Hearing this, everyone looked at each other in dismay.
This shouldn't happen.
However, the matter of a few scholars can be directly brought up in the hall, which is disgraceful no matter how you look at it. If it is an ordinary time, not to mention whether these scholars can get together, even if they come all the way to Huajing, get together and get to the gate of the palace, they will be dismissed without waiting for them to kneel, not to mention being notified all the way. Come to the palace.
This matter was deliberately done by someone, and everyone knew in their hearts that someone who could spread this kind of news here must not be an ordinary person.
The courtiers knew the twists and turns below, but Li Ming didn't necessarily know it. A person has been coaxed from top to bottom for decades, and the more such small details, the more difficult it is to understand.
When everyone saw Li Ming frowning, he seemed to just think that there was a major case, and immediately said: "What's going on, let's ask clearly!"
"I've asked clearly," the messenger gasped, "the scholars said that they were villagers who had passed the prefectural examinations in various places, and they were supposed to come to Huajing to participate in the spring festival, but they were robbed of their places in the end. When they came to Huajing, they wanted to present this matter to the emperor. They are all kneeling outside, wanting to ask His Majesty to have someone meet them and give them an explanation. Your Majesty, the gate of the palace is now surrounded by ordinary people, all waiting for His Majesty’s message. decide."
Hearing this, Li Ming fell silent.
These scholars are also smart. When they enter the main hall, that is the matter in the court. How to deal with it depends on the meaning of the court. They knelt outside the door and asked for an explanation, which was the result of all the people watching.
The most important thing is that after entering the main hall, there may not be someone who will take their case in the end, it may be just randomly assigning someone to rush things. And they now ask a person to come out, and if there is any problem in the future, they can keep an eye on the person in charge.
I don't know who gave them a way, but it's also a way.
"How many are they?"
Li Ming paused for a moment and tapped on the table, as if he was thinking.
Hundreds of people, from all over the country, are involved in this case, not just a few small families.
The most difficult decree lies not in Huajing, but in the small clans in these places. Li Rong could handle the cases of high-ranking officials and clans smoothly in Huajing, but she was not sure that she could handle small local cases with so many people.
Li Ming remained silent. After a long time, he raised his head and looked at Li Chuan.
Li Chuan waited for a long time, and when he noticed that Li Ming looked up at him, he slowly raised his head.
Nominally speaking, there is no more suitable candidate for such a case than Prince Li Chuan. But if Li Chuan took over this case, he would either lose the hearts of the people or the hearts of the aristocratic family.
So many people can replace the quota, it must be a complete chain, from the local to the Huajing Chaotang, there are not a few people who offend, and if they offend, they may not be able to complete the case.
If the case is not done well, Li Ming has a reason to punish him.
This case can be described as a perfect knife, stabbing Li Chuan.
Li Rong couldn't help but look at Su Rongqing, who had been standing with her head bowed, as if everything had nothing to do with her.
Until now, she finally determined that all of Su Rongqing's goals were really Li Chuan.
In this way, the reason why Su Rongqing wanted to join Li Chuan in the first place became very interesting.
If Su Rongqing had been reborn from the beginning of their meeting, then he must have known that in the future, Li Chuan would be driven to a desperate situation by Li Ming step by step, until he was finally abolished.
In fact, he didn't need to do anything, as long as he stopped Pei Wenxuan from lobbying the family at the last minute, then Li Chuan would be dead.
Knowing this, he turned to Li Chuan for the purpose of overthrowing Li Chuan. There was only one possibility, that he wanted to lurk beside Li Chuan and give Li Chuan the final blow at the last moment.
If she and Pei Wenxuan didn't come back, Su Rongqing's plan was really good.
It's just that she and Pei Wenxuan came back, so when she established the Inspectorate Division, Su Rongqing's reaction was so great.
Because she disrupted Su Rongqing's plan, she has actual power, and Su Rongqing knows that she will never betray Li Chuan, so his plan to wait for Li Chuan's demise must be changed.
