The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 90 Please, Your Highness, punish me!

The following day, a large number of officials stood outside the Fengtian Hall, all waiting for the court meeting to begin.

Li Shanchang's expression was solemn. He was usually as steady as a mountain, but at this moment, you could not tell from his face that he had been discussing Qian Yongqin's matter in his own residence yesterday.

"Prime Minister Li, in my opinion, Lord Hu's plan is still too dangerous."

Dong Lun stood beside Li Shanchang and spoke in a deep voice,

Since expressing his views yesterday, Li Shanchang has become even more convinced of the young man's talent and has begun to cherish his talent.

In the future, we might have to let this person gain experience in the Six Ministries before entering the Secretariat.

After retiring from the court, Hu Weiyong avoided the embarrassing situation of being "unable to support the whole army alone".

“Dong Lun, you are still young and talented in government affairs and official documents, but you are still a little lacking in the experience of court politics.”

Li Shanchang's eyes showed some satisfaction as he slowly said, "In this respect, Hu Weiyong is much more mature and prudent than you!"

"In the imperial court, sometimes taking a step back is to take two or even three steps forward,"

"You must carefully grasp the nuances of advancing and retreating!"

Do you understand?

He truly put his heart into teaching Dong Lun the magic arts used in the imperial court.

Upon hearing this, Dong Lun was deeply moved.

He and Li Shanchang had no formal master-disciple relationship, but this Prime Minister Li was willing to tell him these things so openly, which clearly indicated that he had already included him in his mind as his successor.

"Your humble servant thanks Prime Minister Li!"

"This humble official will certainly keep a close eye on Prime Minister Li in court and take him as a role model! If this humble official achieves anything in the future, it will all be thanks to Prime Minister Li's guidance!"

These words were spoken with utmost sincerity and emotion.

Li Shanchang stroked his beard with satisfaction, his eyes fixed on the Fengtian Hall.

A majestic palace symbolizes power.

But when it comes to power, the Grand Chancellor of the Ming Dynasty, who was the head of all officials, was no less powerful.
Liu Bowen's face remained troubled, and Han Yike said anxiously, "Lord Liu, Li Shanchang looks so smug; he must have already prepared a response."

"Qian Yongqin has been using empty seals to waste public funds and has also engaged in deception. I am worried that Li Shanchang will sacrifice the pawn to save the king."

"Once this money is used to execute Qin Man and his entire family, and this matter is closed, it will be difficult to catch that old fox again!"

Unexpectedly, Liu Bowen shook his head, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with these words of loyalty.

"Han Yike, Qian Yongqin's entire family has been executed, it's already an irreversible situation."

"Moreover, our Emperor will not let this matter rest."

“I know, and Li Shanchang knows too.”

"My only concern is what our Crown Prince will do."

Han Yike was slightly taken aback, somewhat confused about her superior's meaning: "Please enlighten me, Lord Liu."

Liu Bowen let out a soft breath and looked at the Fengtian Hall, saying, "I have worked with Li Shanchang for many years. Regardless of what happened, Qian Yongqin is at least representing the Qian family to come and join Li Shanchang, which means he represents the gentry of the South."

"His Highness will not let this go easily, and Li Shanchang will not sit idly by and wait for his doom. Let's see how they counter each other in court today."

Although his words were stated clearly, they seemed to have left the matter unresolved.

Han Yike understood a little, but she just couldn't understand why Qian Yongqin wasn't enough for His Highness the Crown Prince to kill.

And would Li Shanchang really be so terrified that he would then make a move in the imperial court?
"All officials, enter the hall!"

Just then, the proclamation sounded.

The gates of Fengtian Hall slowly opened, and Yu Huatian stood at the entrance.

Li Shanchang and Xu Da were the first to step into the Fengtian Hall, followed by civil and military officials.

Hu Weiyong gestured to the officials behind him, indicating that they should remain composed.

"Gentlemen, yesterday the Secretariat submitted a memorial to His Majesty proposing the execution of Qian Yongqin's entire clan, and the reply arrived this morning." "His Majesty has approved this matter."

"By imperial decree, the Secretariat shall conduct a self-investigation into this matter, and all officials, whether from the Six Ministries or local authorities, shall be thoroughly investigated to verify any instances of using blank seals!"

On the high platform, Zhu Xiong Ying did not rush to summon the officials to present their reports. Instead, he took a bright yellow imperial edict in his hand and read out the gist of Zhu Yuanzhang's decree.

This statement was not unexpected.

However, some officials with guilty consciences were still so frightened that they broke out in a cold sweat.

The Central Secretariat will likely conduct its own investigation and provide some protection, but many people will probably still suffer.

"My lord, take the order!"

"Starting today, the Secretariat will begin by reviewing the files and conducting interviews with the Six Ministries to thoroughly investigate the matter of the blank seal."

Li Shanchang directly expressed his opinion.

At the crucial moment when His Majesty Hongwu had specially sent an imperial edict, he could not possibly utter a word of reluctance.

"With Prime Minister Li around, it is truly a blessing for our Great Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes flashed slightly, and he spoke with a faint smile.

Lan Yu smiled.

This Crown Prince's mouth is truly unforgiving. He even dared to make sarcastic remarks about Li Shanchang. Only this old fox could withstand it. If it were someone with a thin skin, they would have been so angry that they would have vomited blood in the middle of the night!

"Your Highness is too kind!"

Li Shanchang said calmly, unmoved by Zhu Xiong Ying's sarcasm.

If the imperial court can be defeated by words, it is destined not to go far.

Those in high positions must endure such words.

"Let's begin the court meeting."

"What important matters do you gentlemen have to report today?"

Zhu Xiong Ying adjusted his robes, sat down, and spoke calmly.

With these words, all the civil and military officials turned their gazes toward Li Shanchang, the Left Chancellor of the Secretariat!
Now, Li Shanchang is undoubtedly the focus of attention within the Fengtian Hall.

The Prime Minister slowly stepped out from the ranks of officials, stood in the center of the Fengtian Hall, and spoke in a loud voice:
"Your Highness, I have important matters to report!"

Zhu Xiong Ying said calmly, "Speak."

A slight look of shame appeared on Li Shanchang's face, and then he bowed to Zhu Xiong Ying on the high platform.

Before saying anything, bow first.

This action startled all the officials, who were somewhat puzzled as to what the prime minister meant.

Xu Da, on the other hand, looked thoughtful.

Something unusual must be going on. Li Shanchang is not a kind-hearted person.

Now that the Crown Prince Zhu Xiong Ying has killed Qian Yongqin, it's a minor matter. But by completely wiping out the Qian family, the gentry of Jiangsu has suffered a severe blow, and it may even jeopardize the trust that the entire southern gentry have in Li Shanchang.

If Li Shanchang fails to take any action to deal with this situation, it would greatly disappoint his followers.

Xu Da became highly vigilant, even frowning as he pondered whether, as the Grand General, he should intervene in matters of civil and political affairs should the situation truly escalate if such an attack were to occur.

Unexpectedly,

Just as everyone was in shock, Li Shanchang raised his eyes, looked at Zhu Xiong Ying on the high platform, and spoke with sorrow:
"Your Highness, Qian Yongqin has been negligent in his duties, deceiving his superiors. The Secretariat failed to investigate, which is a grave mistake!"

"Your Majesty may not speak, but I dare not remain ignorant!"

"Please, Your Highness, punish me!"

(End of this chapter)