The First Criminal Judge of the Zhenguan Era

Chapter 134 Emperor Taizong of Tang bestows upon him a title personally appointed by Emperor Taizong! Fifth-rank official, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice!
When Liu Shuyi arrived at the palace gate with Du Ruhui, he saw that there were already many figures outside the palace gate.

These people were all dressed in official robes, some chatting in small groups, others standing quietly by themselves. At this time of dawn, when it was not yet very bright, he did not see anyone yawning; everyone was full of energy.

Du Ruhui reminded us: "Next, you should pay attention to your words and actions. Keep your back straight, do not make loud noises, and do not do anything unseemly such as yawning. The Palace Attendant Censor in charge of the Palace Offering Ceremony is watching us from different angles. They rely on finding fault with us to gain merit. Do not give them the opportunity."

"Moreover, this is your first time participating in a court assembly and your first time formally appearing before the court officials. Don't let these things affect your first impression on them."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuyi suddenly realized why these officials were up so early and so energetic – they were on guard against the Imperial Censorate's Palace Attendant Censor.

He nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Du. I understand."

Du Ruhui looked at Liu Shuyi, whose back straightened instantly and whose face became solemn and serious. Even he could not find any fault with him. He nodded in satisfaction. Liu Shuyi understood immediately and did a much better job than many officials when they first went to court. This made him sigh with admiration. He felt that Liu Shuyi was born to be an official.

Meanwhile, not far away.

When Du Ruhui arrived, almost all the civil and military officials instinctively looked at him.

As the prime minister, who was the head of all officials, Du Ruhui would automatically become the focus of everyone's attention even if he said nothing or did nothing.

No one dared to ignore Du Ruhui. Even those who were not in the same faction as Du Ruhui would bow slightly to show their respect.

Therefore, Liu Shuyi, who was personally brought by Du Ruhui and stepped down from the same carriage as Du Ruhui, naturally came into the sight of the officials.

Who is the young official beside Minister Du?

"I don't recognize him, he looks unfamiliar."

"Judging from the color of his official robe, he's probably only a sixth or seventh-rank official. What's he doing here with such a low rank?"

"He stepped down from Minister Du's carriage. What an honor it is to ride in the same carriage as Minister Du! Does he have any special relationship with Minister Du?"

The officials whispered among themselves, all curious about the unfamiliar face of Liu Shuyi.

Du Ruhui is now one of the most powerful ministers in the Tang Dynasty. Many people would rather kneel down and call Du Ruhui "grandpa" in order to get into Du Ruhui's sight and thus get on his good side.

So when they saw Liu Shuyi, a man of low rank and complete stranger, not only sharing a carriage with Du Ruhui, but also chatting and laughing with him, they couldn't help but feel envious and jealous.

Their curiosity about Liu Shuyi's identity grew rapidly.

"what!"

Just then, a surprised voice suddenly rang out: "Isn't this Liu Yuanwailang? Why is he here with Master Du?"

Liu Yuanwailang?

Upon hearing this, everyone quickly looked in the direction of the voice. When they discovered that the speaker was Wang Kun, the Vice Minister of Works, they all bowed respectfully. Someone couldn't help but ask, "Vice Minister Wang, you said he is Assistant Minister Liu... could it be Liu Shuyi, the Assistant Minister of Justice who is rumored to be a brilliant judge?"

Although they didn't know Liu Shuyi, they had heard so many stories about his successful case-solving that they were tired of hearing them.

Therefore, as soon as Wang Kun spoke, they quickly remembered Liu Shuyi's information.

Wang Kun nodded his square head and laughed, "That's right, it is indeed Detective Liu. I met with him some time ago because of a case, so I would never mistake him for someone else."

"I had heard before that Assistant Minister Liu had an excellent relationship with Minister Du and was highly regarded by him. Today, I have seen that this is indeed the case."

Is it really Liu Shuyi?
Not surprising then.

Liu Shuyi was an official in the Ministry of Justice and a capable subordinate of Du Ruhui. If he had a subordinate like Liu Shuyi who could bring him honor, he would definitely greet him with a smile every day.

What's the big deal about sharing a carriage?
Even if it meant giving away one's daughter to such a talented young man in exchange for his loyalty and support, it would be worthwhile!
Thinking about all this, they still envied Liu Shuyi, but their jealousy lessened.