So he tried desperately to prevent the establishment of the Inspectorate and the rise of Pei Wenxuan, because he knew very well that the power of Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong would eventually be transferred to Li Chuan.
Li Rong's eyes stopped on Su Rongqing, quietly thinking about what Su Rongqing had done.
And after a brief stalemate between Li Ming and Li Chuan, Li Ming said slowly: "Chuan'er, this matter involves various prefectures and counties, and it is about the selection of talents for Daxia, you are the prince, it is better for you Are you in charge?"
Hearing this, Li Chuan didn't say anything, he hesitated for a moment, Shangguan Xu came out and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, this matter involves the imperial examination, and it should be dealt with by the officer in charge of the imperial examination, or the Ministry of Punishment, Dali Temple, etc. The official office in charge of the law will act according to the law. The Crown Prince is the state treasurer, and his affairs are very busy. I am afraid that such a complicated civil case will be powerless, and I hope Your Majesty will think twice."
Shangguan Xu said, turned his head to look at Wang Houwen, Minister of Officials: "Wang Shangshu, I heard that this time you want to be the chief examiner of the imperial examination, why don't the Ministry of Punishment help you handle the case?"
When Wang Houwen heard this, he hurried forward and said urgently: "Your Majesty, the old minister is old and frail, and he did ask himself to be the chief examiner of the imperial examination a few days ago, but recently he felt that his health was weak, and now the chief examination has not yet been decided. I hope Your Majesty will choose another option."
Wang Houwen gasped three times for a sentence, accompanied by his chubby body and white flying beard, Li Rong felt chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Li Rong guessed that Li Ming probably didn't want Wang Houwen to undertake this case either.
In Li Ming's mind, it is not the most important thing to check a few people to replace. There are too many major events in this country. Today's natural disasters, tomorrow's wars, in comparison, the future of hundreds of people is nothing.
But it would be too important to make Li Chuan's position unstable.
He needs to let the Li family get rid of the shackles of the Shangguan family. From the moment Li Chuan was born, no matter how good he is, he is no longer suitable for this position.
So I saw Li Ming nodded, and said slowly: "Master Wang is also very old, and the position of the chief examiner of the imperial examination, I do have other ideas in my heart."
Li Ming said, looking up at the ministers: "I don't know, my lords, who would like to go out and take the complaints from these students?"
When Li Ming asked this, everyone already had an answer in their hearts.
In such a scene now, no one will pick up this hot potato.
There was no answer, and the case would eventually be forced into the hands of the prince by Li Ming.
Li Rong tapped the fan lightly with a small fan, glanced at Su Rongqing not far away, and saw that Su Rongqing turned around, her eyes as still as stagnant water flickered on her face, and looked at Pei Wenxuan again.
He has already made a move, it depends on how Pei Wenxuan responds.
If Li Chuan takes over this case, no matter what Li Chuan does, he will lose.
Either lose the heart of the family, or lose the heart of the people.
Li Rong couldn't help but look at Pei Wenxuan. She couldn't help but wonder, how will Pei Wenxuan respond
He had known Su Rongqing's actions long ago, so he shouldn't be without the slightest defense.
Pei Wenxuan noticed the gazes of the two of them, he raised his eyes leisurely, his smiling eyes met Su Rongqing's scrutiny eyes, and after a while, he suddenly came out, knelt on the ground, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, this minister is willing to take over. This case!"
Li Rong squeezed her fan instantly, her heart beating faster. Li Ming on the high seat frowned and stared at Pei Wenxuan who was kneeling on the ground.
Li Ming wanted to clean up Li Chuan, but Pei Wenxuan actually came out to stand in the way for Li Chuan
Pei Wenxuan is not crazy!
Not only Li Rong thinks this way, but everyone else thinks the same way.
Li Ming held his temper and persuaded Pei Wenxuan: "Master Pei, you have only just served as the minister of the Ministry of Personnel. In such a case, you are afraid that you are not qualified enough."
