fan Xian noticed the subtle change in Li Chengze's expression and couldn't help but ask in confusion.

"I guess you have agreed to Lai Mingcheng's request?" Li Chengze said in an almost affirmative tone, with a complicated look in his eyes.

"Yes, it's all for the benefit of the country. What's wrong with that?"

Fan Xian nodded calmly, thinking that this was just normal cooperation between two important institutions.

"From your point of view, this is undoubtedly correct. But things are unpredictable. Sometimes, our good intentions may indirectly lead to misfortune."

Li Chengze shook his head slightly, with a hint of helplessness in his tone, then turned and walked towards his mansion.

"Death? What does your Highness mean by this? How can it involve life and death?" Fan Xian followed closely behind and asked in confusion.

"As an imperial censor, Lai Mingcheng holds the power of impeachment and investigation. He dares to speak out and never shows mercy even to His Majesty. He is quite like the famous minister Wei Zheng in ancient times."

Li Chengze explained as he led the horse slowly forward, "To put it more simply, he is a 'critic' who dares to speak out." "I understand." Fan Xian nodded, deeply admiring Lai Mingcheng's integrity.

"As for Wei Zheng," Li Chengze continued, noticing that Ye Ling'er also looked curious.
"He was a very upright minister in history who dared to make suggestions, and his story was widely circulated among the people.

In the modern context, the word "troll" is a bit humorous, but it can also be understood as those who dare to express different opinions or even criticisms. "

"So that's how it is." Ye Ling'er suddenly realized and became very interested in this historical story.

The three of them talked as they walked. In the atmosphere there was worry about Lai Mingcheng's fate, admiration for the character of ancient loyal ministers, and an interesting discussion on the integration of modern vocabulary and traditional history.

"So that's it!" Ye Ling'er nodded in agreement. Although she had roughly understood it, she still felt a little annoyed. She felt like an outsider in the conversation between Li Chengze and Fan Xian, and she only had a vague understanding of many of the contents.

"Fan Xian, how much do you know about Wei Zheng's final fate?" Li Chengze suddenly turned around and asked Fan Xian.

"Wei Zheng died of illness, but sadly, after his death he was denigrated by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin (Li Er), and his tombstone was even knocked down." Fan Xian answered solemnly, obviously feeling deeply saddened by this period of history.

"That's right, it's human nature. No one dislikes hearing compliments, and naturally no one is happy to accept criticism."

Li Chengze took over the conversation, "Li Shimin tolerated Wei Zheng's outspokenness, largely to show his magnanimity and the image of a benevolent monarch, which in itself is a political strategy."

"Indeed, in the political arena, means and ends are often inseparable." Fan Xian agreed, and then changed the subject.
"But if that's the case, how could Your Majesty easily abandon Lai Mingcheng's 'signboard'? In Your Majesty's mind, isn't he a symbol of Your Majesty's open-mindedness and willingness to accept advice?"

Hearing this, Li Chengze shook his head slightly, his eyes deep: "Although Lai Mingcheng is a signboard, the status and influence of the Supervisory Commission are far beyond the reach of him alone.

The Supervisory Commission was independent of the Six Ministries, and its power was great enough to attract the attention of all the civil and military officials in the court.

How could Your Majesty tolerate people from the six ministries, especially those who dare to challenge authority like Lai Mingcheng, to dictate to the Supervisory Commission? "

"I see……"

Fan Xian suddenly realized and began to understand Li Chengze's concerns.
"Lai Myung-sung's presence may have touched your majesty's sensitive nerves to some extent, especially when his actions threaten the independence and authority of the Board of Audit and Inspection."

At this moment, the dialogue between the three people is not only a reflection on history, but also a profound analysis of the current political situation.

"Just imagine, if Lai Mingcheng could really achieve his wish through the Board of Supervisory Inspection today and remain safe and sound, how would the officials of the six ministries feel?"

Li Chengze's words were somewhat heavy as he continued his analysis.

Upon hearing this, Fan Xian involuntarily stopped walking and his expression instantly became solemn.

He was not a dull person, but a quick thinker. He immediately understood the profound meaning of Li Chengze's words.

“This is like an attempted regicide. Even if the emperor can forgive the assassin, the assassin’s life will be difficult to save.

Because if the assassin is not killed, someone will follow suit, and the dignity and stability of the imperial power will be seriously threatened. "Fan Xian thought to himself, his face becoming uglier.

The same was true for Lai Mingcheng. He dared to ask the Supervisory Commission for help. This move undoubtedly caused an uproar in the court, and everyone was closely watching His Majesty's reaction.

If Lai Mingcheng is able to survive, the independence and authority of the Board of Supervisory Commissioners will inevitably be questioned, and may even lead to more people making improper attempts against the Board of Supervisory Commissioners.

"No, I can't just sit there and do nothing. I must save him!" Fan Xian made up his mind, his eyes revealing firmness and determination.

(End of this chapter)