Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 444 I deserve to die ten thousand times! I deserve to die ten thousand times!
Inside the Hall of State Affairs, officials from various departments were discussing matters.

Cheng Wanli, Zong Ze, and Zhang Shuye sat at the front, Wu Yong and Zhao Cuncheng sat behind them, followed by the people from the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate...

As you all know, Li Gang has already repeated what happened today…

Cheng Wanli frowned and asked, "What is Your Majesty's intention?"

Li Gang frowned as he replied, "His Majesty's intention... is to uphold justice and enforce the law strictly..."

"Really?" Cheng Wanli looked surprised and looked around at everyone, who were also quite surprised.

They are all intelligent people; how could they not understand His Majesty's words? Last time in the Funing Palace, when the Emperor was drunk, he said he wanted to kill people...

Before, we didn't know who we were going to kill, but now we do, and it's just like this...

While everyone was still exchanging glances, Cheng Wanli spoke first: "This is likely to cause... uproar throughout the land!"

Upholding justice and enforcing the law strictly, this execution started with exile and military service, and hanging and beheading were commonplace. How many people would have to be killed?

The officials arrested this time ranged from the ninth to the fourth rank, numbering as many as sixty or seventy, and there are still arrests and transfers being made in various places...

Wouldn't that require a hundred or so people to go?
Throughout history, in any normal dynasty, how many court officials have ever been executed for such a single crime?

Where else can you find a case with such a wide-ranging impact, with a proper trial?

This is truly unheard of.

If the emperor truly wants to kill someone, he can simply order the soldiers and the intelligence department to arrest the person, bind them, and kill them...

But the emperor clearly did not want to kill people like that. He wanted a complete procedure, a case file that could be left for future generations to read...

What the emperor wants is to enforce the law impartially, not to make people think he is murderous and bloodthirsty...

Everyone present understood...

Who will take over?

No one responded for the time being.

Cheng Wanli then asked, "Since this matter has come to the Censorate first, what is Vice Minister Li's intention?"

Cheng Wanli is certainly adept at chairing such meetings.

Li Gang said frankly, “In my opinion, if we really want to kill, the ringleaders should be beheaded, but the rest... there is really no need to kill too many people. If we really kill a hundred or so people, the scholars of the world will probably criticize us endlessly... killing one or a few ringleaders is enough to make an example of them and warn others. That is enough... I really don’t want people to say that Your Majesty is tyrannical.”

Li Gang is considering the issue from this perspective.

Zong Ze then said, "Indeed, since ancient times, the pen of history has been like a knife. Official histories are relatively controllable, but there are so many pens written by scholars, and who knows what kind of public opinion the pens of ordinary people will create. Your Majesty can't just kill all the pens in the world, can you?"

Zong Ze followed this line of thought. It goes without saying that these people had great respect for the entire aristocratic class.

Wu Yong then remarked, "The new dynasty has just been established, and it is precisely at this time that it needs capable people. Such slaughter will surely discourage the scholars and officials..."

Even Wu Yong himself did not agree with the emperor's laws. Why was that?

Wu Yong had always dreamed of becoming a true scholar-official. Now that he had finally achieved that goal, he immediately changed his role. At this moment, no one was more of a scholar-official than Wu Yong!
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, subconsciously, he was upholding some kind of interest of the scholar-official class...

Of course, if you really think about it deeply, perhaps... Wu Yong was also afraid of what might happen to him in the future...

Or perhaps Wu Yong also intended to win people's hearts? If he saved countless lives...

It was only the lives of a hundred or so people?
Those who rise through the ranks to become officials are always a minority from humble backgrounds; aren't they all from wealthy and influential families? Aren't they all surrounded by countless brothers, nephews, and disciples?
If Wu Yong really succeeds in this matter, wouldn't his reputation among the entire scholar-official class be that of a righteous protector and a timely rain?

Zhao Cuncheng continued Wu Yong's words: "Indeed, there are bound to be some people from Jingdong among them. Gentlemen... sigh... they were arrested in other places, and before they were even sent to the capital, how come letters pleading for mercy and help have already arrived at my residence..."