"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan knelt on the ground, "although the minister is not qualified enough, it is better to have the heart. Now in the court, since no minister is willing to undertake this case, it is better to leave it to Weichen. Weichen is not from a noble family, but was admitted to the imperial examination. Servant, the imperial examination is of great significance to Weichen. Nowadays, the grievance of the number of students is overwhelmed, and Weichen feels the same, so I ask Your Majesty to hand over the imperial examination to Weichen. ."
"You're still too young," Li Ming was a little impatient after hearing what he said. "You're young, even if you're determined, you won't be able to do well."
"Your Majesty is right."
Su Rongqing finally spoke, and he respectfully suggested: "It's better to let Lord Pei assist the prince in investigating the case and share some of the burden for the prince." Su Rongqing looked back at Pei Wenxuan, as if discussing, "What does Lord Pei think?"
"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan listened to Li Ming's words and did not give in at all, "Prince Prince is busy with his affairs, and I am afraid that in the end, it will fall to the people below. If Your Majesty entrusts things to Wei Chen, Wei Chen will do his best."
"Master Pei is right."
The people on Li Chuan's side saw that someone took the initiative to take the pot off their backs, and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, this matter is not a big deal. After all, the imperial examination is just an exam, and it is nothing compared to disasters and wars in the frontier. It is more than enough to deal with this case, so it is more than enough to handle this case, so it is better to hand over this matter to Lord Pei and let him handle it with full authority."
"That's a bad statement," Su Rongqing's people immediately stood up. "The imperial examination is a system of selection by officials, and it is the foundation of the country. Now there are people who are cheating and committing chaos, involving all parts of the country.
"That's not right..."
Li Ming's people, Su Rongqing's people, and the Crown Prince's people fought each other, and the court was noisy for a while.
Li Rong glanced at Pei Wenxuan, who was kneeling on the ground. Pei Wenxuan raised his head and smiled at her. Seeing this expression, Li Rong knew that he knew it.
Su Rongqing frowned, standing in the distance and bowing her head in thought.
The two sides were arguing, and in the midst of pushing and shoving, a woman's clear voice rang out.
"Your Majesty," Concubine Rou took Prince Su and stepped in from the door. Concubine Rou smiled, "It's better to leave this case to Cheng'er."
Hearing this, the audience suddenly became silent, everyone looked at Concubine Rou in surprise, only Li Rong kept smiling.
Concubine Rou pulled King Su and nodded towards Li Rong with a smile.
Li Rong bowed, and Concubine Rou knelt down with King Su.
"Your Majesty, the concubine heard that His Highness Pingle recommended Cheng'er as the chief inspector. Although Cheng'er is young, he is willing to share his worries. Now that the imperial examinations are not fixed, it is better to hand them over to Cheng'er. The concubine led Cheng'er to investigate thoroughly to see those scholars and see what they were asking for."
Listening to Concubine Rou's words, Li Ming stopped for a while.
When Shangguan Xu saw that Concubine Rou was willing to carry the iron pot, he quickly gave a wink to the people below, and a courtier immediately came out and shouted: "Concubine Rou is so righteous! Sir, it would be more appropriate for His Royal Highness Su to take over this case."
As soon as this person called out, the other courtiers immediately followed. Although the matter had not yet been settled, they all praised Concubine Rou and Prince Su.
Concubine Rou smiled and glanced at Li Rong, Li Rong saw her smug eyes, and turned her head away with a cold snort.
Li Ming hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded: "Since Chenger wants to take this case, let Chenger go. But, Pei Wenxuan," Li Ming raised his eyes to look at Pei Wenxuan, "Since you want to do this If it is a case, then order you to be the chief examiner of the imperial examination, together with Su Shilang of the Punishment Department, to assist King Su and Concubine Rou in handling this case.”
"The minister leads the order."
Pei Wenxuan kowtowed respectfully, and Concubine Rou pulled King Su to stand up: "Then the concubine will take Cheng'er to the gate of the palace to see what's going on."
"Your Majesty," Li Rong laughed, "I also want to join in the fun."
