Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 935: Chapter 53: Duke Anyang, You Really Owe Fourth Brother a Thank You (Part 3)

When the Minister of Rites heard this, he said nothing more and obediently returned to his seat.

The Imperial Censors saw that the ministers were temporarily silent, knowing once they finished reporting the matters, it would be their turn.

One by one, the Imperial Censors stepped forward to impeach Marquis Wuping and his followers. First, they accused them of being high court officials yet openly opposing three new policies beneficial to the country and its people, calling them selfish and completely indifferent to the people’s lives. They further accused Marquis Wuping’s group of spreading rumors, inciting public opinion, and slandering the Emperor.

The Imperial Censors, one after another, spoke righteously and sharply, showing no leniency to Marquis Wuping and his followers.

Marquis Wuping, leading the aristocratic families and nobles, was alternately pale, red, and green with embarrassment from the Censors’ remarks. It was quite a spectacle.

The Imperial Censors of Great Zhou are generally upright and dedicated individuals. They never get involved in factional conflicts. Their evaluations of ministers are impartial; they will impeach when necessary, and refrain when not.

Regardless of whether it was the previous dynasty or the dynasty before that, the Imperial Censors cannot all be loyal to the court. Some were bribed by the Crown Prince, others won over by other princes, and would become sharp weapons against the enemies of their benefactors. But in Great Zhou, the Censors dare not become tools of any Prince.

In fact, the Censors wish to pick sides in advance, but with the Emperor present, they really dare not. The previous Emperor once said the Censors are the eyes and ears of the court, never to form cliques or become a weapon in someone’s hand. After the Emperor ascended the throne, there were Censors who supported the Crown Prince or Prince Dai, and they disappeared.

The Emperor once conducted a major purge of the Imperial Censorate, leaving only those who were truly loyal to the court.

The Censors are not afraid of any minister in court, not even princes, but they are genuinely afraid of the Emperor. Mainly because the Emperor is relentless, and will kill them without mercy if needed. If the Censors dare harbor personal motives, they might lose their positions at best, and their lives at worst.

For their own life preservation, the Censors dare not get close to any Prince. To demonstrate their position, they would occasionally impeach the Princes, and quite harshly at that. Of course, they also criticize the Emperor; sometimes he listens, sometimes he doesn’t.

Regarding the Emperor’s complete disregard for his own reputation, the Censors feel utterly helpless. Since ancient times, every Emperor cared about his reputation; many went through great lengths to maintain it, even pretending to be something else. However, this Emperor doesn’t even bother to pretend.

The Emperor thinks ruling is exhausting enough; if he also had to worry about his reputation, he’d be fatigued to death. Besides, even if he wanted to maintain a good reputation, after his death, there would still be people altering history and tarnishing his name. He became Emperor for the people, for the foundation of Great Zhou; as long as he does what he ought to do, and has a clear conscience, he doesn’t care about his reputation. A good reputation won’t feed him more; a bad one won’t starve him.

After hearing the Censors’ accusations, Marquis Wuping hurriedly defended himself. The Emperor finally realized Marquis Wuping and his group have returned to court.

The Emperor first concernedly asked if they were feeling better, if their health had recovered.

He also thoughtfully said they had done great things for Great Zhou, leaving them with injuries and illnesses, telling them not to push themselves or rush back to court. He then asked them to continue resting at home, and if they needed any medicinal herbs or supplements, they should inform him.

Upon hearing these words, Marquis Wuping misunderstood, thinking the Emperor wanted them to "retire and return home," frightening them greatly. They quickly reassured that they had fully recovered and were still able to serve Great Zhou and be loyal to the Emperor.

The Emperor, full of interest, looked at Marquis Wuping and his group, asking, "Since you have recovered, do you wish to continue sitting in opposition to me?"

Marquis Wuping and Marquis Chiyang hurriedly responded, "We dare not, we are guilty, we plead for the Emperor’s punishment."

Seeing Marquis Chiyang’s quick compromise, other ministers were very shocked.

"Weren’t you firmly opposed to the three new policies I proposed before; why don’t you oppose them now?"

Marquis Wuping pleaded, "We were foolish, did not understand the Emperor’s intentions, we ask for the Emperor’s punishment."

"We ask for the Emperor to impose punishment."

"Do you now believe the three new policies I proposed are good?"

"The Emperor is wise."

After hearing this, the Emperor laughed and said, "I thought you were quite dissatisfied with me, believing I am harsh and unkind to you."

At that moment, Marquis Wuping and his group were terrified, turning pale, cold sweat covering their foreheads and backs.

"We don’t dare, we truly have no such intention, we beg the Emperor to see clearly."

Other ministers, seeing the Emperor’s expression turn serious, were also terrified and knelt on the ground.

"Really?" The Emperor’s tone was unreadable, but it sent shivers down the ministers’ spines. "You truly don’t think I mistreat you?"

The Emperor indeed heard the rumors!

"We don’t dare!"

Sun Kui looked at the ministers below him trembling in fear, feeling a sense of pity for them.

Ah, the Emperor is being mischievous again, frightening the ministers.

"If you feel I have mistreated you, you may speak up," the Emperor’s tone softened. "You are all meritorious officials of Great Zhou; I cannot mistreat you."

"We... the Emperor’s favor is like a mountain to us, we have no dissatisfaction."

Emperor: "Truly no dissatisfaction?"

Ministers: "None."

"Alright, if you have any, do tell me later." The Emperor again concernedly asked, "Marquis Wuping, do you truly not need to rest for a while longer?"

Marquis Wuping grit his teeth and replied, "Thank the Emperor for his concern, but we have completely recovered and do not need to rest further."

The Emperor nodded without saying more, giving Sun Kui a signal. Sun Kui understood and loudly announced, "Court dismissed."

The ministers respectfully saw the Emperor off.

After the Emperor left, many ministers collapsed directly onto the ground, especially Marquis Wuping and his group. Their faces remained pale, their eyes still filled with fear. They looked as if they had just visited the Gate of Hell and returned.