Only Zhang Shuye remained silent, his brows furrowed.

Cheng Wanli then asked, "What does Master Zhang think?"

Zhang Shuye could only reply: "The imperial examination is the foundation of the nation. Cheating in the imperial examination will damage the very foundation of the country and must be investigated! In the past, there were indeed many cases of cheating, and requests for favors were countless in the local areas, but very few cases were reported. Why has such a large-scale case been uncovered this time? It is undoubtedly because they were used to being bold in the past. Many people dared to have such thoughts because the new dynasty has just been established and there are many things to do... Such evil practices must be eradicated..."

Zhang Shuye never actually passed the imperial examination. His great-grandfather served as a court attendant, and his grandfather also held a minor official position. However, his father was capable enough to rise to the rank of a fourth-grade official and retire as a minor official.

But it was clear that Zhang Shuye's father was not very capable. He sought favors for Zhang Shuye and obtained the position of Military Advisor in Lanzhou, which was a military clerk in the most remote border prefecture of the country, a place where war was really going to happen.

It was a place where officials who committed serious crimes under the law were demoted, a so-called remote and evil military prefecture.

And so, Zhang Shuye gradually rose through the ranks. He was a man of genuine military merit, having fought against the Qinghai-Tibet Qiang people in Lanzhou and achieved remarkable military exploits in capturing strategic locations.

He failed the exam, but he was truly dedicated to national affairs and willing to serve the country even in remote and harsh places.

Clearly, Zhang Shuye and the others present did not come from the same background.

Li Gang then asked Zhang Shuye, "Did you really kill so many people?"

Zhang Shuye remained noncommittal, only saying, "The law originates from the Legalist school, and the Legalist school seeks to clearly and justly punish offenders. This matter involves a wide range of people. If it were truly a matter concerning only one or two individuals, it would inevitably give the impression of being severely punished and then lightly punished..."

Li Gang nodded; he knew Zhang Shuye was right...

But when it comes to reason, things are always like this: there's a reason on the left and a reason on the right. That's politics. Politics is about negotiation, not about who's completely right and who's completely wrong.

Therefore, when Li Gang went to see Master Cheng, he was undoubtedly hoping that Master Cheng would make a decision.

But Master Cheng never gets involved in disputes; how could he be someone who makes decisions easily? He pretended not to feel Li Gang's gaze and continued to sigh and click his tongue, as if he was still pondering.

It was as if Cheng Wanli knew that no matter what decision he made, there would always be someone rushing to take the lead.

Sure enough, Wu Yong spoke up: "Let's try to find a compromise. Your Majesty's words imply that you're setting a price and waiting for a counter-offer. Your Majesty is also waiting for a compromise, one that is both a clear and just punishment to warn future generations and one that doesn't truly have a reputation for tyranny. Otherwise, why would you have us here discussing this? Wouldn't it be faster if Your Majesty made a decision with a single word?"

Wu Yong, with all his cunning schemes, devoted himself to plotting against the emperor.

It's inevitable that a new broom sweeps clean; after all, he's now a Vice Chancellor. If he works hard and does a good job, wouldn't he become the Chancellor?
At that time, with the emperor's trust and favor, and the officials' support and gratitude, power and authority will be secondary. What matters is being the highest-ranking official, the pillar of the nation, and leaving a lasting mark on history...

From a village schoolteacher to the second-in-command of a group of notorious thieves, Wu Yong wasn't fond of power; he just wanted to do something earth-shattering, otherwise his life would have been wasted.

If a person has talent, what they fear most is not anything else, but being unable to realize their potential. Now that they have finally had the opportunity, they should make great strides and realize their ambitions.

Let's see Li Gang ask Wu Yong a question: "I understand what you mean, Lord Wu, but..."

Wu Yong waved his hand and said, "I'll go. I'll go and speak with His Majesty to settle this matter. Although it may not be a win-win situation, it will save some lives and satisfy His Majesty."

"Then I entrust everything to Minister Wu!" Li Gang said, bowing deeply.

