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墨書 Inktalez
Three days later, the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple conducted a thorough investigation, but no conclusions were reached. Meanwhile, rumors swirled throughout the capital.
On the streets and in teahouses, common folk discussed the incident involving the Fourth Prince's use of official documents, and the stories grew increasingly absurd. Some claimed that the Fourth Prince intended to manipulate data from the Official Agency for personal gain, while others suggested that the Emperor was furious and planned to strip the Fourth Prince of his title.
At Lin Feng's residence, officials eager to gauge the situation nearly trampled the threshold, most of them feigning concern while secretly hoping to witness a spectacle. Lin Feng was not swayed by the external turmoil; he immersed himself in his study, sifting through records from disaster relief efforts, attempting to find compelling evidence to justify the necessity of using official documents.
Meanwhile, conservative ministers were holding frequent clandestine meetings. In Minister Wang's residence, candlelight flickered as the old officials wore serious expressions. They were determined to seize this opportunity to curb the Fourth Prince's momentum. He had been clamoring for reform, and if this continued, their established rules would surely be undermined.
With a loud bang on the table, Minister Wang startled everyone, causing teacups to clink. Someone chimed in, "Indeed! Xia Yuanji is even supporting him; we must find a way to remove this stumbling block." Thus, they plotted to gather some dubious old accounts to launch further attacks in court.
Crown Prince Lin Zheng secretly summoned several censors, coercing and enticing them to fabricate some impeachment memorials—regardless of their truthfulness—to stir up more chaos. As long as it raised suspicion in his father’s mind about Old Four, the Crown Prince would reward them; if they failed, they could not blame him for being merciless.
He toyed with a jade pendant in his hand, his gaze cold and calculating.
The sky was still brightening as darkness enveloped the palace like ink. The Emperor appeared in his Dragon Robe and Mian Liu headgear, seated high on the dragon throne. The Mian Liu pearl curtains swayed as his imposing gaze remained hidden behind them.
With a commanding voice he declared, "If you have matters to report, do so; if not, you may leave." His words fell like a heavy stone into water.
Minister Wang stepped forward first. "Your Majesty," he began, "although our thorough investigation has yet to yield results, I have heard that public opinion is fervent and many are criticizing the Fourth Prince's actions as inappropriate."
The rules of the court were tied to public sentiment; how could they be ignored?
As soon as he finished speaking, several censors presented their impeachment memorials, listing accusations such as acting recklessly without regard for public opinion.
Lin Feng stood firm and stepped forward: "Father, the public does not know all the details and has been misled by those with ulterior motives. I witnessed firsthand in the Disaster Area that grain was spoiled and accounts were chaotic. If we follow standard procedures for reporting and approval step by step, who knows how long it will take? How can we expect the people to wait?"
"I am willing to stake my life on it; there is absolutely no selfish motive!" His words rang out clearly, his gaze intense.
Xia Yuanji quickly followed suit: "Your Majesty, I have visited several talented individuals who accompanied the Fourth Prince during disaster relief efforts. They can all testify that at that time in the Disaster Area, circumstances were dire and desperate measures were necessary."
Moreover, as soon as the Fourth Prince arrived, he began to organize the documents that had been mishandled and drafted a memorial to present to the Emperor, demonstrating his intent to remedy the situation. He handed over a thick stack of papers.
At that moment, Crown Prince Lin Zheng feigned concern, saying, "Father, this matter is quite perplexing. I believe both sides have their reasons. However, to ensure fairness, perhaps we should suspend all duties of the Fourth Prince until the truth is revealed, so as to avoid any controversy." Though he appeared neutral, his true intention was to undermine Lin Feng.
The Emperor's expression darkened further; he understood that this conflict was not merely about document usage but involved a struggle between old and new powers. Lin Feng recognized the validity of her words but could not hide his frustration. "Hmph! Does the Crown Prince and the conservatives truly think I am afraid of their pressure?"
After court adjourned, Lin Feng simmered with anger. Xia Qingyu hurried to console him. "Your Highness, this is also the Emperor's temporary strategy. It’s wise to avoid confrontation for now; we can use this time to prepare more thoroughly."
Lin Feng acknowledged her reasoning but still felt aggrieved. "Hmph! The Crown Prince and the conservatives are pressing me step by step; do they really think I will back down?"
Xia Qingyu pulled Lin Feng down onto a couch and personally poured him a cup of tea, softly saying, "My husband, getting angry at this moment is futile. The priority now is to find more concrete evidence in these few days and strengthen our hand."
Lin Feng took the cup and drank it all in one go, letting out a long breath. "You are right; I must not lose my composure. But that Crown Prince is ambitious and wants to take this opportunity to suppress me completely; I cannot let him succeed."
Just then, a personal attendant came in to report, "Your Highness, there are several officials outside seeking an audience; they are those who previously worked with you in the Disaster Area."
Lin Feng's eyes brightened. "Quickly invite them in!"
Before long, several officials dressed in casual attire hurried in and bowed deeply upon seeing Lin Feng, their expressions anxious. "Fourth Prince, we heard there is another uproar in court; we simply cannot sit idly by. The tragic scenes from the Disaster Area are still fresh in our minds. You were busy saving lives at that time and had no time to be bogged down by formalities. We are willing to testify for you with all our strength."
Lin Feng quickly helped them up. "I am immensely grateful for your support. It is indeed a difficult time now; I need you all to help me sort through the details from back then and complete the chain of evidence."
The group sat together, sharing their recollections of various events during the relief efforts. Some mentioned records of grain distribution while others spoke of the number of temporary porridge shelters set up—all of which could indirectly verify the urgency of document usage.
The Emperor snorted coldly. "I am aware of what is happening. Fourth Prince, while your document usage may have some justification, it was indeed against regulations. You will be penalized with a two-month salary deduction and must copy the Book of Rites three times."
However, regarding the matter of reforming the granaries, I still entrust it to you to lead; I hope you will not disappoint my trust.
Lin Feng knelt in gratitude. "Your Majesty is wise; I will serve diligently."
After court adjourned, the Crown Prince intercepted Lin Feng with a forced smile that did not reach his eyes. "Fourth Prince, consider yourself fortunate this time. In future dealings, be cautious."
Lin Feng replied respectfully, "Thank you for your reminder, Crown Prince. For the sake of our country’s stability, I will act with utmost caution; I also hope you will not make any missteps."
With that, he strode away, leaving behind a visibly displeased Crown Prince who ground his teeth in silence.
(THE END)
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