If Xiao Yan had calmly accepted what he said, Qian Baokun might have hesitated. But seeing Xiao Yan frowning with guilt upon learning that he had taken the matter of the account book upon the Qian family, even wanting to speak up to defend him, any remaining hesitation in Qian Baokun's heart vanished completely.
"Today, I have dragged down Director Xiao, causing you to break taboos. But if we hadn't conducted a surprise search of the Lu family, we wouldn't have found this incriminating evidence."
Qian Baokun knelt once again not far from Xiao Yan, kowtowing toward Emperor An: "Director Xiao wholeheartedly serves Your Majesty. To stabilize the court, he knowingly committed the grave crime of defying his superiors without the slightest hesitation. He should not be blamed by Your Majesty due to the coercion of the aristocratic families. If Your Majesty wishes to punish Director Xiao, please let me take the punishment for him. I am willing to relinquish my position as Minister of Revenue to appease the anger of the aristocratic families."
"Minister Qian," Xiao Yan hurriedly said, "this matter has nothing to do with you; everything was done by me alone."
Since entering the hall, his previously calm face now showed some urgency:
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue is a crucial position that must not be easily altered, and such an important role cannot be handed over to outsiders.
"Minister Qian is honest and upright, never seeking personal gain. In these years managing the Ministry of Revenue, he has enriched the national treasury. Many in the court have always coveted the position of Minister of Revenue. If Your Majesty truly punishes Minister Qian, wouldn't that be handing over the power of the Ministry of Revenue to those seeking personal gain?
"If Your Majesty wishes to punish someone, please punish me. Minister Qian is wholeheartedly devoted to you; please discern this, Your Majesty."
Qian Baokun never expected that someone as clever as Xiao Yan, knowing he could escape blame, would actually take the initiative to claim guilt. He immediately became anxious.
This Xiao Yan, usually so shrewd—why is he suddenly acting so foolish?!
He was certain that with the evidence in hand, Emperor An could not possibly give the position of Minister of Revenue to others. Moreover, the aristocratic officials were eyeing it covetously, and imperial power was already being manipulated by them.
Even for the sake of stabilizing his throne and controlling the court, Emperor An would not easily punish him severely, allowing the aristocrats to gain the power of the Ministry of Revenue and hold the financial authority of the court.
But Xiao Yan is different. Although he is a close minister beside Emperor An and appears to wield immense power, in the end, he is just a eunuch attendant. All his current status is due to the emperor's trust and favor.
Once he loses the emperor's favor, he could fall from the heights into the mire in a single day. Without the emperor's partiality and regard, how could those aristocratic families possibly spare him?
Unable to restrain himself, Qian Baokun glared at Xiao Yan: "Your Majesty, don't listen to his nonsense. This matter is my fault; I am willing to accept punishment."
"Minister Qian, please don't speak nonsense. This matter was done by me alone," Xiao Yan frowned deeply. "Your Majesty, it is my fault. I acted on my own to break into the Lu family; it has nothing to do with Minister Qian."
Annoyed, Qian Baokun said: "Why are you deceiving His Majesty? The account book was obtained by my son, and I was the one who sought your help..."
He tried his best to signal Xiao Yan, urging him to quickly stop talking and accept the opportunity to back down. But Xiao Yan was stubborn: "The account book was obtained by me; it has nothing to do with Minister Qian!"
"You..." Qian Baokun was both angry and helpless, wondering how this person could be so honest.
As Qian Baokun was about to speak again, Emperor An suddenly shouted coldly from above: "Have you two said enough?"
He looked at the two below, who should have been shifting blame onto each other but were instead vying to accept punishment, neither willing to let the other bear responsibility. Moreover, their words implied that he should sacrifice himself to appease those aristocratic families.
Emperor An's face grew increasingly grim. After a moment, he suddenly exclaimed: "What do you think this is—a great blessing that you can fight over as you please?"
Qian Baokun and Xiao Yan immediately fell silent.
