Court of Justice!
Inside the prison.
"Innocent! I'm innocent!"
"I don't know anything!"
"My lord, I know nothing!"
"My lord, please investigate thoroughly!"
"My lord..."
The prison was filled with cries of injustice, as all the detainees pleaded for their innocence.
This time, the evidence Zhao Feng had presented implicated many people.
Aside from Wang Wan's entire clan of several hundred people, nearly twenty other high-ranking officials and their entire families were also involved.
The prison was nearly full.
"Court of Justice arrives!"
"Grand Censor arrives!"
"Silence!"
A jailer shouted.
Many guards drew their weapons.
Some even cracked their whips.
The cries of injustice immediately ceased.
The next moment
Li Si and Feng Jie stepped into the prison at a steady pace.
"Where is Wang Wan?"
Li Si asked with a confident tone.
"Reporting to the Court of Justice, he is held in the innermost cell," the chief jailer promptly replied.
"Bring him out. The Grand Censor and I will personally interrogate him," Li Si ordered.
"Understood." The jailer saluted and left.
"Master Feng,"
"Please, after you,"
Li Si gestured toward a nearby interrogation chamber.
"Very well," Feng Jie nodded and entered the room.
"As for today's interrogation of Wang Wan, what are your thoughts, Master Feng?" Li Si inquired, seeking Feng Jie's opinion.
"This trial is taking place in the Court of Justice, so it shall be ruled according to the Court's authority."
"I am merely here as an observer,"
"Everything shall proceed as you see fit."
Feng Jie smiled slightly as he replied.
"I understand," Li Si nodded with a grin.
He had anticipated this response from Feng Jie.
On the surface, this case seemed simple there was ample evidence, and all that remained was to pass judgment.
But in reality, it was a highly sensitive matter.
Feng Jie was neither a member of the new nobility nor the old aristocracy; he occupied a middle ground.
In the court, he remained neutral and avoided factional disputes.
The only reason he was present today was because of a decree from the king. The real concern was that Li Si might take the opportunity to go on a political purge.
Feng Jie understood this well his role was to oversee, not interfere. If he got too involved, he would make enemies of Wang Wan's faction, which would not end well for him.
Power struggles were like this.
Before long
Wang Wan appeared, no longer dressed in his official robes, but in a prisoner's uniform. Two guards escorted him into the interrogation chamber.
Seeing Wang Wan now, a fallen high-ranking official
Li Si's lips curled into a cold, triumphant smile. He raised a hand, and the guards immediately stepped back.
"Wang Wan,"
"Sit."
"I, as the Court of Justice, act under the king's decree to judge your crimes," Li Si announced sternly.
Wang Wan's face was expressionless, but his eyes had lost their previous sharpness.
Once black, his hair was now entirely white.
To fall from such a high position overnight one could only imagine how much he had endured.
Without a word, Wang Wan sat down.
Li Si took out a bamboo slip and tossed it in front of Wang Wan.
With a loud snap, it landed on his lap.
"This is a detailed account of your crimes compiled from our investigations. Read it and tell me do you confess?" Li Si asked coldly.
Wang Wan did not reply immediately.
He picked up the bamboo slip, opened it, and skimmed through it briefly.
Then, he closed it.
"Guilt!"
"I am willing to confess at any time."
"But I have only one request."
"Please, Grand Censor, convey this plea to His Majesty," Wang Wan turned to Feng Jie, his eyes filled with a desperate plea.
He did not even spare Li Si a glance.
He knew Li Si would never give him a way out.
This was a battle between political rivals.
If their roles were reversed and Li Si was the one imprisoned, Wang Wan would have ensured his destruction as well.
"State your request," Feng Jie said in a calm tone.
"I ask His Majesty to consider my years of service to Qin and spare my family's bloodline."
"This is my only request," Wang Wan said with solemnity.
"I will report your plea," Feng Jie responded evenly.
"But whether or not His Majesty grants mercy, I cannot say."
