Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 923 You're forcing me to my death!

Before dawn, the Taiji Hall was already brightly lit. Officials stood in order, but the atmosphere in the hall today was even more somber than the morning after the sudden rain a few days ago.

On the throne, Third Sister still looked sickly pale, but a dark fire burned in her eyes. She didn't look at anyone; her gaze was fixed on the empty ground below the steps, her eyes vacant.

Finally, the heavy palace door was slowly pushed open by the eunuch, and a figure strode in against the faint light of the sky outside. It was none other than Changsun Wuji.

He wasn't wearing the purple robes of a prime minister today; instead, he was dressed in plain white everyday clothes, and what he was holding in his hands wasn't an ordinary memorial board, but a thick scroll that was almost too heavy to hold.

He walked steadily into the hall, but instead of bowing to His Majesty, he slammed the scroll to the ground with a thud, stirring up fine dust. The sound startled many people in the deathly silent hall.

"Your subject, Changsun Wuji, has a memorial to present."

His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear, as if what he had just thrown to the ground wasn't a case file but a coffin meant to hold his corpse.

Third Sister finally raised her eyes: "Speak."

Changsun Wuji took a deep breath, unfolded the dossier, and his gaze swept over the civil and military officials like cold lightning: "Since the farce in front of Xianyang Palace, I have been reflecting on my mistakes behind closed doors, and I have also sent people to secretly investigate the streets, collect public opinions, and verify old cases. What I am presenting today is based on evidence, and every word is stained with blood!"

He paused, and at that moment the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Although the film recounts past events, the deep-seated problems it touches upon—official corruption, grain and salary deficits, and the people's impoverished lives—are not mere fabrications!" His voice suddenly rose: "Last year, during the snow disaster in Guanzhong, the imperial court allocated 1.8 million taels of silver for disaster relief, but after layers of embezzlement, less than 300,000 taels reached the disaster victims! Zhao Deming, the prefect of Weinan, took the opportunity to raise grain prices and forcibly conscripted laborers to build his private residence, resulting in 371 people freezing and starving to death! Isn't this tantamount to exchanging children for food?!"

Zhao Deming, whose name was called, was in the queue. Upon hearing this, his legs went weak and he almost collapsed to the ground. His face turned ashen.

"And another thing!" Changsun Wuji gave him no chance to catch his breath, pulling out another stack of complaints from the files: "Nearly 30% of the garrisons in various regions are empty rank! Liu Wenjing, the Vice Minister of War, colluded with generals to falsely report troop numbers and have been drawing salaries without working for five years, embezzling over 400,000 taels of silver! This has resulted in the border troops lacking clothing and food, and their equipment rusting! How can they defend themselves against foreign enemies?! Isn't this disheartening for the soldiers?!"

A commotion broke out in the Ministry of War's ranks. Liu Wenjing's lips trembled as she tried to step forward to argue, but her colleagues held her back tightly.

“Even worse!” Changsun Wuji’s voice was as cold as ice as he turned his gaze to several officials from the core Guanzhong region: “Under the guise of new policies, they engage in exploitation. When surveying land, they demand surveying fees! When promoting new planting methods, they forcibly collect promotion fees! If the people complain even slightly, they are falsely accused of resisting the law, imprisoned, and many families are ruined and killed! How is this any different from the corrupt rulers and treacherous officials in the film who increase taxes and force the people to revolt?!”

With each word he spoke, the faces of some people in the hall paled a little more. Everyone knew these things to some extent, and they usually kept it to themselves, maintaining a facade of harmony. But now, Changsun Wuji, using that damned movie to stir up public resentment, had brought it all to the surface!
"Your Majesty!" The Minister of Justice couldn't help but step forward, his voice trembling, "What Chancellor Changsun said, though supported by evidence, is being released at this time, which may exacerbate the unrest and is not a blessing for the nation! Moreover, the video has already stirred up trouble; if we were to release it now..."

"What if we do something else?!" Changsun Wuji turned around abruptly and interrupted sharply, "If we continue to cover it up, we will only confirm these crimes! If we continue to suppress it, we will only force the people to rebel! The film is a mirror, reflecting ghosts and demons! We, as important officials of the court, do not think about scraping the bone to remove the poison, but instead want to smash the mirror, blaming it for being too clear?!"

He turned and solemnly bowed to the throne, his voice deep yet firm: "Your Majesty! I impeach Zhao Deming, Liu Wenjing, and twenty-seven others for corruption, dereliction of duty, and bringing disaster to the country and its people! I implore Your Majesty to immediately issue an edict to thoroughly investigate and punish them, to uphold the law and appease the people! Furthermore, I implore Your Majesty to issue a decree of self-reproach, acknowledging the court's oversight and reaffirming your determination to rectify official corruption and eradicate deep-seated malpractices! This is not a sign of weakness; it is the only righteous path to unite the people and stabilize the foundation of the nation!"

