noffsinger Chapter 862 Impeachment of Fan Li
Chapter 862 Impeachment of Fan Li
The emperor is the true master of this court. When he is serious, everyone falls silent and involuntarily begins to try to guess his intentions.
Enough? What does that mean?
Is it that Lin Ping has had enough of making a scene, or that Bai Tiantian will never stop?
In short, most people tend to believe that Lin Ping is doomed to die.
Already panicked, Lin Ping became even more vigilant, wondering if the experts protecting the emperor would make a move.
"Lin Ping, I will only ask you one question: if the empire does not go to war with the Wu Kingdom, will you help the empire expand its territory?" the emperor asked calmly, a hint of expectation in his eyes.
Lin Ping smiled slightly, slowly put away his pistol, and replied after performing the proper courtesies, "As long as Your Majesty does not become an enemy of the Wu Kingdom, this humble subject will do his best to serve the Empire."
He came to the empire with two purposes: first, to win over Meng Qingge and fulfill his mother's wish; and second, to form an alliance with the empire so that the Wu Kingdom could be spared the suffering of war.
With Lin Ping's intelligence and talent, he could indeed lead the Wu Kingdom soldiers to fight against the Empire, but he would inevitably pay a heavy price, and the people would suffer.
Rather than that, it would be better to shake hands with the Empire and make peace, and establish a good cooperative relationship.
Lin Ping is the key figure in the cooperation between the two countries. Without him, the emperor would not have taken the Wu Kingdom seriously at all.
Lin Ping was overjoyed as the most important goal was about to be achieved.
Of course, he wouldn't completely trust the empire and foolishly hand over all his assets. If he did, the Wu Kingdom would face annihilation if the empire turned against him.
"Compared to conquering a small vassal state, I would much rather completely crush the barbarian kingdom. If you can help me fulfill my wish, the Wu Kingdom will not only enjoy long-term peace and stability, but will also gain a much larger territory," the emperor said solemnly.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost." Lin Ping bowed deeply, his forehead almost hitting the ground, showing unprecedented respect.
"No need for formalities, raise your head and let me take a good look." The emperor's gentle tone carried a hint of kindness.
This was the first time he had met the legendary Lin Ping, and he was very satisfied with his talent, courage, and appearance.
"He truly is a handsome man!" The emperor nodded in satisfaction, murmuring to himself.
This puts the Black Iron Guard in an awkward position.
Before Bai Tiantian could give the order for them to retreat, the emperor had already extended an olive branch to Lin Ping.
These Black Iron Guards, who were loyal only to Bai Tiantian, were now at an unknown destination.
"The General's Black Iron Guards are truly loyal!" Lin Ping said sarcastically.
Upon hearing this, Bai Tiantian's face instantly broke out in large beads of sweat, and she hurriedly dismissed the Black Iron Guards.
It's no secret that the Black Iron Guards only obey Bai Tiantian; even the Emperor turns a blind eye to it.
But now they dare to obey Bai Tiantian's orders in front of the emperor, which makes the emperor feel very uncomfortable, but he just doesn't say it.
"Bai Tiantian, this is what happens when you go against me." Lin Ping glanced at Bai Tiantian with cold eyes, feeling extremely pleased.
After all, Lin Ping would continue to work with Bai Tiantian in the future, and he didn't want to make things too awkward, so he didn't continue the conversation.
"Lin Ping, would you be willing to seek an official position in the empire?" the emperor asked in a consultative tone.
Even if it was spoken in a consultative tone, it was tantamount to an imperial edict, and besides, the official position he mentioned must have been a high-ranking one with generous salary.
If Lin Ping had any sense at all, he would have knelt down to express his gratitude.
However, he had no brains at all.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I have no desire to be an official; I only want to make money." Lin Ping's way of refusing was so refreshing and unconventional.
"This guy is too arrogant! He dares to disobey His Majesty's decree!" Many people in the hall began to discuss.
Some people think Lin Ping is young and impetuous, while others think he is reckless and doesn't know what's good for him.
The emperor's decision to spare his life was already an act of leniency, yet he refused to appreciate it, courting death.
"Since you don't want to be an official, then go ahead and do business. But if the empire needs you, you can't refuse," the emperor said calmly.
The civil and military officials were shocked once again. This was the first time they had ever heard the emperor speak to his ministers in a consultative tone and agree with Lin Ping's choice.
"Give me your orders whenever needed, and I will do my utmost," Lin Ping replied with a grin, completely unaware that this was in the imperial court.
"You'd better keep some of your wealth, lest one day I think you're no longer of any use and I behead you," the emperor said irritably. He knew exactly what Lin Ping was thinking.
Feeling ashamed that his thoughts had been read, Lin Ping awkwardly accepted the emperor's criticism.
"I am tired. If you have nothing else to say, my beloved ministers, you may adjourn the court." The emperor's voice was somewhat languid. Lin Ping had brought him too many changes and shocks, and the aging emperor was truly struggling to cope.
These old foxes in the court are all adept at discerning the emperor's intentions, and they can naturally see that the emperor is tired.
They would never submit a memorial at this critical juncture unless it was something extremely urgent.
There's always someone like Lin Ping, who's fearless like a newborn calf, and yes, he really is fearless!
"Your Majesty, I have something to report," Lin Ping said, bowing.
His purpose in coming was not simply to gain the emperor's trust, but also to remove obstacles in his path.
"What do you want?" the emperor asked, somewhat annoyed.
The eunuch beside him kept winking and gesturing to Lin Ping, reminding him not to cause trouble at this critical juncture.
But Lin Ping wouldn't have it easy. He'd already beaten the drum to petition the emperor; how could he not make a name for himself?
"This humble citizen wishes to impeach Lord Fan," Lin Ping declared loudly, pointing at Fan Li.
"I have pardoned you, and the charge of framing Fan Qing has also been dropped. Do you still have any complaints?" The Emperor glared at Lin Ping, hoping he wouldn't make a fool of himself.
Lin Ping shook his head: "This humble citizen is not impeaching Lord Fan for the crime of false accusation, but for the serious crime of treason!"
It was like an atomic bomb exploding in the hall; everyone's mouths were big enough to fit their fists, and countless eyeballs fell to the ground.
Fan Li is the Grand Secretary of the Empire, second only to the Emperor. Even if he had the ability to betray, he had no reason to do so.
"Lin Ping, you can eat shit however you want, but you can't say whatever you want!" Fan Li pointed at Lin Ping, furious, and started cursing.
"If Lord Fan hadn't betrayed the country, why would he be so nervous?" Lin Ping said sarcastically, putting Fan Li in a difficult position once again.
Based on the brief conversation, the Emperor knew that Lin Ping never did anything without a certainty, and coupled with Fan Li's nervous behavior, he could almost conclude that Fan Li was suspected of treason.
The emperor can turn a blind eye to other things, but not to treason, especially at this crucial juncture when he is about to embark on the path of unification.
"Lin Ping, tell me everything you know, and I will back you up!" The emperor was furious, and his previous dejection vanished.