After all, they had heard of Liu Shuyi's abilities. It was more acceptable to them to gain Du Ruhui's appreciation through his own abilities than to gain Du Ruhui's favor through flattery.

And at the same time...

They all instinctively looked in another direction.

There, a dozen or so officials stood together, and in front of them stood a man with a refined and noble air, none other than Sikong Peiji.

As famous Liu Shuyi has become recently, the feud between Pei Ji and Liu Shuyi is also well-known.

Whether it was the feud between Pei Ji and Liu Wenjing, or Liu Shuyi's confrontation with Pei Ji, forcing Pei Ji to apologize in person, it made everyone understand that there was absolutely no possibility of reconciliation between Pei Ji and Liu Shuyi.

Pei Ji was already narrow-minded, and after being humiliated by Liu Shuyi, he must have hated Liu Shuyi to the core.

So, what would Pei Ji think when Liu Shuyi was brought here in such a high-profile manner by Du Ruhui?
"Minister Pei, what does Minister Du mean by this?"

An official standing next to Pei Ji frowned and said, "What qualifications does Liu Shuyi, a mere sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Justice, have to be here? What does Minister Du intend to do by bringing him here in such a high-profile manner?"

"Could it be that she's deliberately trying to annoy Pei Sikong?" someone speculated.

"Probably not, Minister Du wouldn't do something so pointless."

"If he wasn't trying to annoy Pei Sikong, what else could he be doing? Liu Shuyi's rank isn't high enough to qualify him to attend court assemblies. Apart from that reason, he has absolutely no other reason to be here."

"This……"

Everyone was silent.

They really couldn't think of any other reason.

At this moment, Pei Ji, who had been coldly observing Liu Shuyi and Du Ruhui, finally spoke calmly: "I know why he came."

"Does Minister Pei know?" Everyone was taken aback and quickly looked at Pei Ji.

Pei Ji looked as if he had seen through everything: "Yesterday, Qian Wenqing wrote to me, saying that Liu Shuyi wanted to investigate the case of Ma Qingfeng's family massacre."

"What!?"

"The Ma Qingfeng family massacre case?"

"This..." someone whispered, "Isn't this case related to His Majesty? Has he gone mad, wanting to investigate His Majesty?"

Pei Ji glanced at the man and said, "Liu Shuyi inherited Liu Wenjing's cunning and shrewdness. Do you think he would do something so stupid? Qian Wenqing couldn't understand it and even laughed at Liu Shuyi for courting death. You, as a fifth-rank minister, can't you see it either?"

The man's expression changed, and he quickly admitted his mistake: "This humble official is foolish and stupid. Please enlighten me, Minister Pei."

Pei Ji coldly said, "Everyone knows the truth behind this case, but His Majesty has never admitted it. It's obvious... His Majesty is unwilling to bear this responsibility. So tell me, does His Majesty want to find a real culprit to help him bear the guilt?"

The man's heart tightened, and he quickly understood Pei Ji's meaning. He couldn't help but ask, "So... Liu Shuyi found a scapegoat for His Majesty? Did he come here to curry favor with His Majesty?"

"As long as you know."

"Lord Pei, we can't let him succeed! If he really takes this opportunity to curry favor, wouldn't he have a real chance to win the position of Physician? If he really gets promoted to the fifth rank, where will we put our faces?"

Liu Shuyi was originally going to become a physician, but Pei Ji stopped him and started a competition for the position.

Everyone knows about this.

Therefore, if Liu Shuyi ultimately becomes a fifth-rank official, it would be tantamount to slapping Pei Ji in the face.

This is a huge blow to Pei Ji's reputation.

Pei Ji naturally understood these things, and he already had a plan in mind.

His expression was calm and composed, still exuding an air of complete control: "Rest assured, I will not let him have his way."

"Where is justice? Where is fairness? Where is fairness? You want to get promoted by framing others?"

“As long as it’s not the real truth, as long as it’s a frame-up, there will definitely be flaws. So, I will go with the censors from the Censorate to find Liu Shuyi’s flaws.”

"If even the slightest flaw is discovered..."

His gaze was icy, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes: "I will make sure Liu Shuyi dies a horrible death!"