Emperor An's eyes were cold: "Based on your behavior just now, Liang Chunrong and the others saying you two are colluding would be putting it lightly.
"Do you know what the crime of defying superiors is? Trespassing into the Chancellor's residence, crippling a court official—you still want to compete to accept guilt? Do you really want to lose your heads or be exiled for such a major crime?"
"We wouldn't dare," the two lowered their heads in unison.
Emperor An said coldly: "I see that there's nothing you two don't dare. Others are eager to shift blame, but you two are eager to confess. Did I say I was going to punish anyone?"
As these words fell, everyone in the hall was stunned.
Unable to help himself, Qian Baokun looked up: "Your Majesty?" He hesitated: "You're... not punishing us?"
"Certainly not!"
Xiao Yan was also momentarily stunned. After realizing, he couldn't help but say urgently: "Your Majesty, the aristocratic families won't let today's matter go easily. If you insist on protecting me and Minister Qian, they definitely won't let it rest..."
"You conducted a search of the Lu family under imperial order, and Qian Baokun audited the accounts on my behalf. What right do they have not to let it go?"
Qian Baokun and Xiao Yan couldn't help but widen their eyes, completely surprised that Emperor An would stand up to the aristocratic families because of them. Moreover, they were astonished that Emperor An would take the matter of the Lu family upon himself, not only not punishing them but also exonerating them.
The two were first shocked, then their faces showed deep emotion. Qian Baokun's eyes even reddened, as if he wished he could repay with his own life.
"Your Majesty..."
"Do you think that I can't even protect the two of you?"
The two hurriedly said: "We wouldn't dare."
Song Jinxiu stood silently to the side, watching Emperor An, who had been furious moments ago, being persuaded by the two in just a few words into taking the initiative to exonerate them from serious punishment. Not only did he not hold them accountable for their grave offenses, but he also used an imperial decree to cover up their mistakes, even taking today's matter upon himself. Suddenly, he realized how naive and ridiculous he had been in the past.
He had thought that he was no different from these people in the court, and even in terms of talent and intelligence, he was not inferior to anyone. What he lacked compared to these old ministers was age and achievements.
If he had been born twenty years earlier, he would definitely have gone higher and further than they did, perhaps even becoming a pillar of the court, making the emperor look upon him differently.
However, seeing how Xiao Yan and Qian Baokun could so easily grasp Emperor An's vital concerns—using the emperor's displeasure toward the aristocratic families to provoke his resentment against them, thoroughly binding themselves with imperial interests, standing united against the aristocracy, and effortlessly resolving the crisis—Song Jinxiu realized how naive his past arrogance had been.
As for Qian Baokun, that's understandable. But Xiao Yan was not much older than him, yet he could so easily manipulate the emperor's heart, relying not on the flattery and luck that outsiders assumed, but on genuine skill.
Compared to this person, he was much more immature; losing to him was not unjust at all.
And for Tangning to receive this person's protection, having such an elder brother by her side was far better than staying with someone like him, whose mind was not clear.
Suddenly, Song Jinxiu stepped forward, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed to Emperor An, saying, "Today's matter is not the fault of Director Xiao and Minister Qian. The Lu family embezzled canal grain, plotted against important court ministers, and used means to obstruct the Privy Council's investigation. This guilty official is acquainted with the Lu family's son and has entered the Lu residence multiple times; therefore, I learned the inside story. After I reported the Lu family in hopes of making amends for my crimes, Your Majesty then ordered Director Xiao and Minister Qian to verify the facts."
"Director Xiao and Minister Qian searched the Lu family under imperial decree. Chancellor Lu and others gathered high-ranking officials to kneel outside the palace, coercing Your Majesty, which is a grave offense of disrespect. Your Majesty is wise and would never compromise because of this."
Thin and pale, Song Jinxiu's words made Emperor An take notice:
"Director Xiao and Minister Qian are pillars of the court and should not be coerced by the aristocratic families. I am already a guilty man and am willing to alleviate Your Majesty's worries."
Emperor An narrowed his eyes slightly. "Song Jinxiu, do you know what you're saying?"