"I second that!" Fang Xuanling stepped forward at the opportune moment, his voice steady: "What Chancellor Changsun said, though harsh in its words, hits the nail on the head. At a time when the people's hearts are in turmoil, only by taking swift and decisive measures to clean up the court and by facing the world with an open and honest attitude can we reverse the decline and win back the hearts of the people."

"We second that!" Several other officials who had always been neutral stepped forward.

The situation inside the hall instantly reversed. The officials who had originally wanted to argue fell silent when they saw the Empress's icy expression on the throne, Changsun Wuji's clearly desperate stance, and the thick stack of dossiers on the ground, which contained countless pieces of evidence.

Looking down at Changsun Wuji, who was speaking eloquently, and at the ministers who had stepped forward to agree, San Niang felt a mix of emotions. Anger, humiliation, a hint of panic at being driven to the brink, and... a sense of relief that she herself was unwilling to admit.

The steps were indeed offered, but the person offering them used so much force that they almost pulled her off the dragon throne.

"Furthermore, I impeach Your Majesty." Changsun Wuji lifted his long robe and knelt on the ground: "I impeach Your Majesty for ordering the damming of the Qin River. I know Your Majesty's word is law, but I still hope that Your Majesty can retract the order and release the arrested people. As the saying goes, it is easier to dam a river than to dam the people's mouths. Now the river is silted up, and if it is not cleared, it may cause a great disaster."

She remained silent for a long time, her expression extremely grim. She knew, of course, that once this order was issued, both public opinion and the risks in the court would begin to lean towards Changsun Wuji's side, and imperial power would be further compressed after this.

No kidding, Changsun Wuji isn't without similar abilities, but he lacks confidence. There's only one person who can give him that kind of confidence.

But now it seems to be the only solution. If this continues, tomorrow will be the third day, and she really doesn't know what will happen if the time is up and her orders haven't been withdrawn.

Finally, she spoke slowly, her voice hoarse with a hint of weariness: "Granted."

These two short words carry immense weight.

"Effective immediately, a joint trial by the three judicial departments shall be established, with Changsun Wuji as the chief judge and Fang Xuanling and Wei Dingfang as assistant judges, to thoroughly investigate the crimes of the twenty-seven people impeached by Changsun Wuji. Those whose crimes are found to be true shall be severely punished regardless of rank! All money and grain involved in the case shall be recovered and deposited into the treasury, with half of it used to compensate the affected officials, soldiers, and civilians!"

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

Third Madam's gaze swept across the entire room: "Issue my decree: all prefectures, counties, and districts shall post notices publicly announcing the progress of this investigation! Citizens are permitted to anonymously report local illegal activities! Anyone who takes this opportunity to retaliate, conceal, or cover up such activities will be punished the same as the perpetrators!"

She paused, took a deep breath, and said as if she had used all her strength, "Furthermore, I... am indeed guilty of oversight. An edict of self-reproach... shall be drafted immediately by the Hanlin Academy and issued to the whole country. The previous orders shall be revoked, the arrested people shall be released, and appropriate compensation shall be given. The Ministry of Justice shall follow up on this matter."

When the bell rang to signal the end of the court session, many officials staggered out of the Taiji Hall. The sunlight was blinding, but they felt a chill run through their bodies.

At noon, Xia Lin was squatting in the workshop by Kunming Pool, watching the craftsmen adjust the newly improved water-powered forging hammer.

Sun Jiuzhen quietly approached him from behind and whispered a few words.

Xia Lin raised his head and scoffed, continuing to tighten the screws: "So Changsun Wuji at least has some eggs."

“His Majesty has already issued an order to proceed according to Changsun Wuji’s suggestion,” Sun Jiuzhen added.

"Hmm." Xia Lin didn't even look up. "We've given her a way out; she has no choice but to take it. Tell our people to cooperate with the investigation and submit all the necessary evidence." "Yes, sir." Sun Jiuzhen nodded, then paused before saying, "The young marshal asked me to pass on a message to Marshal Xia."

"explain."

“Tell me, Father, now that Mother has given in, you should think of a way to coax her.”

When the news reached Xianyang, Tuoba Jing was pulling several Western Region merchants aside, enthusiastically promoting his idea for his next epic masterpiece.

"After filming 'The Five Barbarian Invasions,' the next one will be 'Journey to the West'! Just imagine, gods fighting across the heavens, with top-notch sound and light effects! Guaranteed to be awesome!"

A foreign merchant asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, you...you're not going back to Jinling? I heard there's quite a commotion here in Chang'an..."

"Go back? What for?" Tuoba Jing waved his hand dismissively. "It's much more lively here! Besides, my unfilial son is still here as a hostage. I have to keep an eye on him to prevent him from stealing another country's imperial seal and giving it away!"

Just then, Li Zhi and Li Chengqian came looking for them.