"Go." Li Ming waved, "Go if you want, and be a witness to His Royal Highness King Su."
Concubine Rou led Li Cheng to salute, then turned around and went out, Li Rong followed, and one after another, ministers followed them out.
Li Rong and Concubine Rou walked side by side in the palace city. Li Rong said slowly, "Concubine Rou has been lucky recently. I wonder which expert gave her advice?"
When Concubine Rou heard Li Rong's words, she knew that she had guessed the existence of Cui Yulang, but Li Rong asked, she didn't know who was behind her.
Concubine Rou smiled and said, "I don't understand what Your Highness is talking about."
When Li Rong heard this, she sneered and said nothing more. Concubine Jinya nodded: "I still need to lead Cheng'er to work. Please take your time, Your Highness, it has nothing to do with you."
"You..." Li Rong seemed to want to curse, Concubine Rou laughed and led Li Cheng forward.
When Concubine Rou was farther away, Pei Wenxuan walked slowly to Li Rong's side, seemingly coincidentally running alongside her.
"Okay, what are you doing to provoke her?"
Pei Wenxuan's lips moved and asked in a low voice, Li Rong smiled: "She's not crazy enough, I'll give her more psychological comfort. I want to ask, what are you doing?"
Li Rong's face was cold: "If Concubine Rou doesn't come, what do you mean? You want to sit in front of Your Majesty. Are you sure you are?"
"You moved Concubine Rou here?" Pei Wenxuan put his hands in his sleeves and raised his eyebrows to look at her.
"I know that Su Rongqing is going to make plans," Li Rong said in a flat voice, "how could I have no preparation at all? Let Cui Yulang enter the palace and let him convince Concubine Rou, this is a perfect opportunity to make merit, a bunch of small local clans, the case is good It's very well done, and it attracts people's hearts, and His Majesty likes it, and it can also supervise Si Liwei, killing three birds with one stone."
Li Rong half-smiled, "I'm all tempted."
"Your Highness is brilliant."
Pei Wenxuan smiled sideways, but Li Rong didn't want to hear his praise. She and Pei Wenxuan were about to arrive at the palace gate and watched the palace gate open little by little.
"Pei Wenxuan, I understand what Su Rongqing is going to do, but I still don't understand, what are you going to do."
Outside the palace gate, the scene of the scholar kneeling on the ground unfolds like a picture scroll. Concubine Rou pulls Li Cheng to stand at the door. Concubine Rou puts on a righteous and dignified gesture. The people on the ground were immediately moved.
"If you have any grievances, tell His Royal Highness King Su, and King Su will decide for you."
Concubine Rou spoke very emotionally, and the person kneeling in front of her exclaimed excitedly, "Niangniang, we are here today, and there are three things we want."
"One, I hope the court can thoroughly investigate the case of my being topped, and give us justice!"
"It's inevitable." Concubine Rou replied, "I and Prince Su are here for this matter."
"Second," the man continued without being interrupted by Concubine Rou, "I am begging the imperial court that this year's imperial examinations can be added to the imperial examinations, and that His Majesty will personally invigilate the examinations to prevent anyone from abusing their private power and committing fraud."
Hearing this, Concubine Rou frowned. She did not expect that these scholars would have so many demands.
The ministers who followed were also a little worried, Li Rong quietly looked at the scholars, listening to the person at the front raise the scroll in his hand, and finally made a loud voice: "Thirdly, I am begging the court to use the imperial examination as the only system for selecting officials and abolish it. The aristocratic family recommends the channel for entering the official position, in order to seek justice!"
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the audience, and Concubine Rou's face instantly turned pale.
Su Rongqing looked at Pei Wenxuan coldly, and Li Rong knocked on her palm.
After a long time, she smiled slowly and looked at Pei Wenxuan who was silently watching the audience.
"Okay." She exclaimed, "Very good."
"Pei Wenxuan," the wind gusted out from the palace city, making Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan's clothes flutter, she smiled and looked at the calm-looking young man in front of her, and praised sincerely, "You are really amazing."