Chapter 1545: Chapter 1542: Old Case from Years Ago
Now that the Lu family has overturned the case, the news has spread, and everyone praises Emperor Xuanming as a wise ruler. If the King of Huainan is loyal to the imperial court, loyal to Great Chu, this impact will be even more significant.
It will also incidentally test the loyalty of the generals in the Northern Region, which is an opportunity no emperor would let slip by. Those in power will never allow too much military authority to be decentralized.
Emperor Xuanming gave him a deep look and, seeing that Chu Heng remained as composed as ever, suddenly laughed, âMinister Chu, indeed you are someone I can rely on. Iâll leave this case to you.â
Chu Heng cupped his hands, âYour Majesty, rest assured. I will do my utmost.â
âBy the way, in a monthâs time, the Beirong delegation will visit Great Chu. Minister Chu, your time is limited.â
Clearly, Emperor Xuanming intends for Chu Heng to overturn the case of General Luâs Mansion before the delegation arrives.
Chu Heng understood this well. After cupping his hands and saluting, he withdrew from the Imperial Study.
As soon as he stepped out of the palace, he was noticed by Qi Shang and several others.
âSir, what exactly is Chu Heng planning to do?â Qi Shangâs aides gathered before him. Due to Duke Zhengâs setbacks, Qi Shangâs position in the court had significantly improved. After being suppressed and confined at home for several months, upon his return, Huo Zhengming had already established his footing in the Ministry of Personnel, leaving Qi Shang with limited options.
His daughter in the palace had yet to regain her status.
Nonetheless, itâs much more comfortable than during Duke Zhengâs time. At least now he no longer lives in constant fear, unsure of when Duke Zheng might target one of his trusted aides.
Many of these aides have been very well concealed.
Because of Duke Zhengâs tactics, the Qi family suffered heavy losses.
Thinking of Duke Zhengâs cunning methods still made Qi Shang grind his teeth in hatred.
âNever mind what he does; at least we have the chance to guard against it.â Though Chu Heng is also a ruthless individual, Qi Shang realizes that this man isnât driven by power; heâs truly a decent person who only acts when he has leverage.
In other words, as long as thereâs no dirt to be held against them, nothing will happen. Unlike Duke Zheng, who sets traps in the shadows, and when the time comes, one wouldnât even know how they died.
Indeed.
Duke Zhengâs methods were far more sophisticated. Dealing with individuals simply required the other side to fall into a trap, after which he could utilize his influence to destroy them entirely, without implicating too many others, apart from the hapless individualâs master, leaving few affected.
Thus, he could repeatedly cripple his opponentsâ wings. Qi Shang couldnât help grinding his teeth when recalling these incidents.
Chu Heng, however, was different. He was entirely like a destructive star, and few officials in the court were willing to associate with him, simply because his investigations often implicated many.
No official in the official circle is entirely clean. Every official has some unclean aspect behind them. Of course, these matters vary greatly; some are massive embezzlers, some used trickery to obtain their positions, some have young family members who made mistakes, some are related to crimes implicating nine clans, and some result from falling out of the Emperorâs favor.
Yet Chu Heng insists on opposing everyone, and when the time comes, he doesnât even need to act, as many officials will attempt to thwart him.
Qi Shang couldnât tell if Chu Heng was smart or foolish. Clearly favored by the Emperor, he could easily secure his current position and, as he ages, potentially ascend to the supreme position of Grand Secretary.
Yet, he seems intent on courting death. Once he loses Emperor Xuanmingâs favor, many will seize the opportunity to sabotage him. When that time comes, Chu Hengâs fate doesnât even bear thinking about.