"Thank you, Master Feng," Wang Wan sighed deeply.
"Wang Wan,"
"Don't fool yourself."
"Let me tell you the truth,"
"If it were an ordinary official reporting your crimes, you might have had a chance to save your family."
"But the one who accused you is the head of Qin's military"
"The evidence is undeniable. You have no chance of saving your bloodline."
"After reviewing all charges,"
"You are guilty of land encroachment, falsifying records of slave deaths, trafficking government slaves, nepotism, smuggling with foreign states, and orchestrating assassinations."
"Your entire clan is to be executed," Li Si declared firmly.
"Li Si, are you determined to wipe us out?" Wang Wan scowled.
"As the Court of Justice, I uphold the law,"
"Your words are laughable," Li Si sneered.
Then, he turned to Feng Jie.
"Grand Censor,"
"The Court of Justice has completed the interrogation. Wang Wan and his family are sentenced to extermination. Do you have any objections?"
"As the Grand Censor, I am here to observe. Since the Court of Justice has reached a verdict, we shall report it to His Majesty for final judgment," Feng Jie responded.
"Of course," Li Si nodded.
He then stepped closer to Wang Wan, his expression brimming with satisfaction.
"Wang Wan,"
"Did you ever imagine this day would come?"
"Li Si, do not be too pleased with yourself,"
"Perhaps I have lost today,"
"But not to you."
"One day, your fate may be worse than mine," Wang Wan spat bitterly.
"Perhaps my end will not be good, but at least I will die after you."
"And your entire family will perish first," Li Si said with a wicked grin.
He did not attempt to hide his hatred for Wang Wan, even with Feng Jie present.
Seeing his long-time enemy in this state
Li Si felt utterly triumphant.
Then, he leaned in closer and whispered:
"I noticed that a few members of your family are missing."
"You were cleverly scattering your children."
"Did you foresee this day coming?"
"But don't worry."
"I will report this to His Majesty. Unless they flee beyond Qin's borders, I will find them"
"One by one, I will send them to join you."
After speaking,
Li Si stood up, completely ignoring Wang Wan's gaze filled with hatred.
"Guards!"
"Take the criminal Wang Wan away and keep a strict watch on him. Do not let him die." Li Si ordered coldly.
"Yes, sir!"
Several jailers entered, lifted Wang Wan, and led him back into the prison.
"Lord Tingwei, aren't you being a little excessive?"
Seeing how Li Si treated Wang Wan, Feng Jie couldn't help but question him.
"He and I were mortal enemies."
"Now that he has fallen from power, I can treat him like this."
"If I were the one to lose power, my fate would likely be even worse than his."
"Victory belongs to the king, and the defeated are mere criminals. That is the way of the world."
Li Si chuckled lightly, viewing the situation with complete clarity.
Hearing this, Feng Jie shook his head but said nothing more.
"Lord Feng."
"Wang Wan has confessed to all charges, and there is nothing more to delay."
"Let us enter the palace and report to His Majesty." Li Si suggested.
"Very well." Feng Jie nodded in agreement.
The trial had gone surprisingly smoothly Wang Wan admitted his guilt outright, saving them much trouble.
After all, the evidence Zhao Feng had gathered was meticulous and overwhelming, making the conviction unquestionable and the trial almost unnecessary.
Inside Zhangtai Palace!
Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng were still drinking and dining.
"Now, only the states of Qi and Chu remain."
"Once Great Qin unifies the world, should we follow the old system of the Zhou Dynasty and grant fiefdoms, or should we govern through the commandery and county system?" Ying Zheng asked, his words carrying a hint of casualness but also a measure of seriousness.
"Does Your Majesty wish to hear the truth or a flattering answer?" Zhao Feng countered with equal seriousness.
"Of course, I want the truth." Ying Zheng replied immediately.
However, his attention sharpened in an instant. He knew that whenever Zhao Feng spoke seriously, he meant every word.
Just like when he had previously pointed out the toxicity of the so-called elixir of immortality.
