novelAbuy Chapter 10: Turbulence Begins, Guliang Confucian Scholars Force the Emperor to Reign in Bowang Garde
Chapter 10: Turbulence Begins, Guliang Confucian Scholars Force the Emperor to Reign in Bowang Garde
News of what happened at Ganquan Palace quickly spread throughout Chang'an, causing an uproar.
The usually gentle and refined Crown Prince Liu Ju actually killed the emperor's trusted confidant, the most famous Imperial Censor Jiang Chong.
The Embroidered-Robe Censor was temporarily dispatched by the emperor and only obeyed the emperor's orders. He could act on behalf of the emperor and was always feared by the people and officials.
Another piece of news that followed completely ignited the capital of the Han Empire: Crown Prince Liu Ju ordered the execution of his retainer Shen Yu by beating. Legalist scholars exclaimed that the Crown Prince was acting in accordance with the law and was a model of Legalist governance. People were restless and there was much discussion.
.................
The Crown Prince's Palace, Bowang Garden.
A group of Confucian scholars from the Guliang School gathered in front of the hall to express their indignation at Shen Yu's death.
"Your Highness."
"What crime did Shen Yu commit? He doesn't deserve to die!"
"Your Highness, please carefully consider and rectify the name beforehand!"
In an instant, the crowd was filled with indignation, their emotions surging and turbulent.
The Crown Prince's attendants Shi De, Wu Qie, Rong Guang, Hao Xing Gong, and Wei Xian stared intently at Liu Ju, hoping he would give an answer.
"I executed Jiang Chong for the crime of usurpation, which is in accordance with the established rites."
"Be careful not to drive carriages and horses on the imperial road without authorization, as this would violate the laws of the Han Dynasty."
"Do you all believe this punishment is inappropriate?"
Liu Ju was dressed in a black brocade robe with gold trim, his long black hair tied up with a small white jade crown, and he was as gentle as ever.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Rong Guang boldly stated: "The tyrannical Qin dynasty was ruthless because of its oppressive rule of law."
"Since the time of Emperor Gaozu, our dynasty has adopted the teachings of Huang-Lao. Several generations of emperors have been quiet and frugal, and have simplified administration and non-interference, which has allowed the people to recuperate and thrive. This is why we have the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, which have benefited all people. This is benevolent and virtuous governance."
"Your Majesty employs cruel officials and uses harsh punishments, which are as fierce as tigers. This has caused widespread resentment among the people. He also favors the Gongyang School of Politics, engages in endless wars, and has led to the depletion of the nation's strength."
"A ruler should be lenient in punishment and simple in administration, so as to treat all people well."
"The crime of being overly cautious does not warrant such a severe punishment!"
"good!!!"
The Guliang School Confucian scholars present echoed this sentiment.
"hehe!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Ju smiled and glanced at everyone present.
The Guliang School focuses on studying and interpreting the "Guliang Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals," emphasizing rites, music, education, and patriarchal ethics. It advocates "valuing righteousness over favors, believing in the Way over evil," and stresses "respecting the king without limiting him," advocating benevolent governance.
When it came to him, killing Jiang Chong was in accordance with the principle of honoring the emperor, while beating Shen Yu to death would violate the principle of leniency. This was not a blatant double standard.
To emphasize ritual and music while neglecting the rule of law, and to place all hope in people's moral character, is nothing short of wishful thinking!
The key reason why the former crown prince Liu Ju abandoned the Gongyang School and favored the Guliang School was that the Guliang School's political proposition of "leniency in punishment and simplification of administration" aligned with his interests, while the Gongyang School's "unification" and "great revenge" had already plunged the Han Empire into an unsustainable predicament.
But at this moment, whether it is the Guliang School or the Gongyang School, they are ultimately schools of thought established by humans, and humans will have selfish motives.
"What I have done today is without fault, and I have no regrets."
What?
The entire hall erupted in commotion. The Confucian scholars of the Guliang School never expected the Crown Prince to say such a thing. Was this still the wise and virtuous Crown Prince?
"Your Highness!"
Shi De, Wu Qie, and others were even more astonished.
I have often heard it said: those who walk different paths cannot make plans together.
"Our connection ends here today."
"Your Highness, why have you gone to such lengths!"
Rong Guang was suddenly speechless.
"Your Highness, you mustn't!"
Haoxing Gong and Wei Xian's expressions changed drastically.
All three of them were students of Jiang Gong. Crown Prince Liu Ju studied the Guliang Commentary under Jiang Gong, which is why there were so many Guliang School Confucian scholars in Bowang Garden, making it almost a monopoly.
