paranoianovel Chapter 2268 Exchange of Interests
Chapter 2268 Exchange of Interests
At this moment, about a hundred people looked at each other in bewilderment, having never expected such a situation.
As for the family side, the Wei family, Xue family, Lu family, Pei family, Longxi Li family, Zhaojun Li family and other forces that have interests in Ji Wangfu also followed suit and supported it.
Putting the power of the aristocratic families at a disadvantage
Is this Nima going to fight for the throne? This is the psychological portrayal of the family at this moment.
When did Prince Ji become so powerful that he could get these top dignitaries to stand up for him and have so many family forces supporting him?
Such strength is stronger than that of the crown prince, and he is fully capable of competing for the position of crown prince. Is the situation about to change?
Li Zhi's face had a gloomy expression at this moment. This was the scene he had always dreamed of, and it actually happened to that bastard.
If I had such power, I would have no worries about achieving great things.
Wasn’t it because of the support of these old ministers that Li Chengqian was able to survive in the beginning?
"Zhi Nu, you see, this is Lao Shi's strength, you can't beat him.
Not to mention you, even Big Brother doesn't have such charisma, so don't get angry with Old Ten anymore."
Seeing Li Zhi's expression, Li Tai persuaded him in a low voice.
Li Chengqian, who was standing by, looked at Li Tai when he heard the voice. Li Tai's voice was low, but how could he not hear it when he was so close to him?
There was a hint of confusion in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared.
Because he felt Li Shimin's gaze, looking at him with a stern look.
He could sense the accusation in his father's eyes and immediately understood what he meant.
"Haha, Chi Nu, Qing Que is right. We are all brothers and should help each other. Don't make things difficult for Lao Shi anymore.
He is still young, and as his brothers we should take care of him.
Look at this scene, isn't it Aye who is protecting him?"
Li Chengqian chuckled softly and tried to persuade Li Zhi, implying that these people supported Li Shen only because of their father.
He didn't say this to Li Zhi, but to Li Tai.
"Brother is right. We are all brothers. Why are we so anxious to hurt each other?" Li Tai remained calm and smiled.
Li Zhi didn't say anything, his face still not looking good.
Of course he knew that this situation was because of their father, but it would be great if their father treated him like this.
He is also the emperor's son, and a legitimate son.
There was a stalemate at the scene, and everyone was waiting for Li Shimin's answer.
"My dear ministers, please sit down." Li Shimin said with a smile after a long time.
After everyone sat down, Li Shimin continued:
“This matter is of great importance and concerns the interests of everyone present. Although Prince Ji has made it clear in his memorial, the necessary investigations must still be conducted.
The prince will continue to send people to Xizhou to investigate this matter and give everyone an explanation.
Moreover, Prince Ji is indeed responsible and should be convicted of negligence.
If he had been able to foresee the opportunity earlier, you wouldn't have suffered such losses.
So he deserves to be punished.
The imperial edict stated that although Prince Ji had made great contributions in suppressing the rebels, his negligence had caused disastrous consequences, and his merits and demerits could not be offset.
He was sentenced to three years of punishment and ordered to assist you in rebuilding the workshop.
In addition, one thousand soldiers from the government were recruited to be stationed in the workshop area, and they would serve as the garrison there to protect the workshop.
This matter is coordinated by the Ministry of War.
I am exempting all of you from taxes for three years to reduce your losses. I believe that such incidents will not happen again in the future.
I wonder what you guys think? "
After Li Shimin finished speaking, he looked at the audience again.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
Some of the powerful people began to take the lead in expressing gratitude, and everyone bowed.
The rest of them felt a little complicated. The situation today was that they were in greater numbers and wanted to force an investigation into the matter.
But now it seems difficult, they are not at an advantage. The emperor gave them some compensation, but this compensation is a drop in the bucket compared to the losses.
It's a complete step up.
The so-called punishment for King Ji was just a three-year salary deduction.
But they have no evidence now and there is nothing they can do about it.
Seeing that the people from the aristocratic families were silent, Li Shimin spoke again:
"The four-year final examination is approaching, and a number of officials will be retiring. I have discussed with the Crown Prince and will select a group of talented individuals to fill their positions.
The Crown Prince will discuss this matter with you in the court to decide on the candidates for the examination, and the Ministry of Personnel will be responsible for assessing the personnel and filling the vacancies.
The assessment will be conducted by Lu Jingsi, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."
The Tang Dynasty held official assessments every year, which were called annual examinations, and the major examinations held every four years were called fixed examinations.
It is equivalent to the Beijing and external inspections, where equal officials are registered and given promotions or demotions, and also include some welfare benefits and rewards.
This concerns the interests of various forces.
The bait thrown out by Li Shimin was an exchange of interests, especially letting Lu Jingsi be responsible for assessing the candidates to fill the vacancies.
"I obey your order." Lu Jingsi immediately stood up and saluted to receive the order.
This temptation is too tempting, the Lu family will definitely not miss such a good opportunity.
Seeing this, other officials sighed inwardly. They had never expected that His Majesty would spare no effort to protect Prince Ji.
This is the first time in all these years that officials from aristocratic families have the final say in selecting officials.
In the past, it was just collaboration at best.
"Your Majesty, since the incident at the workshop was a retaliation by the rebels, I believe we should intensify our efforts to suppress them.
Ensure the stability of the Anxi Protectorate, safeguard the safety of the people of Anxi, and prevent such incidents from happening again."
Lu Chengqing, the Left Chancellor of the Secretariat, stood up and spoke.
His words have already shown the attitude of the Fanyang Lu family. They agree that this matter has nothing to do with Prince Ji and is just a revenge of the rebels.
Cui Renzhi glanced at Lu Chengqing, and finally agreed helplessly:
"I agree with what Minister Lu said. I hope this won't happen again."
The five surnames have always been of the same blood. Since the Lu family agrees, they can only follow. The key point is that the exam is of great importance.
The Lu family is in a dominant position, and they can also gain benefits and arrange more officials to be promoted.
Over the years, their proportion among officials has become smaller and smaller, and their influence has become smaller and smaller.
This is an opportunity.
"I second the proposal."
"I second the proposal."
Several other families also agreed, and then the gentry made a compromise.
It is obvious that His Majesty is giving them this official vacancy in exchange for not pursuing the matter further.
"Hahahaha, don't worry, I will order Prince Ji to wipe out the rebels and ensure that this will not happen.
And didn’t I say that I would send a Zhechoufu to be stationed there to ensure that nothing goes wrong?
I hope you will select talented individuals for the imperial court in this exam, so that the Tang Dynasty can prosper."
Li Shimin laughed heartily. This exchange of interests had been achieved, and it was within his expectations.
Everyone present felt that His Majesty was indeed very fond of Prince Ji. Only a few people glanced at the people from the aristocratic families with meaningful eyes.
Among them were Changsun Wuji, Ma Zhou and others.
(Well, I have to go to give a gift. I'll come back at noon to finish the third chapter. I've been too busy lately.)