dognovel Chapter 425 Court Reform
Chapter 425 Court Reform
Wang Wan could no longer suppress his inner impulse. He suddenly stood up and shouted, "General Meng, I also..." However, before he could finish speaking, Meng Tian's deep and firm voice interrupted him like a thunderclap: "Good."
This single word, like a stabilizing force, instantly stunned Wang Wan. His eyes widened, his face filled with astonishment as he stared at Meng Tian's departing figure, as if the entire world had frozen in that moment.
With Meng Tian gone, the room fell into a deathly silence. Li Si and Wang Wan stood frozen in place, as if under a spell, unable to recover for a long time.
Inside the Zhangtai Palace, King Qin sat upright, looking at Meng Tian. Meng Tian stood ramrod straight and solemnly replied, "Your Majesty, that's all Li Si has to say."
The King of Qin frowned slightly, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly asked, "What do you think should be done with Li Si and Wang Wan?"
Meng Tian's heart tightened. He knew this was a matter of great importance, and the slightest mistake could lead to his death. However, he did not hesitate for a moment and resolutely replied, "This humble general believes that the two should not be killed."
The King of Qin pondered deeply, his eyes filled with thought. "Oh? Tell me your reasons."
Meng Tian cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, Li Si and Wang Wan are both pillars of the Qin Dynasty. Li Si has assisted Your Majesty for many years and has made great contributions to law and government affairs; Wang Wan has also worked diligently in the court and has rich experience in governing the country. Although the two have made mistakes, killing them will not only discourage the ministers in the court, but also cause the Qin Dynasty to lose two capable ministers.”
The King of Qin nodded slightly. In truth, he did not wish for Wang Wan and Li Si to die. Their talents were such that it would be difficult to find replacements in the Qin court, yet they could no longer be given important positions. How to properly handle this situation was a truly troublesome problem.
King Qin's thoughts drifted to Li You, the eldest son of Li Si, who was far away on Baga Island. According to Li Xin's report, Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, had plotted a rebellion and had been executed. Now that Li Xin had returned, only the young Hu Hai and Li You remained on Baga Island. Although Baga Island was far overseas, it was rich in resources, and Qin had expended considerable effort to bring it under its control; it could not be easily abandoned because of Li Si's situation. Moreover, no matter how incompetent Hu Hai was, he was still his own son, and King Qin did not want him to be in danger. Therefore, the handling of Li Si required even greater caution.
However, the King of Qin recalled Ying Wuyou's words—about Li Si and Zhao Gao altering the imperial edict. Although this had not yet occurred, Ying Wuyou's previous predictions had all come true, and the King of Qin dared not harbor any illusions. This undoubtedly made the handling of Li Si even more complicated. Moreover, if Li Si and Wang Wan were indeed dealt with, who would fill the vacancies they left behind? This was another major problem to be solved.
Meng Tian keenly sensed the hesitation in the King of Qin's brow, the light from the bronze lamp flickering in the king's deep eyes. Meng Yi spoke up, "Your Majesty, perhaps we could emulate the example of Lord Wu'an from years past."
The King of Qin abruptly stopped tapping his fingers on the table. The story of Bai Qi's suicide after being demoted to a common soldier pierced the frozen air in the hall like a sharp sword. He saw Meng Tian's lowered eyelashes casting shadows in the firelight, and this usually upright general now showed some of the meticulousness of a strategist.
“Go on.” The bamboo slips on the table suddenly rustled in the draft.
"Li Si can be demoted to a clerk, but he will still be allowed to consult on laws and regulations; Wang Wan will be reassigned as an instructor in the Imperial Academy." Meng Tian's Adam's apple bobbed. "In this way, the court's reputation can be preserved, and..."
The King of Qin immediately understood Meng Tian's meaning. This idea was not bad, but who would be qualified for the positions of Prime Minister and Minister of Justice?
Seemingly sensing the King of Qin's concerns, he continued, "Your Majesty, I believe Feng Quji is capable of serving as Prime Minister. He is upright and has extensive experience in handling government affairs. As for the position of Minister of Justice, Yao Jia is suitable. He is skilled in law and can clearly distinguish right from wrong."
After listening, the King of Qin nodded slightly and fell into deep thought. Both of these men were veteran officials in the court, and their abilities were evident to all. If they were to take over, they could stabilize the situation in the court.
After a moment of silence, the King of Qin slowly picked up the pen, his movements fluid and firm.
The King of Qin's calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, each stroke imbued with his majesty and decisiveness. His characters flowed naturally like clouds and water, yet revealed an irresistible aura. As he wrote, imperial edicts gradually unfolded before his eyes, each carrying his will and expectations.
Before long, several imperial edicts were completed. The King of Qin put down his pen and examined his work with satisfaction. Then, he raised his head, his gaze falling on Meng Tian, and said, "You shall read the edicts of Li Si and Wang Wan."
Meng Tian respectfully responded, fully aware of the importance of this mission. He accepted the imperial edict, carefully put it away, and then turned to leave, his steps steady and powerful.
Carrying the imperial edict, Meng Tian went straight to the prison. Inside, Li Si awaited his fate with trepidation. When Meng Tian read the edict, Li Si was first startled, then a flash of gratitude crossed his eyes. He knelt down to express his thanks, understanding that the King of Qin, after all, remembered his years of service and spared his life.
Then, Meng Tian read the imperial edict to Wang Wan. Upon hearing its contents, Wang Wan was also deeply moved. He too knelt down to express his gratitude, and from then on, he would leave the core of the court to devote himself to the position of instructor in the Imperial Academy.
Upon learning of their important appointments, Feng Quji and Yao Jia were filled with trepidation. They immediately went to the palace to meet the King of Qin and expressed their loyalty and determination. The King of Qin encouraged them to assist him diligently in governing the Qin Dynasty.
From then on, personnel changes occurred in the imperial court, and a new structure gradually took shape.
Inside the main hall of Xianyang Palace, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed almost palpable. As Wang Wan and Li Si gradually faded from the core of the court's decision-making, Princess Ying Wuyou, the ambitious Princess Jiayang, finally had the opportunity to fully implement the long-awaited new system of five ministers and twelve departments.
On this day of court assembly, sunlight struggled to pierce through the thick clouds, casting its light upon the blue bricks of the hall. The eunuch Fude's shrill voice shattered the silence: "From this day forward, the system of five ministers and twelve officials shall be formally implemented." His voice echoed in the empty hall, creating a faint reverberation, yet all the officials held their breath, utterly silent. This new system, like a boulder thrown into the seemingly calm lake of the Qin court, stirred ripples that unsettled everyone.
The newly appointed Prime Minister Feng Quji, dressed in brand-new court attire, stood up with a respectful yet inquisitive expression and asked, "May I ask Princess Jiayang, what are these five ministers and twelve officials?" Instantly, everyone's eyes fell on Ying Wuyou like spotlights.
Ying Wuyou moved lightly with her lotus-like steps, her posture upright. Her voice was clear yet steady, as if it carried a power that could penetrate people's hearts. She slowly spoke in the hall: "The five ministers are: the Grand Chancellor, also known as the chief minister, who is in charge of the court, presides over court discussions, and holds the final decision-making power. He is the backbone of the court."