Chapter 2605 - 2578: Council

He reached out to take a look. Two were academics particularly skilled in arithmetic and had some understanding of hydraulic engineering. The remaining three were the ones who deliberately withheld Zhou Man’s medical books from borrowing.

He paused in silence for a moment and said, "Director, although their actions were inappropriate, they were following the regulations. Zhou Man’s hand script only stated to find the medical book for treating Zheng Erlang, but did not say she could borrow all the medical books from the Hanlin Academy."

"Moreover, Zheng Erlang’s injury has long stabilized, so the directive has naturally lost its effectiveness."

The Director said, "Rules can be changed. Laws are not exempt from humanity, especially for such trivial matters."

He said, "Medical books are not like other books; as long as they are cherished, they should be lent out. Moreover, Zhou Man’s medical skills are known to everyone. These books in our Hanlin Academy are merely one among thousands, but in Zhou Man’s hands, they become a true treasure."

The Director glanced at his trusted aide and shook his head slightly, saying, "Simply out of jealousy towards Bai Shan, making things difficult for another innocent person, unable to consider the bigger picture, not only is shortsighted, but it’s also flawed in character."

Upon hearing this, the academic lowered his head and asked, "Do you intend to teach them a lesson?"

The Director shook his head lightly, then nodded, saying, "This is both a lesson for them and an opportunity."

He continued, "Bai Shan is now the Hanlin Scholar. Among the six scholars, he spends the most time with His Majesty, reading books, playing chess, discussing politics. His Majesty calls upon him most frequently. Do you think His Majesty does not know of the matters around him?"

"Even if His Majesty does not know, those servants and palace attendants around him will surely mention it. Zhou Man holds a prominent position in the palace; do not underestimate these palace attendants. They may not have the power to participate in politics, but some things, they can accomplish more conveniently than us."

The Director said coldly, "This matter is not significant, but if it reaches His Majesty’s ears, it will likely not please him. Adjusting them to leave now is both a trial for them and a way to divert from His Majesty’s view. Once they are out of sight, after three to five months, His Majesty will forget this incident."

The emperor handles innumerable affairs daily. Even if he remembers now, once he cannot find the people involved, he will forget over time.

Hmm, the emperor had just elevated the Imperial Hospital, favoring Xiao Zizhan. At this time, opposing the Imperial Hospital is simply asking for trouble.

Manbao happily carried the books back to the Imperial Hospital and then distributed them to Zhou Liru and others to continue transcribing, "Some books are damaged; be cautious and ask me if any characters are unclear."

Everyone agreed in unison.

Manbao said, "Copy diligently. This is the last batch. Later, you need to make an additional copy of the already transcribed books to send back to the Imperial Hospital, for the students there to consult."

Everyone agreed.

Only then did Manbao leave with her hands behind her back, returning to the Chongwen Pavilion to continue revising her own books.

This event did not even disturb Director Xiao. If not for Imperial Doctor Zheng’s later grumbling to Director Xiao, he would have remained unaware of it.

When the emperor heard the crown prince had already resolved this matter, he felt a bit disappointed and thus spent the entire afternoon looking at Bai Shan non-stop.

Bai Shan endured under the gaze of the elder and knelt in silence, completely unaware of what had transpired.

Seeing the emperor looking at Bai Shan once again, Wei Zhi could no longer hold back and directly pointed at Bai Shan, asking, "What do you think, Bai Scholar?"

Bai Shan could only rise and respond, "I believe this system should be abolished."

He continued, "Initially, the court permitted the local government offices to sell land because both the public and national treasury were empty, and land sales could support local finances. But now the country is stable, and even the poorest local government offices should not fail to pay clerk salaries, thus this condition can be removed."

Wei Zhi nodded slightly, as he shared the same thought. This policy evidently lacks relevance in current times, "Your Majesty, Bai Scholar is right. The most important thing now is to ensure the land held by the court can be smoothly handed over to new Cheng Ding, therefore land should not be bought or sold."

The emperor nodded slightly and asked, "And what about the strategy of opening new lands?"

"It can continue, but a new clause must be added: After residency is established, Yongye Fields opened through cultivation cannot be sold within five years."

Lord Tang had no objections, and other ministers exchanged looks and discussed privately for a while. Seeing many people agreed, they could only concur.

However, deep down they felt uneasy; after this change, they could only privately purchase land from citizens and no longer buy from the court.

Some recalled something and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, the Governor of Qizhou has already arrived in the capital. Do you wish to summon him?"

"Let him rest in the inn for now. I do not wish to see him now."

The emperor was worried he would not be able to hold his anger upon seeing him, so needed to calm down first.

How should the land sold by the Governor of Qizhou be handled?

He was about to speak, but seeing the emperor’s unpleasant expression, he silently swallowed his words and spoke no more.

The emperor also remembered the large tracts of land sold by the Qizhou Governor, which made his anger rise further. He directly waved to let most people leave, only retaining Wei Zhi, Lord Tang, Minister Liu, and Yin Li.

Hmm, as well as the two kneeling scholars and the secretary in the corner.

Once everyone had left, the emperor asked, "Was the matter with Zheng Erlang clearly investigated, was his injury accidental or intentional?"

Wei Zhi closed his eyes slightly, sitting as steady as Mount Tai, as if he had not heard the emperor’s words.

Lord Tang also said nothing, leaving Yin Li, who was close to the emperor, to open his mouth, "He was led to the manor by someone, but the head of the manor in custody did not open his mouth, and no matter how he was questioned it was useless."

The emperor furrowed his brows and directly asked, "Does Yin believe it is related to Zheng Dalang?"

Yin Li faithfully replied, "I do not know; in terms of solving cases, I am far inferior to Lord Tang."

The emperor then looked at Lord Tang, his eyes bright and fixed.

Lord Tang then spoke, "I investigated this. Indeed there is discord between Zheng Dalang and Zheng Erlang, but it is not to the point of complete estrangement."

"Zheng Dalang is the heir and prioritizing his family’s interests is normal, while Zheng Erlang has been learning with Zheng Jilang since childhood, is pure in character and has good knowledge. This can be confirmed with Wei Zhi; although he has not studied at the Imperial Academy, his abilities are not inferior to the Academy students."

The emperor asked expressionlessly, "So..."

"With Zheng Dalang’s understanding and upbringing, having an outstanding younger sibling, even if politically disagreeing, it would still be beneficial to the family. From both emotional and interest perspectives, I don’t think Zheng Dalang would be involved." Lord Tang paused briefly and continued, "Of course, this conclusion is not merely speculation, but also supported by some evidence."

Lord Tang looked at Yin Li, "I have read the testimonies from those caught at the manor, and although they subtly insinuate towards Zheng Dalang, the people they interacted with were sent by Sun Zhi, acting in Zheng Dalang’s name."

In terms of evidence, this is a case of mutual sabotage between the cousins.

The emperor paused for a moment, tapping the table, then said, "Then present the case as if Zheng Dalang instructed it."

Lord Tang and the four ministers were astonished!

Wei Zhi opened his eyes, looking sharply at the emperor.

The emperor declared, "I want to reclaim all lands sold cheaply by the Qizhou Governor over these eight years, no matter how many hands it passed through."

The four ministers fell silent, beginning to ponder the feasibility of the operation.

Among the lands sold by the Qizhou Governor, the Zheng Family held the largest portion. If the Zheng Family stood out...

Several exchanged looks, each consenting silently.