"Hahaha!" Liu Yuanshan burst into hearty laughter, his gaze provocatively sweeping over the other officials.
"Lord Liu truly understands propriety and etiquette!" Long Kun praised, then turned his attention to Zhao Kang, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. "You are the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice; this matter shall be your responsibility."
"Your Majesty's decree!" Vice Minister Zhao Kang bowed and accepted the command.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister believes that punishments such as flogging and caning should be employed to serve as a warning!" Liu Yuanshan immediately stated.
Long Kun frowned, clearly hesitant.
"Lord Liu, your suggestion is indeed good, but His Majesty's intention is for all his ministers to choose the punishment. It is not for you to designate it unilaterally," Vice Minister Zhao Kang said calmly.
"Hmph!" Liu Yuanshan snorted coldly. "I am reminding Lord Zhao not to engage in favoritism or corruption!"
Zhao Kang smiled faintly. "Lord Liu misunderstands. How could this official engage in favoritism or corruption? The Ministry of Justice has regulations; all criminals must be dealt with according to the law, with absolute fairness and strictness. You can be completely assured of this."
"That would be for the best," Liu Yuanshan replied with a forced smile.
Chu Chen stood with his arms crossed, adopting an attitude of watching the excitement unfold without concern, quietly observing the scene before him.
Zhao Kang turned to the other court magnates and inquired, "Esteemed lords, how do you believe this matter should be handled?"
The assembled ministers showed hesitation, and no one spoke.
After a moment, Liu Zhiyuan, the Minister of Revenue, was the first to speak. "This old minister believes it is best not to make such matters too troublesome. Lest it invite disaster upon ourselves, and if it were to spread, it would only incite public discontent."
"Lord Liu, your words are misplaced," Liu Yuanshan immediately retorted. "His Majesty has already decreed that Chu Chen has committed the crime of deceiving the sovereign. He must be severely punished. If he is not heavily penalized, the populace may become dissatisfied, leading to unnecessary unrest."
Zhao Kang's brow furrowed, and he then sighed. "Lord Liu is also correct, but Chu Chen's identity is special. If he were to be summarily beheaded or exiled to the frontier, it might escalate the conflict."
"Exiled to the frontier?" Liu Yuanshan blinked, then scoffed. "Such a straightforward matter, and Lord Zhao still needs so much time to consider?"
"Lord Liu, mind your words." Zhao Kang's expression instantly turned grim, his eyes filled with threat. "Our Great Xia has regulations; any matter involving a serious offender must be transferred to the Three Judicial Offices. After review by the three offices, a sentence will be passed!"
"Lord Zhao, are you implying that this minister is shielding a prisoner?" Liu Yuanshan's face also changed.
Zhao Kang smiled faintly and said, "This official has no such intention, but it is for the greater good."
The two men stood in opposition, their words charged with animosity. The surrounding civil and military officials remained silent, none daring to get involved.
Chu Chen watched this scene, a mocking curve on his lips, a cold glint in his eyes. "Heh, you are all birds of a feather."
The more fiercely they argued, the more it benefited Chu Chen, as their bickering would only erode Long Kun's patience.
As expected, at this moment, Long Kun suddenly spoke, "Enough, all of you, stop talking."
Upon hearing Long Kun's words, the two who had been at each other's throats immediately fell silent.
Long Kun glanced at them both and slowly said, "I have carefully considered this matter, and I find Lord Liu Yuanshan's suggestion to be quite good. Since none of you are willing to administer the punishment, this matter will be handled by the Ministry of Justice. Lord Zhao, prepare yourself."
"Yes, this humble minister obeys Your Majesty's decree!" Zhao Kang bowed slightly and then retreated. Liu Yuanshan breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that Long Kun had not yet become so foolish as to lose all reason.
"Lord Liu, are you satisfied with this outcome?" Zhao Kang asked, winking at Liu Yuanshan before leaving, a strange smile playing on his lips.
Liu Yuanshan trembled all over and quickly lowered his head, not daring to meet Zhao Kang's gaze.
"Zhao Kang..." Liu Yuanshan gritted his teeth, cursing inwardly, "Don't celebrate too soon. One day, this minister will climb over your head!"
After Zhao Kang left, Long Kun's gaze turned back to Chu Chen. "Chu Chen, speak your mind freely. What are your thoughts?"
Chu Chen stood up, cupped his hands in a fist, and said, "Your Majesty, though this minister was born a commoner, I have studied diligently since childhood. I have some understanding of punishments. Why not let me preside over it?"
"Oh?" Long Kun raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Tell me."
"This minister suggests the use of flogging," Chu Chen said slowly. "The instruments of torture in the Ministry of Justice are meticulously crafted by the Ministry of Works. They are impervious to blades and spears, exceptionally tough and sturdy. Furthermore, each wooden staff is coated with saltwater, capable of inflicting unbearable pain upon the recipient."
"I have heard that serious offenders who have been flogged by the Ministry of Justice have had their bodies fester to an indescribable degree within a mere half-year, suffering immensely and meeting a tragic end."
"Such cruel punishments are truly horrifying. Your Majesty should prohibit them," Chu Chen declared with righteous indignation.
"Chu Chen, how dare you slander the Ministry of Justice! You deserve death!" Liu Yuanshan roared. "Your Majesty, this minister implores Your Majesty to retract this decree!"
"Your Majesty, this course of action is absolutely improper. If it were to spread, it would surely affect the administration of the court and even shake the hearts of the people!"
"Indeed, Your Majesty, reconsider!" In the great hall, a group of ministers repeatedly advised, none wishing for the Ministry of Justice to abuse its power and violate the law.
"Enough!" Long Kun flew into a rage, slamming his hand on the table. "When has it been your place to interject in matters I have decided?"
Liu Yuanshan flinched, his neck retracting, and he lowered his head, no longer speaking.
The other ministers were as silent as cicadas in winter, daring not utter a sound. Only Zhao Kang spoke coldly, "Chu Chen, since you wish to avenge your father, then go to the Ministry of Justice."
"Yes!" Chu Chen nodded and then followed Zhao Kang out of the imperial palace, heading for the Ministry of Justice yamen.
After the two departed, the imperial garden fell into silence.
Liu Yuanshan looked up at Long Kun, who sat on the throne, and asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, why did you agree to let that good-for-nothing go to the Ministry of Justice?"
Long Kun picked up his teacup and took a sip, saying calmly, "I have my own plans."
Liu Yuanshan pouted, muttering a few words to himself.
"You may also withdraw," Long Kun waved his hand, seemingly not wishing to say more.
"This humble minister takes his leave." Liu Yuanshan bowed respectfully and quickly departed with his faction.
Once everyone had left, a trace of weariness appeared on Long Kun's face. He stretched and murmured to himself, "So tiring, but I must continue to pretend."
Long Kun took out a jade pendant, his eyes flashing with a strange light. "I hope this time it will be effective, otherwise, this old life of mine might be over."
"Chu Chen!" As he emerged from the imperial palace, Chu Chen saw Liu Yunfei approaching him, his expression somewhat peculiar. "Why do you have time to see me today?"