This made Li Shimin anxious, and he wanted to trade one for one with me.

Empress Zhangsun was stunned after hearing the news brought back by Wen Yanbo.

Cheng Jun was actually whipping Changsun Wuji in the Ganlu Hall?

"Wait, I'm a little confused..."

Empress Zhangsun held her forehead, feeling like her brain was about to explode. "When Cheng Jun went to His Majesty to impeach his elder brother, His Majesty, given his personality, would definitely have favored his elder brother over Cheng Jun. That's a matter of favoritism. But why, in the end, did His Majesty not only not favor his elder brother, but also allow Cheng Jun to whip him?"

After she finished speaking, she glanced at Wen Yanbo.

"Even I, your humble servant, cannot figure this out."

Wen Yanbo pondered for a moment and said, "However, this old minister saw it very clearly. When Cheng Jun whipped Minister Changsun, the whip in his hand was dipped in water."

"..."

His Majesty actually allowed Cheng Jun to dip his whip in water; how much must he hate his brother?

"What's the matter?"

Empress Zhangsun was confused.

Wen Yanbo also looked bewildered, but one thing was clear: His Majesty had not shown favoritism towards Changsun Wuji.

But if that's the case, there's a problem.

In Du Jingjian's case, Changsun Wuji acted in accordance with the law, and there was not a single problem to be found; it was impeccable.

Even if Cheng Jun found the problem, His Majesty would not issue an edict to whip Changsun Wuji; Cheng Jun would have to do it himself.

Wen Yanbo pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister believes it must be related to His Majesty's ability to distinguish right from wrong."

Empress Zhangsun thought about it and realized that this was indeed the only explanation. Of course, this explanation was also far-fetched, but apart from this, there was really no other explanation for why Zhangsun Wuji was beaten by Cheng Jun.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Empress Zhangsun sighed and turned to the palace maid, saying, "Bring me my ceremonial robe."

The empress's clothes consisted of three types: the yiyi, the juyi, and the dianchai liyi.

The ceremonial robe with hairpins and ornaments was worn when entertaining guests.

The Juyi, whose color resembles that of newly sprouted mulberry leaves, is also known as the Huangsangfu (yellow mulberry robe) and is worn in spring.

The robe was adorned with twelve flower-shaped ornaments, and the hair was styled into two thick buns. The robe was a deep blue color and was worn during important occasions such as court assemblies.

Also known as formal attire, it is worn only on the most formal occasions.

As expected of a wise empress... Wen Yanbo was shocked. Back then, when Wei Zheng dared to speak out against the emperor, the emperor was so angry that he returned to the palace and cursed Wei Zheng, wanting to kill him. It was the empress who wore a grand dress and declared that a country needs upright ministers to have a wise ruler, thus supporting Wei Zheng and calming the emperor down.

Now Her Majesty the Empress is wearing her formal attire once again.

Last time, it was to support Wei Zheng.

This time, I'm going to support Cheng Jun.

Her outfit was a statement of her attitude; it wasn't just for the Emperor's benefit, but also intended for Changsun Wuji, to tell him not to cause any more trouble for Cheng Jun, or else he would be going against her.

Wen Yanbo cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister will return to the Censorate now."

"Go."

Empress Zhangsun waved her hand, "I will take care of this matter. Go back and wait for news."

"Old minister, please retire."

After Wen Yanbo left, Empress Zhangsun changed into a ceremonial robe, sat in front of a bronze mirror, and watched as the palace maid beside her combed her hair into two sideburns.

…………

Ganlu Temple.

The battle should be over by now... Li Shimin timed it perfectly. He stopped outside the hall, listened carefully to make sure there was no sound inside, and then went in with peace of mind.

Upon entering the main hall and seeing the scene inside, Li Shimin was taken aback.

There were three people inside the hall at this time.

Changsun Wuji sat cross-legged on a soft cushion, his face pale and his back hunched, as Zhang Anan applied medicinal powder to treat his external injuries.

Cheng Jun bent over and washed the whip in a bucket of water.

Li Shimin glanced at the wooden bucket, his pupils dilating in shock. He asked incredulously, "Minister Cheng, when you beat Changsun Wuji, did you dip the whip in water?"

