allonlinenovel Chapter 156 Li Xiucai
Chapter 156 Li Xiucai
Minister Lu did not dare to attend court these past two days. When he did, many people slandered him, and even the emperor disliked him a little.
He sat in the study, his face as gloomy as water, and the teacup trembled slightly, revealing his inner uneasiness.
On the third day, at dawn, the civil and military officials lined up on both sides of the court.
The emperor sat on the dragon throne with a serious look on his face. His eyes swept across the court and finally fell on the seat of Lu Shangshu. Lu Shangshu had no choice but to bite the bullet and step into the court.
"Your Majesty, Minister Lu has arrived." The eunuch chief's shrill voice echoed in the court.
The emperor nodded slightly and said calmly: "Minister Lu, do you admit your guilt?"
Minister Lu knelt down hastily, his forehead touching the ground: "Your Majesty...Your Majesty acknowledges your guilt."
The emperor sneered: "Know your crime? Do you know what crime you have committed?"
Minister Lu's forehead was covered with sweat, and he said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty...Your Majesty does not know."
The emperor's eyes were sharp: "You colluded with the rich and powerful, engaged in corruption and abuse of power, and harmed the interests of the people. You are guilty of a crime that cannot be forgiven!"
The ministers in the court were talking in low voices, some gloating, some sympathizing. Minister Lu was terrified and sweating profusely.
"Your Majesty, I...I am innocent! I have never been involved in corruption. Your Majesty is very clear!" Minister Lu defended himself in panic.
The emperor frowned, his face becoming increasingly gloomy: "The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare to quibble!"
At this time, a minister stepped out of the line, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have something I don't understand. I dare to ask Your Majesty."
The emperor glanced at him and asked, "What is unclear?"
The minister said, "Your Majesty, Minister Lu is indeed guilty, but his crime does not deserve death. I beg Your Majesty to show mercy and give him a lighter sentence."
The emperor was silent for a moment, then said, "In that case, I will give you a chance. Minister Lu, if you can find evidence within three days to prove that you are not corrupt, I will spare your life."
When Minister Lu heard this, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes, and he kowtowed quickly: "I obey your order. Thank you, Your Majesty, for not killing me!"
The emperor waved his hand, signaling Minister Lu to leave. The atmosphere in the court gradually returned to calm.
Back in the study, Minister Lu felt very uneasy.
He knew very well that he had many enemies in the court, and if he wanted to clear his name, he had to find solid evidence.
He pondered for a long time, and suddenly thought of a person - his close friend, Li, the Minister of War. Li had a good reputation in the court and was upright, so he might be able to lend him a hand.
That night, Minister Lu came to Li's house quietly. Upon hearing the news, Lord Li came out to meet him immediately.
"Lord Lu, what brings you here so late at night?" asked Lord Li.
Minister Lu sighed and told Lord Li everything about how he had been falsely accused in the court.
Upon hearing this, Lord Li's face became serious: "Lord Lu, this matter is of great importance. Don't worry, I will do my best to help you clear your grievances."
Minister Lu looked at Lord Li gratefully and said, "I feel relieved after hearing what Lord Li said."
In the court, the emperor summoned all the civil and military officials again. Minister Lu walked into the court with full confidence, carrying the evidence.
The emperor asked, "Minister Lu, have you found any evidence?"
Minister Lu presented the evidence and said, "Your Majesty, I have found evidence to prove that I am not corrupt."
The emperor took the evidence and examined it carefully. After a moment, he looked at Minister Lu with complicated eyes and said, "You are indeed wronged. From now on, your position will be restored and you will continue to serve the country."
In the court, ministers all looked at Minister Lu with admiration.
……
Early in the morning, the morning glow illuminated the tall vermilion gate of the Lu Mansion, and Minister Lu was ready to go to court.
Just as he stepped out of the mansion, the housekeeper Liu De hurried over.
Liu De rushed to Minister Lu and said breathlessly, "Sir, there is a man named Li Xiucai outside who wants to see you. He claims to have something important to tell you."
Minister Lu frowned and said, "Li Xiucai? This name sounds familiar. Butler, do you know anything about this person?"
Liu De thought for a moment and said, "Sir, this person seems to be a scholar who took the imperial examination last year. Due to his poor family background, he failed to pass. However, he is talented and is highly appreciated by scholars."
Minister Lu nodded and said, "In that case, please invite him in. I'll be waiting in the study."
The housekeeper Liu De took the order and hurried to greet Li Xiucai. Soon, Li Xiucai was led into the study.
In the study, Lu Shangshu sat on the armchair, looking at Li Xiucai with sharp eyes. Li Xiucai bowed slightly and said respectfully: "Sir, I am Li Xiucai, a student, and I have come to visit you specially."
Minister Lu nodded slightly and said, "Mr. Li, you have come from afar, what is the important matter you want to tell me?"
Li Xiucai took a deep breath and said, "Sir, I have something to ask of you. I hope you will have mercy on me."
Minister Lu signaled Liu De to leave with his eyes, and then said, "Tell me, what can I do for you?"
Li Xiucai hesitated for a moment and said, "Sir, I have an elderly mother at home. Due to my poor family background, I cannot afford to support her. I have heard that you are kind and generous, and I hope to receive your help."
Minister Lu was silent for a moment, then said, "Li Xiucai, do you know why I want to see you?"
Li Xiucai shook his head: "I don't know."
Minister Lu said, "I heard that you are very talented, but you were unable to enter the imperial examination because of your poor family background. I am quite curious about you and would like to ask you to solve a difficult problem for me."
Li Xiucai was stunned for a moment, then said, "Please speak, sir."
Minister Lu picked up a piece of paper from the desk and handed it to Li Xiucai: "This is a difficult question about the Book of Changes. I have been thinking about it for many days and have not been able to answer it. If you can solve it, I am willing to support your mother at home."
Li Xiucai took the paper and looked at it carefully. The atmosphere in the study room became tense. Li Xiucai frowned, sometimes thinking, sometimes shaking his head. Lu Shangshu quietly observed his expression.
After a long time, Li Xiucai's eyes suddenly lit up and he said, "Sir, I have solved this problem."
Minister Lu smiled slightly and said, "Oh? Tell me the solution."
Li Xiucai explained his ideas in detail. After listening, Minister Lu nodded and praised: "Li Xiucai, you are indeed talented. I am willing to support your mother at home so that she can enjoy her old age."
Li Xiucai was so grateful that he knelt down to thank him: "I will never forget your kindness, sir."
Minister Lu personally helped Li Xiucai up and said, "Li Xiucai, you don't have to be polite. If you have the opportunity in the future, I hope you can do more for the benefit of the people."
Li Xiucai nodded with tears in his eyes and said, "I will definitely live up to your expectations."
At this time, the housekeeper Liu De walked into the study and said, "Sir, the time has come, it's time to set off."
Minister Lu nodded and said to Li Xiucai, "Li Xiucai, you go back first. I will send someone to deliver the silver to your home later."
Li Xiucai thanked him again and left the study.
Minister Lu and Liu De walked out of the study together. The sedan bearers who had been waiting outside the gate for a long time lifted the sedan and prepared to set off. Minister Lu sat in the sedan, and Liu De followed beside it.
As the sedan chair team moved forward slowly, Minister Lu was full of worries. He sighed secretly: Everyone says that studying is useless, but what he saw today is that Li Xiucai's talent and learning are enough to make him look at him with new eyes. If all the scholars in the world were like Li Xiucai, the Western Wei Dynasty would surely prosper.