"No problem..." Wu Yong waved his hand and left. He would take the lead, do the work, and get things done!
Wu Yong went to the Funing Palace to request an audience.

Su Wu was actually quite surprised to see that it was Wu Yong.

Su Wu had assumed that the person who would discuss this matter with him would be Cheng Wanli, who was a shrewd and tactful man who could perhaps smooth things over with him...

Secondly, it might be Zong Ze. Zong Ze was a member of the orthodox scholar-official class. He was old, kind-hearted, and might even have been worried about Su Wu's reputation as the emperor...

Thirdly, it could be Zhao Cuncheng. In the past, many people from Jingdong went out to serve as officials, and now there are even more. This time, there must be people from Jingdong involved. The various factions of Jingdong were once united by Su Wu, and Zhao Cuncheng must have connections in the matter and needs to mediate...

These things are unavoidable in human society.

But to everyone's surprise, it was Wu Yong who came.

Su Wu was actually very angry and wanted to ask Wu Yong a question: What does this have to do with a peasant teacher like you? Why the hell do you have to jump around like this?

Among the corrupt officials, who do you, Wu Yong, know? Or are they some of the mountain children you used to teach in the village who are now officials?

Or perhaps you were classmates with these convicted officials since childhood? Were you close friends?
Is it your in-law? Is it your brother-in-law? Or did you, Wu Yong, cheat on your exams back then? You, Wu Yong, could never pass the exams no matter what you did, so shouldn't you be considered a victim of cheating?

But Su Wu wouldn't actually say that; he simply asked with a stern face, "How did the discussion go?"

Wu Yong bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I believe there should be a compromise in this matter. This way, Your Majesty's reputation for benevolence and righteousness can be preserved, and future generations can also be warned..."

The Confucian emperor must be benevolent, righteous, and of unparalleled virtue, kind and pure! This is the Confucian precept and education for the emperor, not intentional, but subconsciously ingrained in his very being.

This is actually a paradox. When the world or the country is in trouble, people hope that the emperor is the most brilliant and intelligent person in the world, with countless methods and ingenious schemes, who can solve all the problems in the world with a wave of his hand.

In times of peace, I hope the emperor is exceptionally benevolent, kind, gentle, and compassionate, willing to listen to all opinions...

Isn't that also a case of wanting both? Leaving aside the emperor, where in the world can you find someone like that?

A person with a resilient and strong character, capable of accomplishing great things, is unlikely to be kind and honest. A kind and honest person is unlikely to be cunning and resourceful.

Those who are good at fighting will fight for whichever side they are loyal to. If their side is the country, they will fight for the country. This is the best approach, and this is the core principle.

What makes a good emperor? He should be shrewd, resourceful, decisive, and even ruthless, as long as he can bring benefits to the country. As long as he succeeds and brings those benefits to the nation and its people, that is the greatest benevolence and virtue, the greatest patriotism and love for the people…

Why do you care if he's kind to someone or not? Why do you care if he's honest and kind at heart? Why do you care if he pooped or peed last night?
Domestic and foreign politics are all about games, struggles, and even balancing acts. Professional matters should be handled by professionals. The same principle applies to competitive appointments in officialdom; those skilled in games and struggles are selected.

Should we really choose someone kind and honest?
If he can't win the interests of the country and the people, what's the point of him being the kindest and most benevolent person in the world? Can't he just be a muddle-headed and incompetent fool?
Even Su Wu suddenly realized something; in a sense, he and these court officials were enemies!

"Oh, is this your opinion?" Su Wu asked. "Not entirely, it's the opinion of Chancellor Cheng, Chancellor Zong, and others, and the Censorate also agrees..." Wu Yong replied, his heart pounding. He was too good at reading people's expressions; the Emperor's face didn't look good today. What went wrong?

As expected, a problem arose. The emperor remained silent for a long time, his head bowed as he wrote something...