"Want a promotion? Ha! I'll make him shoot himself in the foot and regret opposing me!"

At that moment, the tightly closed palace gates suddenly opened.

A eunuch stepped out, and his shrill voice rang out instantly: "The time has come; all officials, enter the palace."

Hearing the eunuch's words, Pei Ji glanced at Liu Shuyi with a cold expression, then flicked his sleeves and walked calmly into the palace.

The other officials didn't dare to delay either, and quickly followed.

Du Ruhui looked at Liu Shuyi and said, "Wait here for a while. After I report your matter to His Majesty, His Majesty will send someone to summon you inside."

Liu Shuyi understood his current status and knew that he could not directly enter the palace with Du Ruhui.

He nodded and said, "I understand. I will wait here quietly."

Du Ruhui naturally trusted Liu Shuyi. He patted Liu Shuyi on the shoulder and said meaningfully, "If nothing unexpected happens, this will be the last time you stay outside the palace. Next time, you should be able to enter with us openly and legitimately."

After saying that, he turned and strode away.

Watching the backs of Du Ruhui and the others, and recalling Du Ruhui's words just now, Liu Shuyi's heart stirred.

Was Du Ruhui implying to himself... that he would soon become a fifth-rank official?
Even Du Ruhui thought so, so it seemed like it was practically a sure thing.

Once all the officials had entered the palace, the palace gates were closed again.

The palace gate, which was originally a bit crowded, was now empty except for Liu Shuyi.

Liu Shuyi had never felt so clearly how huge the gap was between the fifth and sixth ranks.

A fifth-rank official could directly enter the palace and participate in court assemblies, but a sixth-rank official, even with great merit, could only stand helplessly outside the palace.

A palace gate, like an insurmountable chasm between humans and ants, divided officials into two worlds.

Fortunately, he was about to have a chance to cross this insurmountable barrier. Liu Shuyi let out a long breath, then closed his eyes. He had barely rested last night, which made him very tired. He took this opportunity to close his eyes and doze off to recover his energy.

About 45 minutes later.

The tightly closed palace gates were opened a crack, and immediately a familiar, sharp voice rang out: "His Majesty has decreed that Liu Shuyi, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Justice, be summoned to an audience."

brush!
Liu Shuyi suddenly opened his tightly closed eyes.

Just then, the sun rose directly above the wall, its red rays shining into Liu Shuyi's eyes, making them sparkle and shine.

He took a deep breath, bowed deeply, and said loudly, "Your subject obeys the decree."

…………

Liu Shuyi stepped into the main hall.

As soon as he entered, he noticed that the atmosphere inside the hall was very strange.

All the civil and military officials looked at him, their expressions ranging from scrutiny and contemplation to disgust and displeasure.

Even the Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, who had met him once before, were now looking at him with furrowed brows.

Meanwhile, Pei Ji and the others at the forefront of the officials were looking at him with a cold smile and amusement in their eyes.

Liu Shuyi took in this scene and immediately understood what had happened.

It is likely that Du Ruhui has already explained to His Majesty that he has solved the case of Ma Qingfeng's family massacre, but he has not explained the specifics. The understanding of the case among the civil and military officials is still based on Yao Guang's framing of Li Shimin.

Therefore, the civil and military officials either felt that they had lost their minds and dared to investigate His Majesty, or they felt that they wanted to find a scapegoat for His Majesty and try to gain merit in front of His Majesty by framing others.

My image in their eyes must be extremely bad, right?
Liu Shuyi shook his head inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged. Under the disapproving gazes of the crowd, he walked to the front of the hall without changing his expression, and immediately bowed and said, "Your subject Liu Shuyi, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Justice, pays respects to Your Majesty."

Although Li Shimin did not know the truth of the case, he trusted Du Ruhui and Liu Shuyi. Du Ruhui dared to let Liu Shuyi in to explain the case in such a setting, so he must have been absolutely certain.

Therefore, his mood was different from that of the other officials. He was full of anticipation that his innocence would soon be cleared, and said gently, "My dear minister, there is no need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Liu Shuyi then straightened up.

Li Shimin looked at Liu Shuyi and went straight to the point, saying, "Minister Liu, Minister Du said that you have uncovered the truth behind the Ma Qingfeng family massacre. Is that true?"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately turned their attention to Liu Shuyi.

