The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 356

"The two gentlemen have different opinions. I don't know why the Minister of Works suddenly impeached Prince Rui. If something has happened to Prince Rui, we would know."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"That's right!"

In their eyes, Xu Tian had done nothing wrong, and ever since he went to oversee the chain of academies, not to mention the women in the capital, the literati and scholars admired him so much that no one dared to criticize him.

Now that Duan Lun has suddenly appeared, everyone is quite curious, and the court has quieted down.

"Your Majesty, although Xu Tian appears to be loyal to the emperor and patriotic, he is actually a cunning and manipulative scoundrel who is corrupt and lawless."

Your Majesty, I truly cannot bear to see this man continue to deceive Your Majesty, leading you into injustice and plunging the nation into peril.

Duan Lun changed the subject abruptly and then knelt before Li Shimin.

"We beg Your Majesty to severely punish Xu Tian!"

Li Er was somewhat helpless, and then said, "I have always trusted your character, my dear minister. I also believe that you would not make trouble out of nothing or fabricate rumors."

"But I also trust Xu Aiqing. Since you can't produce any evidence, it's simply unreasonable for me to order the punishment of Prince Rui."

The court officials below immediately began to discuss the matter, which was exactly the result Duan Lun wanted.

Duan Lun was the first to stand up.

Having served in the court for many years, Eunuch Kou immediately understood Duan Lun's meaning and quickly walked away.

Duan Jun carefully pulled a memorial from his sleeve. The Emperor opened it and glanced at it, reading it very carefully from beginning to end. A look of triumph flashed in Duan Jun's eyes.

Such small pieces of evidence would not affect Xu Tian at all, but if a seed of doubt could be planted in the Emperor's mind, then when that seed slowly sprouts and grows into a giant tree, it would be Xu Tian's death day.

He Xu Tian will be pulled down from his pedestal, and at that time, he will be like a tiger fallen into the plains, bullied by dogs.

The officials in the court are like the beasts in the forest, including tigers, lions, and venomous snakes lurking in the shadows. At that time, Xu Tian will probably be reduced to ashes and completely disappear from the court.

“Your Majesty, this is evidence that I have found after going through countless hardships! Prince Rui built a chain of academies on the frontier, buying the cheapest materials for two taels of silver, but recorded two taels of gold in the ledger. In this way, he embezzled a total of ten thousand taels.”

Upon hearing this, the officials in the court couldn't help but relax, wondering if the Minister of Works had gone mad.

In the Emperor's eyes, embezzling ten thousand taels of silver was not a big deal.

A minister standing nearby said, "Don't underestimate this ten thousand taels of silver. This is a flaw in Grand Tutor Xu's character. If one's conduct is not upright, how can one be an official?"

The Emperor's high regard for Grand Tutor Xu must stem from his appreciation of his character, wisdom, and strategic acumen. But how can someone with questionable character be worthy of the Emperor's trust and responsibility?

"What the old prime minister said is absolutely right. We have learned a lot."

Li Shimin's face was like a storm brewing, with dark clouds sweeping across the sky. At this moment, his thunderous rage and imperial might erupted.

Eunuch Kou thought to himself that Xu Tian was, after all, someone close to the Emperor and could be considered the Emperor's alter ego. But now, such a trivial matter was being brought up in public, which not only embarrassed the Emperor, but it was also inappropriate to report such a small matter to the Emperor.

Duan Lun, clearly not one to make a fuss, knelt down again.

"Your Majesty, what I am reporting today concerns the recent siege of the Pamir Mountains by the Western Turkic Khaganate, led by the Khan of the Jili Khanate. Is Your Majesty aware of this...?"

Li Shimin was utterly astonished. The Western Turks, led by Jili, had launched an attack. Why hadn't he received the news?