Wu Yong didn't dare to get too close to look, so he just waited. After a while, Wu Yong said again: "Your Majesty, I think that killing must be done. If we don't kill, it won't be enough to deter the villains. But if we really kill too much, the newly established dynasty will probably lose the hearts of the scholars... Therefore, I think that killing must be done. Let's see how to do it!"

Su Wu looked up: "Wu Yong..."

"Your subject is here!" Wu Yong bowed hurriedly, his heart skipped a beat. Why was he calling him by his full name?

Something's happened! Something's really happened this time! I quickly reflected on myself, but what I just said was extremely thorough... There was nothing wrong with it, not a single flaw...

In the past, His Majesty enjoyed his scheming and intrigues...

today……

Then the Emperor said, "Wu Yong, you see, warriors like to bow down and kowtow, swearing oaths and pledging blood to each other, promising to be brothers forever! But what about scholars? If they don't do these things, how do they socialize?"

Wu Yong felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had grasped a little of the situation, but he wasn't quite sure yet. So he said, "Your Majesty, there's an old saying that goes, 'The friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water...'"

"Absolutely, absolutely. The friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water. Bo Ya and Zi Qi's promise was nothing more than a single melody of 'High Mountains and Flowing Water.' That's all. Wu Yong..."

Su Wu put down his pen and sat up straight.

"Your subject is here!" Wu Yong stuck his buttocks out high and bowed his body low.

"And you, you've been a bandit for so long. Back in the Liangshan Marsh, that one bow brought countless heroes away. From then on, you drank wine from large bowls, ate meat in large mouthfuls, and divided gold and silver by the scale. How come you want to drag people to bow again in the imperial court?"

Su Wu slowly got up and walked out of the table...

Wu Yong, trembling with fear, knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I have no such intention whatsoever! I would never dare to form cliques or engage in any private activities!"

"Haven't you bowed down yet?" Su Wu had already walked to Wu Yong's head, his feet right next to it.

"Your subject would never dare, never dare!" Wu Yong kept kowtowing, his heart pounding, his mind filled with only one thought, one word: death.

"I thought you were going to take over the court as well. Tell me... isn't this a huge misunderstanding?" Su Wu was smiling, genuinely smiling, not sneer, but as if he were joking.

"Your Majesty, I deserve to die ten thousand times! Your Majesty, I deserve to die ten thousand times!" Wu Yong kept kowtowing, his mind seemingly about to shut down. He couldn't think of anything, only knowing that kowtowing might save his life.

"Alright, stop kowtowing, get up and talk," Su Wu said.

Wu Yong dared not refuse, but kowtowed a few more times, then slowly stood up and bowed to the side: "Your subject truly had no intention of forming a faction. Your subject is guilty of a great crime, a crime punishable by death!"

"Then tell me again, what should we do about this?" Su Wu asked.

"Uh..." Wu Yong was momentarily stunned.

Su Wu was also somewhat surprised. Wu Yong clearly knew what answer Su Wu wanted, but even so, Wu Yong still managed to pause...

Why?

Can't bring yourself to say it?

Why can't I say it? What does this have to do with you, Wu Yong?
Want a good reputation? Afraid that if you speak out, you'll lose your reputation?
Are you a scholar-official? You, Wu Yong, are just a nobody scholar-official.

Does being granted the title of Hanlin Academician by the Emperor truly make one a scholar and a high-ranking official?

Has the fanaticism of converts reached this point?
It is evident that the allure of the scholar-official class in this era was far greater than imagined.

Su Wu asked again, "Since you have no plan in mind, why come to report this matter?"

Wu Yong's pale, terrified face showed signs of constipation that he couldn't expel...

Su Wu added, "It seems you've already become the top leader in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness!"

After Su Wu finished speaking, he went behind the table and sat down.

Wu Yong kowtowed again: "Your subject has never engaged in any faction-forming, absolutely not! Your subject's loyalty to Your Majesty is as clear as heaven and earth, as bright as the sun and moon, and I have never dared to have the slightest presumptuous thought!"

"I believe you six-tenths of what you said. So today, you probably won't die!" Su Wu said casually.