Cheng Jun turned around and saw him walking over. He nodded and said, "I was afraid the whip wasn't clean, so I washed it beforehand."

"Who are you trying to fool...?" Li Shimin retorted angrily, his anger rising. "Do you know that a whip dipped in water hurts more when it's whipped?"

Cheng Jun was taken aback. "Really? I didn't know."

"You don't know this basic common sense? I don't believe it!"

Cheng Jun spread his hands innocently and said, "Your Majesty, this is the first time I've ever used a whip to strike someone. I have no experience. Besides, Your Majesty didn't say that I couldn't dip the whip in water."

Li Shimin glared at him and said, "I didn't say it was okay!"

Cheng Jun patiently explained, "Her Majesty the Empress said that anything not prohibited by law is permissible, and His Majesty's words are law; if he didn't say it, it's equivalent to permission..."

"Alright, alright, stop talking!"

Li Shimin, his voice trembling with emotion, waved his sleeve, interrupting him. He knew that if he listened to him any longer, he'd be driven mad with anger. He glared at him and said, "Now you've vented your anger too..."

"Your Majesty, I am not venting my anger; I am acting on imperial orders."

Cheng Jun corrected him, saying that he should always be wary of being tricked by Li Shimin, and insist that the attack on Changsun Wuji had nothing to do with him. In this way, even if the matter was investigated later, it would not be attributed to him.

Li Shimin paused, fully aware of Cheng Jun's thoughts, but pretended not to hear, and said with a stern face, "Now that you've finished beating me, shouldn't you tell me your solution?"

Cheng Jun pondered for a moment and said, "When I was carrying out the punishment as ordered, I actually thought of a way."

"any solution?"

Li Shimin asked.

Changsun Wuji also pricked up his ears and looked at Cheng Jun.

Cheng Jun noticed the gaze directed at Changsun Wuji, thought for a moment, then raised his finger and pointed at the other man, saying, "Your Majesty, please let Minister Changsun leave first."

Changsun Wuji widened his eyes and said, "I am the Minister of Personnel, why can't I even sit in on the proceedings?"

Cheng Jun glanced at him sideways, then looked at Li Shimin.

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "Minister Cheng has something to report in secret. You two go out and apply the medicine."

Zhang Anan immediately helped Changsun Wuji up and said gently, "Minister Changsun, His Majesty has issued an edict. Let's go out."

Changsun Wuji forced a smile, then forced himself to endure the pain in his back and got up to leave.

In an instant, only Li Shimin and his minister Cheng Jun remained in the Ganlu Hall.

The three cushions hadn't been removed yet. Li Shimin sat down first on the middle cushion, waving for Cheng Jun to sit down as well. After Cheng Jun sat opposite him, he asked:

"There are only the two of us here. Now, can you tell me? What is your plan to get me to abolish the government office and the money-collecting clerk, while also preventing me from issuing an edict of self-reproach and ensuring that Changsun Wuji is not held responsible?"

Cheng Jun sat up straight and solemnly said, "My solution is to temporarily stop paying the monthly salary."

Monthly salaries will continue to be paid temporarily...

Li Shimin frowned, but did not refute, waiting for Cheng Jun to finish speaking.

Cheng Jun continued, “I have suggested that this system is harmful, but Your Majesty heeded my advice and decided to abolish it. I admire Your Majesty. However, the monthly salary is not harmful and can continue to be implemented without stopping it.”

"This is how to retain benefits and eliminate harm. When the people learn that they will no longer be forced to borrow and repay money by the officials in charge of seizing money, they will surely praise Your Majesty's benevolence. At the same time, since your monthly salary has not been suspended, the officials will also be grateful for Your Majesty's great kindness and be sincerely convinced."

"In this way, Your Majesty not only abolishes the public office capital and the money-collecting clerk, but also avoids issuing an edict of self-reproach. At the same time, since the court, the people, and the officials all benefit, Minister Changsun will naturally not have to bear any responsibility. This is my method that achieves the best of all three."

Li Shimin stared at him, his face showing no joy, but instead hardening with a stern expression, and said:

"That's it?"

…………

Bonus chapter.