“Uncle,” Li Zhi called out.

"Oh, Zhi'er's here!" Tuoba Jing grinned and put his arm around his shoulder. "How's it going? Have your parents made up yet?"

Li Zhi shook his head with a wry smile: "Father spends all his time in the workshop, and Mother is in the palace... I asked Brother Jiuzhen to pass on a message, but Father doesn't seem to be paying attention to me."

"Hey, you rascal." Tuoba Jing patted him hard. "The sky won't fall down. Those two have been fighting for half their lives. They've never stopped since they met. When they're on good terms, they're incredibly good, but when they start fighting, it never stops! By the way, you've come at the right time. Help me figure out whether we should cast a wise old man or a handsome young man to play the Jade Emperor in Journey to the West? I think I'm quite suitable for the role, but they all say no."

Li Chengqian couldn't help but chuckle: "Your Majesty, you should think about how to get through this crisis first. Changsun Wuji's actions have far-reaching implications. I'm afraid some people won't just sit idly by and wait to die, after all, this whole thing started because of you."

"What's there to be afraid of!" Tuoba Jing glared. "Whoever dares to jump out, I'll take care of them all at once! Back in Jinling..." He stopped mid-sentence, seemingly recalling some unpleasant memories, and awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Ahem... Anyway, with Xia Lin around, they can't cause any trouble."

He spoke with absolute certainty. Li Zhi and his brother exchanged a glance, both understanding that this incident had likely amplified their father's covert control to an unprecedented degree. Although their mother remained the emperor,…

Inside the Ganlu Hall at night, candlelight flickered.

Third Sister sat alone at her desk, looking at the draft of the imperial edict of self-reproach that had just been sent by the Hanlin Academy. Every word was earnest, every sentence piercing her heart. She reached out, her fingertips lightly tracing the line, "My virtue is lacking, thus incurring divine retribution and leaving the people with resentment," and sighed deeply…

The female official stepped forward quietly and whispered, "Your Majesty, Marshal Xia... sent someone to deliver this."

It was a food box. When Third Sister opened it, there was a bowl of still warm chicken porridge inside, with several plates of refreshing side dishes next to it. These were the same dishes that Xia Lin would personally make for her when they were in the Northeast.

She stared at the bowl of porridge for a long, long time. Finally, she slowly picked up the spoon, scooped up a spoonful, and put it in her mouth. The taste was still the same, but when she swallowed, her throat felt terribly congested.

She knew that Xia Lin had used the most drastic methods to force her to see reality clearly, and also forced the court to tear away its veil of tenderness. Family and country could not be confused after all, and tenderness was never the way to solve national affairs. Even if one had the heart of a bodhisattva, one still needed the thunderous means.

But what should we do next?
She put down her spoon, her gaze returning to the edict of self-reproach, her eyes gradually becoming firm and cold.

The pain of scraping the bone to remove poison is naturally excruciating. But this poison must be removed, just as Changsun Wuji said, if it is not removed now, it will probably be a serious problem when it really takes hold.

A night breeze began to rise outside the palace, causing the palace lanterns under the eaves to flicker.

Meanwhile, in another corner of Chang'an, Douyazi leaned against the window, listening to his subordinates report on the clandestine movements of various families, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"When dogs fight, they all end up with a mouthful of fur." ​​She murmured to herself, picked up her teacup and took a sip. "It's time for these small families to bravely face their deaths."

She turned her gaze towards Kunming Pool and remained silent for a long time.

"Xia Lin, Xia Lin, won't this fire set you on fire too?"

With the issuance of the edict of self-reproach, a massive rectification movement followed. Nanjing had experienced something similar before, which was a huge event due to Gao Shilian's defection and Anmusi's death. Now, the same thing was happening again in Chang'an.

Last time, Xia Lin didn't eliminate the local noble families of Chang'an, but only dealt with the remnants who went north. Now, many years later, the original balance has been broken, and they have risen from the ashes. They thought they would be safe and sound by hiding in the Northwest.

But who would have thought that this wildfire would once again spread to their heads?

However, these had little impact on the general public and quickly diluted the influence of the film. The promulgation of various government decrees and the ultimate shock of the edict of self-reproach directly transformed this turmoil into a completely different situation.

Among these discussions, those concerning Xia Lin were particularly heated, especially his confrontation with the Northern Imperial Guards that night and his leading the people to retreat, which was a topic of much discussion.

Of course, while some are talking about it with great interest, others are seething with hatred. Bounties for Xia Lin's head have now appeared in various underworld circles, with the lowest reward being a million taels of silver. However, no one dares to deign to accept the bounty, but the matter itself is quite intriguing.

"General, the total reward is thirty-six million taels."

"Goodness." Xia Lin touched his neck: "Is my head worth that much? Go check who put my bounty on my head in my intelligence network."
-
That's all for today. My neck hurts, I need to lie down for a while.

(End of this chapter)