CHAPTER 332: CHAPTER 332: COMPROMISE (PART 1)

Duke An and Minister Dai stayed up all night, investigating the case thoroughly.

The time was too short, Zuo Yue couldn’t possibly manage to silence so many people. Minister Dai wanted to cover up, but Duke An was vigilant, not allowing him to meddle.

As a result of the interrogation, they uncovered all the schemes Zuo Yue had been involved with.

Duke An roused himself and reported respectfully, "Originally, Zuo Yue intended to use this incident to frame the Nanyang County Princess, secretly instructing his soldiers to kill the famished people. Unexpectedly, those famished people indeed engaged in many unlawful acts."

Emperor Taihe’s eyes flashed with anger, and he forcefully slapped the imperial desk: "Why did Zuo Yue commit such acts? Shao Hua is innocuous to him; why would he falsely accuse Shao Hua?"

Minister Dai coughed, about to speak, but Duke An seized the conversation again: "Your Majesty must remember, three years ago, Nanyang Army Commander Zuo Zhen was impeached and lost his position. The Zuo Family has harbored resentment against the Commandery Princess. They seized the opportunity to deeply bite her..."

"Minister Zheng, please watch your words!" Minister Dai, seeing things awry, immediately interrupted the relentless Duke An: "These mobsters dared to kill and steal food, engaging in cannibalism. They are certainly not decent people. What they say may not be entirely credible."

Then, he earnestly bowed to Emperor Taihe: "The Zuo Family has always been loyal ministers to Da Liang, especially Left General, who has led troops to guard the border for more than ten years, defending Da Liang against foreign enemies. Zuo Yue has served as a City Gate Officer for several years, diligent in his duties, without any malicious or unscrupulous acts."

"I urge Your Majesty to investigate this thoroughly and not wrongfully accuse the Zuo Family’s sons, lest loyal ministers and fine generals become disheartened."

This was a reminder to the Emperor that the Zuo Family held military power and high status, and without solid evidence, couldn’t arbitrarily deal with a Zuo family member.

Emperor Taihe silently glanced at Minister Dai.

This Minister Dai, usually having little contact with the Zuo Family, spoke on behalf of them due to Prime Minister Wang.

Prime Minister Wang has dominated the court for decades, with countless civil servants and military generals under his ranks. The Zuo Family is the sharpest claw of Prime Minister Wang, along with Minister Zhang, Minister Zhou, and the present Minister Dai being Prime Minister Wang’s left and right arms.

Only after sitting on the Dragon Throne can one understand the difficulty of being the Emperor. The court’s heavyweights breathe in unison; he doesn’t want to see party fights arise again. But if not relying on the Grand Empress Dowager and Duke An, how could he suppress figures like Prime Minister Wang?

This matter clearly was the fault of Zuo Yue. Now Prime Minister Wang and his faction intend to protect Zuo Yue. As this Emperor, how should he resolve this case?

"Your Majesty," Duke An opened his mouth gravely, "Left General is undoubtedly a loyal minister to Da Liang, and the Zuo Family has produced many fine warriors. However, a big tree inevitably has dead branches and rotten leaves, just like Zuo Zhen three years ago, who committed countless wrongs in the military camp and remained unrepentant, even Prime Minister Wang couldn’t protect him."

"Now, regarding this Zuo Yue, let’s set aside his character. As long as there are suspicions in this case, it must be thoroughly investigated."

"I earnestly request Your Majesty to issue an imperial decree and order the Ministry of Justice to arrest Zuo Yue."

Minister Dai, however, said: "I believe there’s no need to make a big fuss. General Fan is leading a hard battle with frequent locust plagues in the north; now the court should unite to overcome difficulties together. At such times, arresting a meritorious military general for a groundless accusation is truly inappropriate."

The two ministers insisted on their respective views, making a noisy debate.

This also showed they somewhat disregarded the young Emperor.

Emperor Taihe suppressed his annoyance and discontent, saying lightly: "I need to weigh and consider this matter; both of you may withdraw for now."

The two ministers finally ceased their arguments, bowing and retreating.

Emperor Taihe sat alone on the Dragon Throne, his youthful face showing deep fatigue.

...

A familiar footstep sounded by his ear, and a cup infused with gentle fragrance of tea was placed before him.

Emperor Taihe didn’t need to turn his head to know who approached: "I have plenty of people serving me; I don’t need you to bring tea and water."

Heir of Prince Gaoliang Jiang Yi appeared gleefully with a handsome smile, "I can’t do anything else, just pour tea and water for my cousin, to show a bit of care."

Emperor Taihe was amused, reaching for the tea cup and drank half a cup.

His restless mood was slowly soothed by the warm tea fragrance.

In past days, he had four reading companions by his side: Wang Jin was meticulous, Zheng Chen was decisive and sharp, Li Boyuan was forthright and brisk, all providing him assistance in governmental affairs.

Unfortunately, all three have been dispatched as imperial envoys, leaving only his cousin Jiang Yi by his side. Jiang Yi is only thirteen years old, mischievous since childhood, carefree all day, and indifferent to state affairs.

Lately, his mood often experienced dissatisfaction and discomfort. Luckily, Jiang Yi frequently accompanied and comforted him.

Jiang Yi glanced through the files, puckering his lips: "That Zuo Yue, full of selfish motives, is simply Prime Minister’s lapdog."

"No wonder cousin is angry; it made me furious just looking at it. It would be better to investigate thoroughly and deal with it harshly to vent some frustration."

Emperor Taihe’s anger receded, calming down considerably, sighing softly: "Enough! Since there were no major errors, let’s consider the matter resolved. The most pressing issue now is disaster relief and aiding the populace, which requires the Prime Minister’s efforts."

Jiang Yi muttered softly, "Cousin is the Emperor, why fear Prime Minister Wang!"

Whether afraid or not is irrelevant; the key is the court cannot function without Prime Minister Wang. Prime Minister Wang isn’t alone; nearly half the court officials stand behind him. The current Da Liang cannot withstand harsh and intense factional struggles.

Emperor Taihe remained silent, gazing intently at the imperial desk, recalling Emperor Taikang’s teachings and instructions, a sting of bitterness rising in his heart.

Just then, Eunuch Ge led several eunuchs, carrying many memorials, entering the room: "Reporting to Your Majesty, these are memorials sent by Prime Minister Wang."

Emperor Taihe perked up: "Present the memorials."

Eunuch Ge responded respectfully, directing the eunuchs to orderly place the memorials. Piled up on the imperial desk, they seemed almost capable of engulfing someone.

The palace lights burned until midnight.

Emperor Taihe immersed himself in reviewing the memorials, feeling dizzy and fatigued. Occasionally, he lifted his head, only to find Jiang Yi had already fallen asleep on the nearby table.

Emperor Taihe didn’t know whether to be annoyed or amused, suddenly missing Zheng Chen and the other two, feeling an undeniable hint of regret.

He was somewhat too hasty that day, dispatching all his trusted ones. He should have kept one capable person who could now assist him in reviewing the memorials.

As for Jiang Yi, he’s destined for a lifetime of indulgence in luxury, ignorant of state affairs, lacking any ambition.

Eunuch Ge quietly approached, holding a letter in his hand, reporting softly: "Reporting to Your Majesty, this is a letter sent by the Nanyang County Princess."

Emperor Taihe nodded slightly, put down the memorial, took the letter, and opened it to read.

Jiang Yi, who woke up at some point, rubbed his eyes and leaned over.