Just as the war situation in Fuzhou in the east was becoming tense,

The powerful and influential people in the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty remained unmoved.

The Wu, Wang, and Li families were still engaged in a fierce power struggle in the imperial court.

Especially the Wu family, they don't care about anything now.

They're good for nothing, but they're number one at internal strife.

"Your Majesty, I wish to impeach Liang Xingye, the Minister of Justice, today."

Two officials, Fan Debiao and Dali Temple Ministers.

"Several months ago, I was ambushed in the streets and alleys of the capital."

To be beaten with a stick by a thug—such blatant violence!

This is already a blatant disregard for the law and a provocation against the imperial court's discipline!

However, Liang and Fan held the power of criminal justice and adjudication.

I have been tasked with thoroughly investigating this case for several months now.

However, they were still helpless, unable to locate the perpetrators.

They also failed to identify the mastermind behind it, instead using the excuse of "the case being too complicated" to evade responsibility.

The two held important judicial positions, yet they were merely occupying their posts without performing their duties.

Their incompetence in handling cases meant they couldn't even solve a murder case in the heart of the capital region.

How can we deter criminals and stabilize public sentiment?

We earnestly request the Empress Dowager to issue an edict dismissing the two men from their official posts.

"We must select another capable person to thoroughly investigate this case and bring justice to the Wu family!"

Sure enough, the court had barely begun when Wu Xiong'an, filled with righteous indignation, was the first to take action.

The key point is that he was the one who got beaten up.

Could his mood not be like that of an Angry Bird?

Wu Xiong'an had barely finished speaking when

Wang Chong immediately chimed in agreement.

His voice boomed: "Your Majesty, I second that proposal!"

Lord Wu bears the responsibility of overseeing all officials.

He was a pillar of the nation, yet he was assassinated in such a crucial location near the capital.

This fact is appalling!

The Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review were in charge of criminal cases.

Bearing the heavy responsibility of apprehending the criminal and redressing the injustice, several months have now passed.

The perpetrator remains at large, and the case is making no progress.

This cannot be simply dismissed as 'holding a position without doing any work'.

Wang Song, who was standing to the side, immediately chimed in, "Exactly!"

The capital region is under the emperor's nose, and its laws are strict.

Yet now, some people dare to openly commit violence and defy the law.

However, the two major judicial departments were helpless.

This is not only an insult to Lord Wu,

This is a blatant violation of the laws of our Great Xia Dynasty!

If Liang Xingye and Fan Debiao are not severely punished

Firstly, it would be difficult to appease Lord Wu; secondly, it would be difficult to deter the petty villains.

Thirdly, it will chill the hearts of the people!

We humbly request Your Majesty to make a wise judgment and punish this severely!

Seeing the expressions on the faces of the Wu and Wang families, Li Tingting, seated on the dragon throne,

If it weren't in front of everyone...

She would probably burst out laughing like a goose on the spot.

In fact, those who beat Wu Xiong'an with sticks

It refers to Li Qing and Li Rong.

Who told you to be so foul-mouthed? Li Qing, give my little devil a hug.

If you want to impeach him, my second and third aunts will give my little devil a hug.

They were impeached by you too. If those two brothers don't attack you, who will they attack?

Liang Xingye, the Minister of Justice, was a relative of my third aunt.

He's also a member of my Li family. You want me to deal with him? Heh heh!

is it possible?

As for Fan Debiao, he's my second uncle's protégé. You can tell me to deal with him.

Hehe, no way.

After the Wu and Wang families make their move, the Li family will definitely retaliate.

Li Zhong was the first to step forward. He bowed and said in a loud voice:

"Your Majesty, I am deeply indignant about the attack on Lord Wu."

However, this case occurred late at night on Kyungyang Street, when it was quiet and peaceful.

There was no corroboration from neighbors who heard the noise, nor were there any eyewitnesses from passersby.

No trace of the perpetrators was left at the scene.

Such a perplexing unsolved case, even for the Ministry of Justice,

Even with all its efforts, where does the Dali Temple begin its investigation?

We can't just fabricate a suspect out of thin air and harm innocent people, can we?

Before the words were even finished, Li Xiang also stepped forward to echo them:

"Prime Minister Li is absolutely right! Your Majesty, things are different now than in the previous dynasty."

There were no secret agents patrolling under curfew to keep watch at all times.

There is no method like the divine eye that can leave a trace.

This case has no witnesses, no physical evidence, and no leads.

It's a mystery with no leads, no answers, and no answers. It's like finding a needle in a haystack.

Even if it were a renowned minister from a previous dynasty, skilled in solving cases,

They're probably at a loss; how can they just accept that the case remains unsolved?

So you're going to criticize Minister Liang and Minister Fan for holding their positions without doing their jobs?

After Li Zhong and Li Xiang finished speaking, they looked at each other.

She bit her lip hard to stop herself from laughing out loud.

Hmph, you're joking. You want to mess with the Li family again? Don't even think about it.

Who is it, Wu Xiong'an, who has a foul mouth and impeached our son?