Song Jinxiu's expression was calm. "That account book was obtained by this official from the Lu family's third son. The matter of the Lu family assassinating important court ministers was also personally heard by this official from Lu Zhinnian."
"Director Xiao and Minister Qian were ordered to search the Lu family because this guilty official reported them, leading to today's events. I am willing to serve as Your Majesty's vanguard and testify against the entire Lu family."
Qian Baokun couldn't help but give Song Jinxiu a surprised look and then glanced at Xiao Yan.
What's going on with the eldest son of the Song family?
Outside the hall, the group of officials had no idea what was happening inside; they only knew that after Xiao Yan led Song Jinxiu in, there seemed to be no more movement within the Imperial Main Hall.
Earlier, Grand Preceptor Liang, who had been persistently pleading for Emperor An to severely punish Xiao Yan, hadn't left but had also stopped fervently shouting. The other aristocratic officials continued to loudly request an audience, but as time passed, they gradually became dry-mouthed and parched, feeling dizzy from the scorching sun.
Seeing little eunuchs carrying tea inside, they couldn't help but swallow hard, feeling the dryness intensify, their throats as if being cut by knives, making them extremely uncomfortable.
Some of them suddenly recalled what Xiao Yan had said earlier.
Lu Chongyuan had no choice but to plead for the Lu family; he had the Empress and the Fourth Prince and absolutely couldn't let the Lu family be humiliated, tarnishing their reputation and implicating the inner palace. But what about them? Why were they working so hard for the Lu family? What were they gaining?
"The aristocracy is united, sharing honor and disgrace."
Lu Chongyuan often used these words to get them to act on the Lu family's behalf. But if today it was they who were humiliated, would Lu Chongyuan stand up for them as they did for the Lu family?
Even knowing these were words meant to sow discord, and that Xiao Yan's earlier remarks were ill-intentioned, once doubts arise, they take root like sprouting seeds in the heart; with a little wind and rain, they can overshadow everything.
Lord Lin, who had been mocked by Xiao Yan earlier, turned his pale face and said, "Lord Lu, we've been pleading like this, but His Majesty hasn't summoned us. That Xiao Yan is deeply favored and probably won't be easily punished by the emperor. Moreover, today's matter was indeed the Lu family's fault first. Lu Zhinnian hasn't been found yet, and Qian Baokun, having been offended by him, is siding with Xiao Yan."
"If His Majesty is really swayed by Xiao Yan, even if we kneel here until we die, I'm afraid it will be useless. It's better to go back first and plan; we can impeach him at tomorrow's morning court..."
Nearby, other officials who could no longer bear kneeling spoke up, "Lord Lin is right. That Xiao Yan is cunning and treacherous, and Qian Baokun is not easy to deal with. We might as well return and think of a way to appease Qian Baokun, win him back, and avoid handing over the support of the Ministry of Revenue to that dog Xiao Yan for nothing..."
The aristocratic families appear united, but in reality, they are not of one mind. Only under intertwined interests do they claim to advance and retreat together, but privately, each has their own calculations.
Hearing that these people were actually showing signs of retreat, Lu Chongyuan's face instantly turned grim. He said in a deep voice, "I understand your thoughts. If there were any possibility of winning over Qian Baokun, I would never have come to this point with him. But since he has joined with Xiao Yan today, it's clear that there's no possibility of reconciliation between him and us."
"But that's because your Lu family's son first insulted the daughter of the Qian family..."
"Our third son would never do such a despicable thing!"
Lu Chongyuan's face showed anger. Indeed, he was somewhat disappointed with Lu Zhinnian and angry that he had repeatedly caused trouble recently, bringing endless problems to the Lu family. But that was a child he had raised himself; he knew Lu Zhinnian's character very well. He would never go so far as to insult the daughter of the Qian family.
He had already asked Lu Zhao about the earlier events. Lu Zhinnian was clearly after Song Tangning, and that young lady from the Qian family was traveling with her. Lu Zhinnian might have accidentally offended her, and the Qian family used it as an excuse.