But then he said seriously, "But since you came here, not them, then it's your responsibility. You shall submit a memorial stating that the new dynasty is established and the world belongs to all! This is the memorial you just submitted when you came in. Come, write it..."

Su Wu and Wu Yong had a different way of getting along than anyone else. This guy was originally a peasant, but he insisted on having a noble dream. As if his dream had come true, he didn't know that he was still a peasant and a bandit at heart!

If we don't bring him back to reality, this guy will truly never know his place.

The emperor only used you, Wu Yong, because you are truly a scholar-official.
There are plenty of scholars and officials in the world, one more like Wu Yong won't make a difference!
They're using you, Wu Yong, you peasant bandit!

This imperial court, in its efforts to govern the world, cannot consist entirely of gentlemen; it also needs villains, ruthless individuals, and despicable people…

"Your Majesty..." Wu Yong looked up, wondering what he had just heard. Probably not dead? Probably?

Large beads of sweat were dripping from Wu Yong's forehead; the world probably doesn't know many things...

Zong Ze was unaware, Zhang Shuye was unaware...

Because they've never seen it before...

Only Wu Yong knew who this emperor in front of him was!
The emperor treated Zong Ze, Zhang Shuye, and even Li Gang and others with great courtesy and respect, showing them the virtues of a wise and virtuous person.

But the emperor's true feelings towards people are not like that... in terms of methods...

In truth, Wu Yong was somewhat puzzled as to why this was the case.

Why?

If Wu Yong were to ask the question, what would the Emperor answer?
A gentleman has his own laws, and a bandit has his own laws. You should be governed by the laws that apply to you!

The problem lies solely in their beliefs and concepts.

The problem with you, Wu Yong, is that you were the second-in-command in the bandit's den of brotherhood, and you still have the same mindset in the imperial court.

Wu Yong walked towards Su Wu's desk, and Su Wu even placed paper and pen for him...

To write or not to write?
I need to write...

Having only written this memorial, I didn't even consider the emperor's favor, the support of officials, or the gratitude of scholars...

Wouldn't everything be gone?

Isn't this tantamount to severing ties with the scholar-official class?
Wu Yong was lost in thought, but his hand still reached for the pen, and he secretly glanced at the Emperor…

Suddenly, I thought, what if I don't sever ties with my sworn brotherhood?
Isn't this exactly what the Emperor said—that he wants to sit in the second seat of the Hall of Righteousness? Is he treating the imperial court as the Hall of Righteousness?
Write……

If I don't write, I'll definitely die...

I wrote it, but my heart is heavy...

Wu Yong also reflected on his actions. Xu Tianzi was right; he might have really brought the affairs of Liangshan Marsh to the imperial court. He befriended everyone and bestowed favors on everyone. Regardless of the matter, right or wrong, black or white, or one's stance, he always thought of being kind and compassionate to others...

He was thinking that this person liked him, and that person should like him too...

What I'm hoping for is that this person will be loyal to me in the future, and that person will be loyal to me in the future...

It seems the Emperor's words have truly seen through me today...

Wu Yong slowly seemed to understand something: in this imperial court, there is only one chair, and no second one...

The Emperor himself is sitting right there!

Everyone else has to stand, everyone has to work, and do their job well.

Tonight, it seems there's still a banquet waiting for me...

I can't go...

Write it...

"Not bad, well written!" the emperor nodded.

Wu Yong felt a little relieved and replied, "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Once this is finished, you'll have to take care of things from now on!" Su Wu was very satisfied. It had been a long time since he had given Wu Yong a good talking-to. He wondered how long this talk would last, and whether it would even help Wu Yong die a natural death...

"Your subject understands, I am absolutely certain!" Wu Yong bowed again. Today, he had just escaped death but had been pulled back.

Knowing what to do, there was obviously still a debate to be held. In the ensuing debate, Wu Yong acted as the vanguard, a true warrior charging into battle, arguing with Li Gang, Zong Ze, and others, and finally achieving the goal of beheading a hundred or so people!
Ugh……

Wu Yong was filled with sorrow and utterly helpless...

(End of this chapter)