Super Cultivation System of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 809: Saving People
As soon as the ministers left, Liu He turned to Xun You and asked, "Gongda, do you have a good plan to have the ministers come forward to protect Da Meng during the court meeting tomorrow?"

He knew that Feng Fang was a veteran of three dynasties, having entered the central government during the reign of Emperor Huan of Han, and had held the seal of the Minister of Agriculture until now. He was from the same hometown, or was a relative by marriage, or was a student or former official of many ministers in the court. Since Feng Fang was determined to make Da Meng pay with his life, he would certainly join forces with many ministers to persuade him together. By that time, the public would be outraged, and it would be difficult for him to deal with it.

Cui Jun also looked worried: "This happened in just a moment, and Feng Fang was able to bring Wang Chen and Zhong Yao to meet Your Majesty. This shows how popular this person is in the court. Before the court meeting, we must be fully prepared."

"Zhou Ping is right. If you three have any good ideas, please tell us quickly and we can discuss it carefully. Even if Dameng really killed Feng Luan, it was an unintentional mistake, and Feng Luan was also seeking his own death. Besides, I owe Dameng a lot, so no matter what, I should save his life."

Liu He's attitude was extremely firm.

Cui Jun frowned and said, "Your Majesty originally has the power to grant amnesty. Based on General Da Meng's military merits, Your Majesty should pardon his death sentence and exile him to Jiuquan or Yunhai for one or two years to perform forced labor. This is also within the law. However, this will inevitably make Feng Fang and other ministers dissatisfied."

"Yes, that's what I'm worried about." Liu He nodded and said, "The court seems stable now, but the three factions in the court have different ideas. The Taiwei faction has the largest number of people, and they advocate governing the world with the power of the aristocratic families. Daozhun, Gongwei, Guangyuan and others advocate that the emperor's grace should benefit all people, and everyone can serve the country. Anyone who is capable can become a general or a prime minister. Some ministers headed by Situ Wang Yun are loyal to me, but they don't want to offend Yang Biao and many other ministers, so they are in a dilemma."

"Although this three-party check and balance can temporarily stabilize the court, it cannot withstand the slightest storm. I am afraid that the case of Da Meng will be a storm that will stir up huge waves in the court. If so, I will be a sinner of the Han Dynasty."

Liu He actually forgot to mention one person, that is, Sikong Cui Lie. Although both of his sons held important positions in the court, the eldest son was a prefect and the second son was his close confidant, but this dignified Sikong, although he always stood on his side on major issues, always acted as if it had nothing to do with him in ordinary trivial matters. He was not much better than Wang Yun.

It was just that Liu He was not willing to reveal his name because of Cui Jun's favor. But whenever Liu He thought of Wang Yun and Cui Lie, he couldn't help but curse them in his heart as "old foxes" who only wanted to take advantage but were unwilling to take any risks for himself as the emperor. He didn't want to offend either of them.

It is precisely because of this that Liu He could not feel optimistic at all about the outcome of tomorrow's court meeting.

Although he didn't say it, Cui Jun was well aware of his father's character. When he heard Liu He accusing Wang Yun, Cui Jun's face turned a little ashamed.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will be back home soon and will persuade my father to protect General Da Meng at the court meeting tomorrow."

Liu He looked at Cui Jun with great satisfaction: "The Cui family is a loyal and brave family that can consider the overall situation. I feel very relieved. However..."

His tone darkened: "Sikong disciples are few in number. If we want to fight against Feng Fang and others, it will be as difficult as ascending to heaven..."

"Haha, I think Your Majesty is worrying too much."

Xun You said this calmly, which made Liu He suddenly confused.

"What do you mean by that, Gongda? Did you propose a court meeting to discuss this matter? You have already made up your mind?"

Xun You said, "I propose this proposal, firstly to delay the war, and secondly to find out the truth. It doesn't matter what attitude the ministers take tomorrow. Even if they all demand the execution of General Da Meng, Your Majesty can postpone the execution on the grounds that Chenliu has won a great victory this time and it is inappropriate to shed blood."

"Just a temporary delay? Wouldn't Da Meng still be dead?" Liu He was a little anxious.

Xun Yu stepped forward and said with a smile, "Your Majesty is the most wise and intelligent person in the world, how could you not know the secret? It's just that you are too concerned and confused, so you forgot it. Your Majesty, have you forgotten that this year is your 30th birthday? More than a month ago, on August 12, the ministers advised you to celebrate your birthday, but your Majesty declined, saying that the war was not over yet, the front line was still bloody, how could the rear have a big banquet, so he declined the birthday banquet."

When he reminded him, Liu He remembered that he was born on August 164th of the lunar calendar in 8 AD, and now it was the end of September in 12 AD.

"Wen Ruo's intention is..."

Xun Yu said, "It is the emperor's birthday and a general amnesty is justified. No one can find fault with it. We can sentence General Dameng to death and suspend his execution in the name of a great victory. Then we can bring up the birthday and Your Majesty can use this as an excuse to grant amnesty. This way, you can appease Feng Fang and save General Dameng, while not leaving any room for criticism. Isn't that a three-pronged approach?"

"Haha, great! Gongda and Wenruo's few words have instantly relieved my worries." Liu He felt happy and laughed loudly towards the sky.

The next morning, there was a court meeting in the palace. It was a routine small court meeting. According to convention, they just talked about some mundane matters and then adjourned.

However, the atmosphere of this small court meeting today was somewhat special. Many ministers all came to wait outside the hall early, appearing to be particularly diligent.

And the ministers who were supposed to be kneeling quietly waiting to be summoned were now talking in a lively manner, and everyone's expression was different.

When the time came, Gong Saner shouted, "Your Majesty, please come to the court. All the ministers, please enter the palace..."

Dozens of ministers then walked into the hall.

Among all the ministers, only Cai Yong looked the most nervous. After he entered the hall, he looked around secretly, and tilted his ear from time to time to listen to what the ministers next to him were saying, appearing to be very sneaky.

"The Emperor has arrived..."

Following Gong Saner's shout, Liu He came over with a tiger-like stride, and all the ministers saluted him one after another.

"Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!"

"Everyone loves you all your life."

Liu He gave them a false support, and after thanking them, all the ministers returned to their seats.

As soon as Liu He sat down, Feng Fang immediately walked out of the line.

"Your Majesty, I have a grievance to appeal. I beg Your Majesty to make the decision..."

Liu He was naturally prepared for this. He had a plan in mind, so when he looked at Feng Fang, instead of feeling disgusted, he felt a little pity for him. After all, he was over sixty years old, and his youngest grandson had died just like that. For an old man, there could be no greater blow than this.

"Hehe, if you want to blame someone, you can only blame yourself for not bringing up your parents well enough. Don't blame me for being partial..."

Liu He said secretly in his heart, then waved to Gong Saner.

Gong Saner understood, walked down the steps and took the memorial presented by Feng Fang.

Liu He opened it and glanced at it casually. It was just the same few sentences.

"I am deeply saddened by your grandson's death. My dear minister, please stand up quickly. If there is any solid evidence, I will deal with it strictly according to the law. Today's court meeting is to make this matter clear."

Feng Fang was so sad that she burst into tears, but she was also very grateful to Liu He. After kowtowed repeatedly, she stood up and returned to her seat.

Liu He looked at the ministers and said, "My dear ministers, I believe you all know what the Minister of Agriculture has said. If you have any suggestions, please speak up. Today is the day for the court to discuss matters freely. Regardless of whether what you say is reasonable or not, I will forgive you."

(End of this chapter)