Then they saw Liu Shuyi nod seriously: "Yes."

A glint flashed in Pei Ji's eyes, and his cold smile deepened. It was just as he had expected.

Next, he would listen carefully to Liu Shuyi's story, find out Liu Shuyi's weaknesses, and deliver a fatal blow to Liu Shuyi!
"Liu Shuyi, Liu Shuyi, you shouldn't have been so greedy! Even if you had discussed this case with His Majesty in private, I might not have been able to kill you directly, but you chose to show your abilities at the court assembly."

"Now that all the civil and military officials are witnesses, it will be difficult for His Majesty to keep you!"

Even Wei Zheng, who initially had high hopes for you...

Pei Ji glanced at Wei Zheng, whose expression was solemn and whose face was somewhat unpleasant, and sneered inwardly: "You'll all be standing on my side today!"

Li Shimin didn't care about what Pei Ji and the others thought. Seeing Liu Shuyi nod, he said directly, "Then tell me, for me and for all my beloved ministers, the truth about the Ma Qingfeng family massacre."

Upon hearing Li Shimin's words, Pei Ji's faction immediately leaned forward, straining their ears to ensure they didn't miss a single word in order to find any flaws in Liu Shuyi's accusations against others.

Wei Zheng and the other officials from the Censorate also looked at Liu Shuyi seriously. As censors, they had to ensure that Liu Shuyi was telling the truth and not framing others for his own selfish reasons.

The other officials listened with curiosity, eager to hear how Liu Shuyi would recount the story of Ma Qingfeng's family massacre.

Liu Shuyi was clearly the lowest-ranking official present, and it was his first time attending a court assembly, yet he became the focus of everyone's attention. He showed no nervousness whatsoever in the face of the gazes of the most powerful people in the Tang Dynasty.

Without even changing his tone, he said, "The breakthrough in this case begins with a man named Wei Ji..."

Then, Liu Shuyi began to explain in great detail.

From An Qingxi's confession about Wei Ji, to his own investigation into the case involving Wei Ji, to finding Hu Hebing, and then from Hu Hebing finding the case of Ma Qingfeng's family massacre, he confirmed that the Ma Qingfeng family massacre was a conspiracy plotted by An Qingxi's accomplices two years ago to frame His Majesty.

She then went on to recount in detail how she confirmed step by step that Ma Qingfeng had hosted distinguished guests that evening, how she had hired a chef from outside, how she determined that the chef was Wei Ji, and where Wei Ji had learned his culinary skills.

Furthermore, based on his culinary skills, they located Qin Xiguang and learned about his murder...

Liu Shuyi meticulously recounted every matter, down to the smallest detail, and every thought he had.

He knew very well how deeply the civil and military officials present misunderstood him, and he was even more aware that Pei Ji and others who had grudges against him were definitely trying to find flaws in his investigation in order to expose the true face they thought he was.

Therefore, to avoid future trouble, he spoke with unprecedented patience, even more in detail than when he analyzed the case at the Ministry of Justice and pointed out Kong Xiangshi.

In this way, it took him nearly half an hour to tell the truth of the case.

"The truth behind the Ma Qingfeng family massacre is just like this. The real culprit behind it is Kong Xiang, a scholar of the Imperial Academy. For the past two years, Your Majesty has actually been taking the blame for Kong Xiang."

Liu Shuyi finally finished speaking, his mouth dry.

After he finished speaking, the vast palace hall fell into a deathly silence.

Whether it was the censors of the Censorate, other officials, or even Pei Ji's faction who wanted to find fault, they were all shocked and remained silent for a long time.

The officials around Pei Ji couldn't help but look at him, wondering if he could find the flaws in Liu Shuyi's accusations against others.

They had racked their brains, analyzing every single word Liu Shuyi uttered, but they still couldn't find any problems.

Liu Shuyi has witnesses and physical evidence, his reasoning is logically connected, and Kong Xiang has already confessed... If it weren't for Pei Ji's previous words, they would really believe that Liu Shuyi has truly found out the truth, and is not framing Kong Xiang.

To their surprise, Pei Ji, who had been confident and composed and said he would make Liu Shuyi die without a burial place, seemed to have fallen silent.