"For the meritorious officials of the court, they would naturally support enfeoffment."
"If I were considering my interests, I should also support it."
"After all, of the six states, I led the conquest of four. If the world is unified, it would be hard to justify not being granted a kingdom, wouldn't it?" Zhao Feng said in a teasing tone.
"Naturally."
Ying Zheng nodded in agreement.
With Zhao Feng's achievements, if the enfeoffment system were adopted, he would undoubtedly be granted a kingship.
"That is why all meritorious generals and officials desire enfeoffment."
"Who wouldn't want it?" Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"So, you wish to implement enfeoffment?" Ying Zheng asked, his tone tinged with disappointment.
"That is my interest becoming a king is the ultimate personal gain."
"But if we consider the interest of Great Qin, enfeoffment would simply be a continuation of the Zhou Dynasty."
"The commandery and county system is the key to long-term stability." Zhao Feng added.
He understood exactly what Ying Zheng was thinking he wanted to establish the commandery and county system.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng's eyes lit up.
"Exactly!"
"If we follow the old enfeoffment system, the survival of Great Qin would still be uncertain. Eventually, it could end up like the Zhou Dynasty, where the feudal states overpowered the central kingdom and brought about its downfall."
"Enfeoffing various kings might seem beneficial at first, but if the central power weakens, the inevitable result is destruction."
Zhao Feng then posed another question:
"But has Your Majesty considered one point?"
"What point?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Under enfeoffment, the various kings would govern their territories, reducing the burden on the central court and allowing it time to recuperate."
"But under the commandery and county system, all affairs of the empire would converge on the central government."
"With Your Majesty in power, this is manageable, but if a future ruler cannot control the realm, the empire could collapse even faster than under enfeoffment." Zhao Feng explained.
This statement was grounded in reality.
History proved it true.
While Emperor Qin Shi Huang lived, he could suppress the six states' remnants, keeping them in hiding.
But after his death, with the incompetent Hu Hai ascending the throne, the Qin Empire crumbled in no time.
If the enfeoffment system had been in place, such a rapid collapse would not have occurred.
With enfeoffment, there would have been various kings overseeing their territories, suppressing rebellions with their armies, and lessening the burden on the central government.
Even an incapable ruler like Hu Hai would not have led to the swift downfall of the Qin Empire.
"That is why a capable successor is of utmost importance."
Ying Zheng nodded in agreement.
Zhao Feng's words had given him new clarity.
If the commandery and county system were implemented, the central government would bear immense responsibility. Should chaos arise, he could control it, but an incompetent successor could plunge the empire into turmoil.
"But I am confident that my successor will be able to maintain control."
Ying Zheng looked Zhao Feng in the eye, his gaze brimming with confidence and authority.
Seeing the dominance in Ying Zheng's eyes, Zhao Feng chuckled and said,
"Your Majesty's ambition is admirable."
A competent successor?
Zhao Feng pondered.
Among the Qin prince's children, none seemed particularly outstanding.
"What's that look for?"
"Do you not believe I can find a capable heir?" Ying Zheng asked with a smirk.
"Well… Your Majesty, of course, I believe you."
"After all, Your Majesty has so many consorts in the harem. Who knows, perhaps in time, more sons will be born. Since Your Majesty is still young, if you educate them, there may be hope yet." Zhao Feng remarked thoughtfully, having genuinely come up with a solution.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng was momentarily stunned but then burst into laughter.
"You little rascal, you deserve a beating!"
"Your Majesty, this is the best solution." Zhao Feng replied with a look of innocence.
He truly believed this was the best course of action.
Other than that, he could think of no better solution.
Unless Ying Zheng abandoned the commandery and county system and returned to enfeoffment.
But that was impossible.
"You…"
Ying Zheng, who had been serious a moment ago, found himself laughing at Zhao Feng's remark.
Just then
"Your Majesty!"
"Tingwei Li Si and Imperial Censor Feng Jie request an audience outside the hall!"