They even impeached our wives. If we don't take action against them, who should we take action against?

Li Qing and Li Rong mobilized the guards from the general's mansion on the night of the incident.

This matter certainly couldn't be kept from Li Zhong and Li Xiang.

Since Li Tingting joined the palace, all affairs within the General's Mansion have been handled by her.

The management rights were entirely in the hands of the Li family.

Fan Debiao, the Dali Temple Minister who was also impeached today, was puzzled.

What? What? You, Wu Xiong'an, were attacked with a black stick?

The people investigating and handling the case are from the Ministry of Justice.

What does this have to do with my Dali Temple? Why are you here to impeach me?

Therefore, Fan Debiao stepped forward without hesitation.

"Your Majesty, as everyone knows, the Ministry of Justice is in charge of all criminal cases and litigation in the realm."

Apprehending criminals and thieves is their duty;

My Dali Temple is in charge of reviewing criminal cases,

The redress of wrongful convictions is not achieved by yamen runners and constables chasing criminals on the streets.

The case of the attack on Lord Wu was investigated and handled entirely under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice.

Your humble servant, from the Court of Judicial Review, was merely acting on imperial orders to assist in the investigation of case files.

Now I am being implicated in this matter; I am truly wronged!

Li Tingting suppressed the smile in her eyes, her voice neither loud nor soft.

"quiet."

Her fingertips tapped lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne.

His gaze first swept over Wu Xiong'an, whose face was full of indignation, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger:

"I am naturally both heartbroken and furious that Lord Wu was attacked."

Such a heinous crime in the heart of the capital region is a disgrace to our Great Xia.

"Hmph! This matter absolutely cannot be left unresolved."

Wu Xiong'an was about to respond when she suddenly changed the subject.

Looking at the Li family members who were standing bowing,

"But what Prime Minister Li and Minister Li said was also very reasonable."

The case occurred late at night, with no witnesses, no physical evidence, and no leads.

The so-called "three unsolved cases" are not an exaggeration.

Throughout history, judging cases has always required evidence.

We can't let Lord Wu's anger get the better of us.

"Wouldn't that mean the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review would convict someone out of thin air, implicating innocent people?"

After saying that, she looked at Fan Debiao, whose face was full of frustration.

His tone became more impartial: "What Minister Fan said is absolutely right."

The Court of Judicial Review is in charge of reviewing and overturning wrongful convictions; it is not responsible for apprehending criminals or thieves.

Lord Wu attributed the blame for this case to the Court of Judicial Review.

This constitutes a misunderstanding of responsibilities and authority, and such actions are inappropriate.

Wu Xiong'an's face flushed red, and he was about to argue when Li Tingting raised her hand to stop him.

She glanced around at everyone, her voice suddenly gaining strength:

"A hundred miles of coastline in the eastern part of Fuzhou"

An army of 150,000 from the Eastern Kingdom has been assembled, intending to invade the territory of our Great Xia.

Food supplies, military provisions, and troop deployment.

Every single one of these matters is a major event concerning the fate of the nation.

Officials of the court should unite as one to overcome this difficult time.

Instead of wasting energy arguing endlessly over an unsolved case.

After a pause, Li Tingting spoke again, her voice firm and resolute.

"I have already made a decision on this matter."

He ordered Liang Xingye to immediately order him to send more men.

Within three months, you must investigate every clue in the case of the attack on Lord Wu.

Fan Debiao need not take any responsibility; he can focus on managing the important affairs of the Dali Temple.

As for Lord Wu, considering that you were attacked and humiliated...

"I will bestow upon you precious medicinal herbs to nourish your body; this matter will end here for now."

After speaking, she glanced at Wu Xiong'an, whose face was ashen.

Wang Chong, Wang Song, and Wu Lixin,

She then added casually, "You are all pillars of the Great Xia Dynasty."

One should know that the importance of the nation outweighs personal grudges.

If anyone again uses personal grudges to disrupt the court, don't blame me for not showing any mercy.

Having said that, she rose and flicked her sleeve, saying, "Court adjourned."

The eunuch beside the dragon throne announced in a shrill voice, "Court adjourned—"

"Long live the Empress Dowager!"

When the court was about to adjourn, some officials were happy while others were angry.

Before the echoes of the court's closing bell had even faded, the Li family members were the first to leave the main hall.

Their footsteps were exceptionally light as they trod on the gold-brick floor.

It even carried a hint of jubilant rhythm, an excitement that couldn't be hidden.

They were just like children who stayed up late on New Year's Eve, eagerly awaiting the start of the feast.

Upon reaching the outside of the hall, a lively and impetuous young man from the crowd rushed to the front.

He spread his arms to block the crowd behind him, his voice so loud it could penetrate the palace walls:

"Colleagues, hold on! Come to my residence tonight."

I've decided to throw a dog-killing feast for everyone; we won't leave until we're completely drunk!

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into hearty laughter.

Yes, celebrate! We must celebrate! We won the fight today!

We definitely need to celebrate properly.

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