They didn't even bother to find any flaws in Liu Shuyi's arguments, let alone utter a single word of objection.

Why didn't Pei Sikong say anything?
Could it be... that Liu Shuyi wasn't wronging Kong Xiang at all, and that Liu Shuyi really found out the truth!?

Is His Majesty truly not the person behind the scenes?

If that's the case, then no one can stop Liu Shuyi from making meritorious contributions!

The expressions of Pei Ji's group all changed drastically.

The other officials were equally shocked and shaken.

Unlike Pei Ji and others, who couldn't find any flaws in Liu Shuyi's case, they were more shocked by the fact that such a complex truth was hidden behind the Ma Qingfeng family massacre!
The learned scholar Kong Xiang, whom most of them knew, was actually so insidious and ruthless!
They were so deeply deceived by Kong Xiang!
Even such a cunning and treacherous man as Kong Xiang still lost to Liu Shuyi two years later...

They couldn't help but look at Liu Shuyi, marveling at his wisdom and investigative skills. At the same time, they realized that Liu Shuyi had cleared His Majesty's name and made such a great contribution; he would probably rise to great heights in the future...

The facts were just as they expected.

"it is good!"

After a moment of silence, Li Shimin suddenly exclaimed "Good!"

He looked at the young and handsome Liu Shuyi with eyes full of satisfaction and admiration, and said, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"

"Only one day and one night!"

"Two years ago, so many people from the Three Departments and Wannian County Government investigated the case for many days without any results. Minister Liu, you only took one day and one night to find out the truth and expose the deeply hidden mastermind!"

"The title of 'Detective God' is truly well-deserved!"

"Now you have not only solved the family annihilation case from two years ago and brought An Qingxi's accomplices to justice, but you have also cleared my name and let all the people of the world know that I have never done those heinous things."

"I believe that the former subordinates of the Prince of Xi in Hebei Province will also realize that they have misunderstood me, which will undoubtedly make Hebei Province more stable!"

"The merit and achievement of this case are so great that I believe no one else can match it in such a short time!"

"so……"

His eyes swept over the civil and military officials, and he said in a majestic voice, "I have decided to end the dispute over the position of Director and directly appoint Liu Shuyi as Director of the Ministry of Justice. I wonder if any of you ministers have any objections?"

He claimed to be asking his beloved ministers, but his gaze was fixed only on Pei Ji.

Pei Ji felt as if a mountain was pressing down on his back.
Cold sweat suddenly poured down his forehead, and he felt a chill run down his scalp.

How could he dare to refute it again?

The reason given for stopping Liu Shuyi was reasonable, as the ancestral laws could not be changed into an excuse.

Now, Liu Shuyi has really solved the case, and he has three credits for the case, each of which is incredibly powerful... Even Qian Wenqing, who has been supporting him with all his might, can't catch up with him, let alone anyone else.

Moreover, Liu Shuyi directly helped Li Shimin clear his name, which was a favor to Li Shimin. If I dared to obstruct Liu Shuyi again, wouldn't that be equivalent to offending His Majesty?
Even if he had a thousand times the courage, he wouldn't dare to openly challenge Li Shimin.

Therefore, even if he was unwilling, even if he knew that nodding would be tantamount to slapping himself in the face, he had no other choice.

The moment Liu Shuyi solved the case in a way that surprised him, everything was already out of his control.

He clenched his fist tightly in his sleeve, then let out a long breath and said in a deep voice, "Liu Yuanwailang has made enough contributions and should be promoted. Your Majesty is wise!"

Since he had already nodded, there was naturally no reason for anyone else to object.

Soon, the words "Your Majesty is wise" echoed continuously throughout the hall.

Li Shimin then withdrew his gaze and looked at Liu Shuyi again. The sternness on his face quickly turned into a gentle smile like a spring breeze, and he said, "Liu Shuyi, receive your appointment."

Liu Shuyi immediately bowed.

Li Shimin's voice was clear and resounding throughout the hall: "Liu Shuyi, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Justice, is discerning and insightful, making infallible judgments and solving numerous extraordinary cases, bringing peace to the people and upholding the law... Therefore, you are promoted to Director of the Ministry of Justice, effective immediately."

(End of this chapter)