divert the attention of both the populace and his political opponents. This publicity stunt, regardless of its truthfulness, at least fulfills the Crown Prince's need at this point.”"So..."Zhou Taipu...Chapter 407: Why Wouldn't Qin Perish

"Okay."

Li Chen nodded and said expressionlessly, "The official documents say that Xu Changqing bought and sold official positions. Is there any evidence"

Qian Shiyan replied, "I have interrogated the two Ministry of Revenue clerks. They admitted that their positions were bought with bribes of 500 and 600 taels of silver to Xu Changqing respectively, and the tainted silver was also found in Xu Changqing's home and is currently sealed in the Department of Justice."

According to the confessions of two key figures, not only that, but seven other individuals were also involved. They bribed Xu Changqing through various channels and introductions, who accepted them one by one. He then arranged positions for them in Jiangzhe, Min Province, Chuanxi, and other regions. These are all irrefutable pieces of evidence.

Li Chen listened quietly and then said, "Good, this is selling an official position. So there's also a buyer of officials. Do you know who bought this Left Servant of the Ministry of Revenue"

Qian Shiyan's usually light and airy expression suddenly froze.

He never expected Li Chen to ask such a question.

All the officials in court, who doesn't know that Xu Changqing, Minister of Revenue and Left Servant, was personally appointed by the Emperor After the Crown Prince took regency, he has been heavily relied upon until now.

Qián Shìyán, who had been speechless for a long time, gradually turned purple in the face.

Li Chen's speaking speed remained slow, but his tone grew increasingly heavy. He said, "You can't say it, this palace will say it for you."

"Xu Changqing was appointed as the Left Servant of the Ministry of Revenue in the winter of the 14th year of Emperor Taizong's reign. He had served in the ministry for over thirteen years before that, rising through the ranks step by step from a junior clerk to an ambassador, then to a supervisor, and finally to an official, a councilor, and lastly the Left Servant."

"You say he bought his position, so does that mean this money was used to bribe the current Emperor!"

Li Chen's last words, accompanied by a heavy slap on the table, echoed in the room. The sudden, loud bang startled Qian Shiyan so much that he trembled.

He hastily said, “No, no, your humble servant never meant such a thing!”

Since you don't seem to have any intentions, then explain this to this palace: what does "buying and selling officials" mean

Li Chen's eyes, like sharp arrows, pierced Qian Shiyan's heart.

Qian Shiyan's heart pounded. He knew if he answered this question poorly, it would be over for him.

However, Qian Shiyan, who managed to become Minister of Justice, must have had some ability and quick wit. He immediately spoke up and said: "The charges are wrong. He only accepted bribes to sell positions, but that is still a serious crime."

Li Chen sneered and said, "What a ridiculous charge! A high-ranking official like the Left Minister of the Household Department, a third-rank official, how much time and money did the court invest in cultivating and honing him And now you, Ministry of Justice, just dismiss it with a flimsy 'charge is wrong'"

"Alright, I'll ask you again. Xu Changqing has two serious crimes. We've already asked about the buying and selling of officials. The second crime is the theft of treasury silver from the Ministry of Revenue. How do you have evidence for that"

Having learned from previous mistakes, Qian Shiyan was now truly wise. He carefully considered each word before speaking, "Three thousand taels of silver were stolen from the Ministry of Revenue's treasury. The city magistrate has apprehended the thieves who stole the silver. Upon interrogation, they confessed that they were hired by Xu Changqing. They acted in collusion to steal the three thousand taels."

Before he could finish his words, Qian Shiyan noticed that Li Chen's gaze was fixed on him, sharper than any blade.

His heart pounded. Qian Shiyan racked his brain, this kind of rhetoric absolutely couldn't implicate the emperor anymore, he should be untouchable.

"Qian Shiyan ah Qian Shiyan."

Li Chen's voice reached Qian Shiyan's ear, "The Ministry of Punishment has such a chancellor as you who can't even frame someone properly. If everyone were like you, how could our great Qin ever prosper" is not to interfere in matters of state." Li Chen said indifferently.Zhao Qinglan said coldly, "This matter was your father emperor's intention."Li Chen's face turned serious.He knew that Zhao Qingla...