The court has been unsettled these past few days.
Because the Emperor has imprisoned the Master and Second Master of Mingyang Academy in the Brocade Armor Shura Guard, inciting dissatisfaction among some of the civil servants.
Interestingly, these civil servants mostly have myriad ties with Mingyang Academy.
In other words, they or the sons of their families were educated by Mingyang Academy and have become bureaucrats in the court.
These civil servants have continually submitted petitions over the past few days, even jointly pleading with Bai Xilie to release the two teachers from the Xiuluo Guard.
Some officials even shed tears during the morning court session, kneeling and begging: "Emperor, the tactics of Marquis Wan are terrifying, and the teachers are just scholars of integrity."
"Even if they have done no wrong, being sent to a place like the Xiuluo Guard would force them into making false confessions, please see clearly, Emperor!"
Under the dangling pearls of his jade crown, Bai Xilie’s sharp brows and eyes were dark and occasionally flickered with a cold gleam, as sharp as a blade.
He asked quietly, "Bullying the Princess, tyrannizing the common people, do you dare to plead innocence for them?"
The minister was startled, hurriedly cupped his hands, and kneeled forward two steps: "Emperor, but..."
Before he finished speaking, Feng Fuce strode in from outside the hall.
Reaching the minister, he directly flung several ledgers from his hand.
Facing Bai Xilie, Feng Fuce reported calmly: "I have verified that since the Gao Family took over Mingyang Academy, they have accepted over 1,800 taels of silver in bribes, not including four residences, two villa estates in the suburbs, and several carriages."
The pleading minister trembled all over, showing a slight guilty conscience in his eyes.
Could Marquis Wan investigate this thoroughly?
After Feng Fuce reported, he turned his gaze to the minister who had lowered his head beside him.
The young man curled his thin lips, smiling coolly and emotionlessly.
"Integrity, indeed?" he enunciated each word, his sarcasm evident.
Bai Xilie narrowed his eyes, the anger beneath had almost reached his limit of tolerance.
At this moment, Historian Wang stepped forward, slightly cupped his hands, and informed powerfully: "Emperor, the misdeeds of Master Gao cannot be documented fully on bamboo, rumors have long circulated that Mingyang Academy is, in fact, the Gao Family Academy."
"Through this incident, it’s clear that since the Gao Family took over Mingyang Academy, they have not been educating but instead nurturing their own power! Using court funds for their own leisure!"
"This official sincerely requests the Emperor, they should be immediately executed, or punished with multiple charges, and banished to alleviate the Princess’s grievances and the people’s anger!"
Historian Wang’s elder brother, Wang Yi, was also among the civil servants.
Hearing his brother’s words, he couldn’t believe it, turning back with eyes expressing sharp reproach.
Yet Historian Wang didn’t even look at him, persistently advocating for justice!
As the chief of the Imperial Censorate, Historian Wang’s words prompted the other officials of the Imperial Censorate to voice their agreement, urging Bai Xilie for strict punishment and thorough investigation.
Bai Xilie observed the chaotic situation within the court, with each faction forming its own alliance.
And throughout it all, Feng Fuce stood amidst the crowd, his expression bearing indifference and laziness, like a spectator.
Bai Xilie furrowed his brows: "Regarding this matter, I have my own conclusion, whether to execute or not, allow me time to deliberate."
That night, upon returning home, Historian Wang was caught by his elder brother Wang Yi by the collar and berated.
"The Gao Family is our relative, closely linked to us, what madness drove you to send him to his death!"
Historian Wang resolutely refused to say a word, simply tightening his face, waving his hand to push Wang Yi away: "You and I, our paths diverge fundamentally!"
The following morning, Historian Wang once again submitted a memorial, criticizing his elder brother Wang Yi for "failing to distinguish right from wrong" and "harassing an official in the middle of the night, just to make the official collude with them!"