The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 383

Minister of Works Duan Lun immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present."

Li Shimin felt extremely tired, and then said, "What do you have to report now, my dear minister? I would like to hear what you have to say."

Duan Lun immediately said, "Your Majesty, I sent people to the border to investigate and found that Prince Rui was withholding the wages of the Persian workers. These were not construction workers of our Great Tang Dynasty, but even so, this action is somewhat of a case of losing more than one gains."

If Your Majesty does not believe me, I can provide evidence. My messenger returned saying that Prince Rui did not pay according to the work done, but will only release the construction funds after the entire project is completed.

They really don't understand people's livelihood. Several foreign workers injured their legs as a result, but they couldn't get medical expenses or compensation. Instead, they had to use their own money to make ends meet.

Prince Rui, relying on the Emperor's favor, has no regard for the law; his actions are truly against the rules.

The other ministers did not reply, finding the Minister of Works utterly inexplicable and too lazy to pay him any attention.

Seeing that the high-ranking officials showed no concern, Li Shimin was quite pleased. He then leaned on the dragon throne and said, "My dear minister, no one is perfect. Perhaps Prince Rui has made a mistake, but you can't keep harping on it."

The Minister of Works, Duan Lun, changed his expression, and then heard Li Shimin say again: "I trust Prince Rui's character just as I trust you all."

Prince Rui opened the Hongwen Academy in Chang'an, but only charges three copper coins for tuition. How could such a person possibly embezzle funds for the project? Minister Duan, don't you agree?"

Duan Lun nodded: "Your Majesty is wise, but the west is in chaos right now. Prince Rui not only has to oversee the project, but also handle the affairs of Congling County. He is really overwhelmed."

I believe we should send someone else; otherwise, it would be too much of a burden for Master Xu to be alone on the frontier.”

Cheng Yaojin pulled Qin Qiong aside and said, "This old bastard finally said something sensible. He sent people to investigate Xu Tian before."

Now that they see there's no way to back down, they're saying Xu Tian worked hard, and then they legitimately put their own people in this lucrative position. They're really cunning.

Qin Qiong glanced at Cheng Yaojin, then turned his gaze to Yuchi Gong.

Yuchi Gong nodded and said, "You said that the three of us military officers live a meager monthly salary from the Emperor. Civil officials are really good at this."

"Following Prince Rui, even the meager allowance that Prince Rui makes through his fingers is enough for that old rascal to live comfortably for the rest of his life."

Qin Shubao said, "However, given the Emperor's favor towards Prince Rui, he will not allow anyone else to investigate Prince Rui. It would be pointless for him to say anything."

Sure enough, a look of hesitation appeared on the emperor's face. Duan Lun's face lit up with joy, and he said, "Your Majesty, it would be a waste for me to stay in Chang'an. I would like to go to the border to comfort Prince Rui and help him with some affairs so that he can have an easier time."

As Master Xu once said, "When the youth are strong, the nation is strong." I wholeheartedly agree and deeply admire Prince Rui's character.

As he spoke, Duan Lun knelt on the throne in the Golden Palace.

"Your subject requests permission to go to the Pamir Mountains."

Cheng Yaojin's eyes widened as he rushed forward, ready to kick him to death.

This old fellow went too far, actually volunteering himself. Yuchi Gong and Qin Qiong grabbed Cheng Yaojin from the left and right respectively.

"Old Chen, you need to calm down."

Yuchi Gong said helplessly, "That's right. Even though he went, the Emperor might not agree. Will the Emperor agree to let him stay by Xu Tian's side forever and never come back? Besides, Xu Tian is no pushover either."

Qin Shubao said helplessly, "Since you can't stand it, then when he comes back, you can go to the border. That way, you can be with Xu Tian, ​​whom you like."