But if even Crown Prince Liu Ju abandons them, what hope does the Guliang School have left in the Han Dynasty?
"Your Highness, please rescind your order!"
A group of Confucian scholars from the Guliang School stepped forward in unison, their eyes fixed intently on Crown Prince Liu Ju.
"How dare you!"
Upon seeing this, Crown Prince's guests Zhang He and Zhang Guang both revealed expressions of anger.
The Crown Prince's retainers, Shi De and Wu Qie, could no longer stand firm; this was a coup attempt.
"Okay! Okay."
Liu Ju's face darkened, and he raised his right hand high, ordering, "Someone come here."
"Your Highness the Crown Prince."
He was a servant by birth.
"Go to Weiyang Palace and tell the Grand Chamberlain."
"Just as I said, have the Commandant of Chang Le Guards lead three hundred guards here."
"not good!"
Zhang He saw the fleeting cold glint in Liu Ju's eyes and couldn't help but think of yesterday, causing him to shudder suddenly.
"promise."
Without a word, the attendant obeyed and left.
"Zhang He".
"Your Highness."
Upon hearing the sound, Zhang He moved and waited respectfully for orders.
"Go and fetch the Court of Justice."
After giving Zhang He a deep look, Liu Ju gave another instruction.
"promise."
Zhang He understood immediately and quickly left Bowangyuan.
"This is...."
Shi De and Wu Qie exchanged a glance, a sense of foreboding creeping into their hearts.
The Minister of Justice, ranked among the Nine Ministers, is the head of the highest judicial body in the central government of the empire. He is in charge of criminal cases, compiles the number of cases adjudicated nationwide, and is in charge of matters related to imperial prisons and the revision of laws and regulations. Why invite him to the Crown Prince's Palace?
"When I was young, I studied the Guliang Commentary under Master Jiang."
"Jiang Gong was well-versed in both the Lu Poetry and the Guliang Spring and Autumn Annals. He transmitted his knowledge of both classics in their entirety and was appointed a Doctor by his father, the emperor."
"Afterwards, he was defeated by Dong Zhongshu in a debate on the classics, so he resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown of Xiaqiu to set up a school and teach students."
"All of you present here have taught at Xiaqiu and are fellow students with me."
Looking down at everyone, Liu Ju spoke as if reciting a familiar story.
'???'
Rong Guang, Hao Xinggong, Wei Xian, and other Confucian scholars of the Guliang School did not understand its meaning.
"Since my youth, I have admired the ancient sage kings, and my lifelong wish is to recreate the era of the Duke of Zhou's rule."
"Therefore, we should learn from Guliang and value our positions."
"Your Highness!"
These words moved everyone present.
"However, the rising and setting of the sun and moon is a natural law that remains unchanged throughout the ages, while worldly affairs and people's hearts are subject to change."
"I would like to ask you all today: do you still remember your original intentions when you entered the Crown Prince's Palace?"
『...............』
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell into a deathly silence.
.................
Weiyang Palace, Jiaofang Hall.
"Your Majesty the Empress."
When Grand Chamberlain Wei Yong heard the message from the Crown Prince's attendant, he rushed inside to report.
"What brings you here, Grand Chamberlain?"
Wearing a phoenix crown and a phoenix robe, Wei Zifu exuded the dignified elegance and noble grace of a mother of the nation with every gesture and movement.
"His Highness the Crown Prince sent someone to report that he wants the Commandant of Chang Le Guards to transfer three hundred guards to Bowang Garden to await orders."
"According to my son."
Wei Zifu's brows furrowed slightly, like ripples on spring water, her beauty breathtaking.
"Your Majesty."
"With rumors circulating outside, things must be quite unsettled inside the Crown Prince's palace as well."
"His Highness the Crown Prince would probably not have resorted to such a desperate measure if he had not been forced to do so."
Grand Chamberlain Wei Yong lowered his head and said softly.
"I understand."
"Go there yourself and inform the Commandant of Chang Le."
A strange light flashed in Wei Zifu's eyes, and her voice was like a melodious ancient tune, gentle yet solemn.
The empress of the Han Dynasty could rule as regent, directly issue edicts to handle state affairs, possess independent fiefdoms, and control the taxes of about 40 counties across the country. She also held a certain degree of military power, and the Commandant of the Chang Le Guard was directly under her command.
"promise."
Wei Yong responded and left Jiaofang Palace, heading towards Changle Palace.
Before long, the Commandant of Chang Le Palace personally dispatched three hundred guards from Chang Le Palace to Bo Wang Garden.