Lu Chongyuan looked at those around him. "It's true that our third son has made mistakes recently, but he grew up under your watch. Do you really believe he would commit such shameless acts of insulting a woman?"
"Today, the Lu family is indeed at fault—for failing to restrain the third son, allowing him to cause trouble and giving Xiao Yan an excuse. But Xiao Yan's unauthorized intrusion into the Lu family offends not just the dignity of the Lu family alone."
"You all should be clear about what His Majesty wants. The conflict between Xiao Yan and us is irreconcilable. If you retreat today, the aristocracy's most cherished unity and inviolability will become a joke. In the future, everyone will trample over you, and how will we have any place in the court?"
"With Xiao Yan still around, the aristocratic families will never see peace."
The others showed signs of hesitation, and Grand Preceptor Liang's expression grew heavy, his lips pressed together in silence.
Feng Qiuli, who had quietly stood aside without making his presence known, hadn't outright refused to enter the palace as the Cui family did. Instead, he appeared to align himself with the Lu family’s cause, but now he suddenly spoke up:
"If removing Xiao Yan is the goal, we, of course, are willing to lend our strength, and the Feng family is prepared to advance and retreat alongside the Lu family. But there's something I'd like Lord Lu to clarify—when Xiao Yan led his men into the Lu residence today, did they find anything they shouldn’t have?"
Lu Chongyuan replied firmly, "Of course not."
Though Xiao Yan's intrusion was sudden, the Lu family wasn't foolish. Those sensitive items wouldn't be left out in the open.
Moreover, Xiao Yan didn't dare linger long in the Lu residence. The Black Armored Guards had only been there for less than half an hour before others arrived, forcing them to leave in a hurry. Even if they had taken something, it wouldn't be anything damaging enough to harm the Lu family deeply.
While Xiao Yan's initial entry with the Black Armored Guards had startled him, Lu Chongyuan quickly regained his composure and personally checked several secret rooms and hidden dungeons within the residence. Not a single critical item was missing.
Feng Qiuli raised an eyebrow. "And what about Lu Zhinnian? He knows quite a bit about aristocratic affairs..."
"He would never betray the Lu family!" Lu Chongyuan responded firmly.
Feng Qiuli looked at him. "Are you certain, Lord Lu?"
"I... am," Lu Chongyuan began, about to declare his confidence that Lu Zhinnian would never betray the family. But just then, the main doors of the Imperial Main Hall, which had been closed, suddenly opened, and a close attendant of Emperor An stepped out.
Lu Chongyuan fell silent, turning to look in that direction, as did the other ministers, each one quieting their various thoughts.
Grand Preceptor Liang stepped away from the shaded area and quickly asked, "Eunuch Feng, has His Majesty summoned us?"
"There's no need to hurry, Grand Preceptor Liang," the eunuch replied. "His Majesty is currently discussing matters with Director Xiao and Minister Qian. When he has the time, he will call for you all."
Grand Preceptor Liang felt a jolt in his heart.
In the past, although Emperor An despised the aristocracy, he would usually compromise for the sake of stability when faced with their "pressure." But this time, his stance was surprisingly unyielding.
The most unsettling part was that although he hadn’t summoned them, he left the doors of the Imperial Main Hall open. A feeling of unease immediately took hold of Grand Preceptor Liang, and Lu Chongyuan's expression changed as well.
Then, just as anticipated, the eunuch suddenly announced, "His Majesty has issued a decree. Vice Minister of Personnel Lu Zhao has been found colluding with officials from the southern provinces, embezzling canal grain funds and disregarding the laws of the court. He is to be imprisoned and thoroughly investigated."
"Chancellor Lu Chongyuan has failed in the proper upbringing of his sons, causing disorder within his family. He is to be confined to his residence and will be dealt with after Lu Zhao's case is clarified."
All who knelt before the hall fell silent.
Lu Chongyuan felt as if he had been struck by lightning, a roaring echo filling his ears.
You can read ahead to chapterr 300 here
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