A few days later, Long Rui’s illness gradually improved. He still rembered the matter of the Pri Minister, so as soon as he felt slightly better, he imdiately sent soone to the Court of Judicial Review to inquire about the case.
In charge of the Court of Judicial Review was Lord Liu, the Chief of the Six Ministries, a man of straightforward nature who feared no power or influence. He focused only on justice. As long as soone broke the law, once in his hands, he treated imperial kinsn and commoners alike with no distinction between noble and lowly, only between lawful and unlawful.
Back then, Lord Liu’s rise to this position was solely due to Long Rui’s recomndations. Despite the Emperor’s displeasure with him, he couldn’t afford to fall out with the War Prince and had no choice but to acquiesce.
The War Prince personally sent soone to inquire about the case. Lord Liu dared not slack and, after explaining the case in detail to the ssenger, was still uneasy. In the end, he took a carriage to the War Prince’s Mansion to report in person.
War Prince’s Mansion, study.
Grateful for the War Prince’s discerning acknowledgnt in the past, Lord Liu showed concern upon seeing the Prince looking sickly, seated on a Taishi Chair, and asked, "Prince, are you feeling better?"
"Hmm, still manageable."
"Your Excellency, your complexion looks terrible. Rest for a few more days. Don’t worry too much. The matter of the Pri Minister, your subordinate will handle it appropriately for you."
"Hmm, that’s very good! But, how does Lord Liu intend to deal with the Pri Minister?"
Lord Liu replied, "Prince, what are your thoughts?"
Long Rui glanced at him and said, "Isn’t it you managing the Court of Judicial Review? Does it matter what I say?"
"Your subordinate listens respectfully to the Prince’s advice."
"Isn’t Lord Liu always known for fairness and strictness? What? Making an exception for today?"
With a solemn face, Lord Liu said, "The Pri Minister plotted against an official of the court, a heinous cri. He deserves to be executed publicly. Your subordinate asked for the Prince’s suggestions rely as a reference. It has nothing to do with fairness and strictness."
"Hmm, your mouth is quite eloquent."
"The Prince overpraises."
"No need for flattery, just say it. How do you plan to deal with the Pri Minister?"
"Your Excellency, concerning the Pri Minister, there are two penalties considered, and I am hesitant. Why not let voice them for the Prince to consider?"
"Fine, Lord Liu, please speak freely."
"The first is plotting against a court official, punishable by extre penalties."
"Hmm, good, what’s the other?"
"The second is to exile the Pri Minister to the frontier, demoting him to a commoner, never to return to the Capital to hold office. Prince, what do you think?"
Long Rui shook his head, saying, "No, the second one is too lenient."
"Prince, do you think the first option is viable?"
"Hmm, yes!"
"Then let it be the first option!"
"Yes, your subordinate obeys."
"Lord Liu, you must think carefully. If the Pri Minister dies in your hands, the Empress will certainly not let you off."
"Since your subordinate occupies this position, I’m not afraid of offending people."
"Good, I didn’t misjudge you back then. Lord Liu is indeed a man capable of great deeds."
"Thank you, Prince, for your praise."
Lord Liu departed not long after.
The news of his visit to the Prince’s Mansion quickly reached the Imperial Palace.
The Emperor, upon hearing this news, wore a somber expression. When Lord Liu first took charge of the Court of Judicial Review, he had opposed it. Later, considering Long Rui’s involvent, he dropped the matter.
The position at the Court of Judicial Review was significant, with the authority to manage all cases in Moli Country, including those of the imperial kinsn.
The Emperor never expected that due to his montary oversight, it would give Long Rui’s people a chance. In his heart, he had long regarded Lord Liu and Long Rui as being in the sa camp.
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