Chapter 139
Book 13 Chapter 06 – s.h.i.+ Huang Shows His Might
There is a Qin court in the west of Xianyang Palace. Xiao Pan is seated on the dragon throne on a platform that was raised three steps above the ground. Li Si the Imperial Librarian is seated behind him.
Empress Zhu Ji is seated one step below him.
The high ranking officials are seated on two rows on each side.
On one side were Lu Buwei, Cai Ze, w.a.n.g Wan and Meng Ao; on the other side were Xu Xian, Lu Gong and w.a.n.g Ling.
While they were in discussion over the Zhengguo Ca.n.a.l, a serious looking Lord Changping came in to report that Xiang Shaolong seeks an urgent audience. Everyone was caught by surprise.
Xiao Pan had expected this and order Lord Changping to bring Xiang Shaolong in at once.
Xiang Shaolong strode in and paid his respects to everyone. He detailed the entire situation and added: "Initially, this matter falls under my personally responsibility. However, Lu Xiong kept demanding he wanted Premier Lu to judge him. As this matter concerned Premier Lu’s reputation, I dare not act rashly and reported this to Crown Prince, Empress and Premier Lu."
Lu Buwei is so angry his face is almost green. He furiously scolded: "Where is that son of a b.1.t.c.h?"
From this sentence, everyone can sense how domineering Lu Buwei is.
Under such a situation, the Crown Prince Xiao Pan should express his views first before others can comment. Apparently, Lu Buwei’s comment is tantamount to insubordination.
Moreover, he is scolding Lu Xiong like a parent and not like a high ranking official.
Xiao Pan was prepared and started: "Right Premier need not by angry first; we must first investigate and clarify all the details."
He turned to Zhu Ji and inquired: "Empress! Am I doing it correctly?"
Zhu Ji looked down at the awe-inspiring Xiang Shaolong and her eyes are filled with mixed emotions. Noticing Lu Buwei also winking non-stop at her, she slowly sighed: "Yes. We shall let you decide."
Under such circ.u.mstances, she can only support her beloved son.
Lu Gong and Xu Xian were stunned that this young Crown Prince is capable of handling such a complicated case.
Everyone can tell that this is actually a clash between Lu Buwei and Xiang Shaolong. It can be an easy or complicated case.
Xiao Pan suppressed his delight and ignored Lu Buwei. To Xiang Shaolong, he calmly enquired: "Lu Bang did not successfully committed his act as he was stopped but this attempted [email protected]/* */ is still a serious crime. Does Subject Xiang have any witnesses?"
Xiang Shaolong responded: "The young couple are right outside the hall. We can summon them and Crown Prince can question them."
Cai Ze interrupted: "The Crown Prince’s time is precious and need not fret over such a small matter. The law bureau can handle this case. I suggest that we must first clarify whether a.s.sistant Commander Lu was misled and thus clashed with Commander Xiang. The Imperial Army are two important pillars of our City defences. It is important to maintain good relations.h.i.+ps between them and bury the hatchet."
These words are obviously meant to help Lu Xiong.
Cai Ze is an ex-Premier and is well respected. If this was another case, Xiao Pan may relent but in this case, he will push his way through.
Xu Xian and Lu Gong were about to say something but swallowed their words for the time being.
Lu Buwei’s expression relaxed. Just as everyone except Xiang Shaolong and Li Si expected Xiao Pan to accept Cai Ze’s suggestion, this future Qin s.h.i.+ Huang slammed his armrest and stood up. He stepped down to Zhu Ji’s front and coldly retorted: "Subject Cai’s words make no sense! Since Qin has undergone Shang Yang’s reforms, we hold military law as our top priority. The strict chain of command and our obedient soldiers have made our Qin army invincible."
He stepped down even lower to the lowest step and scanned the officials with his sharp eyes and officially state: "If someone violates the military law and is insubordinate but we did not handle this matter well, it will have further repercussions on the morale of our soldiers. I will judge this case personally. If it is proven that a.s.sistant Commander Lu is guilty, we will punish him according to military law."
Everyone present was dazed as n.o.body imagined a young teenager using such strong and domineering words.
Lu Buwei and Zhu Ji reacted as if this is the first time they met Xiao Pan.
Only Lu Si is jumping for joy as these words originated from him.
Lu Gong barked: "Great! This is befitting our Crown Prince. Strict military command with fair rewards and punishment has always been the backbone of our great Qin army."
Xiao Pan smiled but was fl.u.s.tered when everyone is now staring at him. He hurriedly went back to his seat and in a weaker tone, he asked: "Does anyone else have anything to say?"
Cai Ze has been scolded by him and dare not voice his opinions. He lowered his head with dejection.
Lu Buwei was furious and was in a dilemma regarding Xiao Pan. He dared not rebut him as he knew that his words make sense. He could only look towards Zhu Ji and hoped that she will speak up for him.
Zhu Ji knew that Lu Buwei is hinting to her for a.s.sistance but because the person involved is Xiang Shaolong, she pretended not to notice his hints.
Meng Ao dryly coughed: "Shaolong and Lu Xiong are people that I am well-acquainted with. By right, such a thing should not have happened. I am guessing that this could arise from the differences between the Cavalry and the Infantry. Moreover, both men are newly promoted and it can be easy for them to misunderstand each other."
Zhu Ji finally nodded: "Great General Meng’s words make sense. Crown Prince must conduct this investigation properly and not affect the harmony of the Qin military."
Lu Buwei was relieved that Zhu Ji finally spoke out. He recommended: "This matter can be handed over to me. I guarantee that all violators will be punished accordingly."
Xiao Pan, Xiang Shaolong and Li Si were at their wits end. Xu Xian, who has yet to speak, suddenly stood up and came to Xiang Shaolong’s side. He plainly state: "I wish to leave with Shaolong for a minute. When I am back, I will voice my opinions. Will Crown Prince please consent?"
Except for Xiang Shaolong, Li Si and Xiao Pan, everyone else were shocked and wondered what he is up to.
Xiang Shaolong cheerfully left