Zhao Gao's voice rang through the palace.
"So soon?"
Ying Zheng was quite surprised.
The court session had only adjourned for a little over an hour, yet the case had already been concluded so quickly.
"The evidence I gathered was more than enough to convict Wang Wan. He had no way to refute it, so he simply confessed. Perhaps by showing this attitude, he hopes Your Majesty will grant him a lighter sentence," Zhao Feng chuckled, directly exposing Wang Wan's intentions.
Ying Zheng remained silent, instead turning his gaze toward the palace entrance and commanding in a powerful voice, "Summon them in!"
Outside the hall.
Zhao Gao immediately turned around and said, "My lords, please enter the hall and present yourselves before His Majesty."
With that, Zhao Gao pushed open the tightly closed palace doors.
Li Si and Feng Jie straightened their robes and strode into Zhangtai Palace.
Upon entering, they saw Ying Zheng dining and drinking with Zhao Feng. Both of them were momentarily taken aback.
They hadn't expected Ying Zheng to host Zhao Feng for a private banquet in Zhangtai Palace.
To them, this was an immense honor.
A trace of envy flashed through their eyes.
"Your Majesty," they both bowed respectfully.
Ying Zheng raised his hand slightly and asked in a deep voice, "The case is concluded this quickly?"
"Your Majesty," Li Si replied immediately, "Wang Wan has confessed to his crimes without resistance. He did not attempt to deny them."
"This is Wang Wan's written confession."
As he spoke, he held up a silk document with Wang Wan's handprint affixed.
Ying Zheng nodded and looked toward Feng Jie.
"The Lord Chancellor speaks the truth," Feng Jie confirmed.
"However, before confessing, Wang Wan requested that I relay to Your Majesty."
"He asks that, in light of his years of service, Your Majesty spare his bloodline from complete extermination."
Feng Jie spoke respectfully, but his gaze carefully observed Ying Zheng, hoping for some sign of leniency.
Ying Zheng nodded slightly, his expression unchanged. "Since the case is settled, find an appropriate time to carry out the sentence according to the law."
"Your Majesty," Li Si interjected, "according to the laws of Great Qin:
Those who seize land unlawfully shall have their clans eradicated.
Those who collude with foreign states for personal gain shall have their clans eradicated.
Wang Wan's other crimes warrant execution by beheading."
"The law is set. How can it be altered?"
"Should human sentiment outweigh the law?" Ying Zheng furrowed his brow.
Hearing this, Li Si was secretly pleased and immediately said, "Understood, Your Majesty."
"I will issue the court's order and post a public notice."
"Wang Wan's entire clan shall be dealt with within ten days."
"However, not all of Wang Wan's family is within our grasp."
"He has five sons and three daughters."
"Only his eldest son, Wang Wen, is in Xianyang. The other four sons are elsewhere."
"Of his three daughters, two are married one to the Kui family, and the other into the royal clan."
Ying Zheng needed to make the final decision regarding them.
"Those who are already married and no longer bear the Wang surname may be spared."
"The rest all shall be executed," Ying Zheng declared coldly.
"I obey, Your Majesty," Li Si immediately responded.
"Your Majesty," Feng Jie hesitated before speaking, "I believe that while Chancellor Wang's crimes are indeed severe, perhaps his bloodline could be preserved. At least his youngest son should be spared."
"Lord Feng," Li Si interjected at once, "His Majesty has just stated that human sentiment cannot override the law."
"But if…"
Feng Jie had nothing left to say.
Wang Wan's crimes were undeniable, and Great Qin's strict legal system was a fact. He had pleaded only out of personal compassion.
"Withdraw," Ying Zheng commanded with a wave of his hand, unwilling to discuss it further.
"Your Majesty, we take our leave," Li Si and Feng Jie bowed before departing.
After they left
"Using Wang Wan's death may indeed serve to intimidate the court, preventing others from challenging you," Ying Zheng said to Zhao Feng.
"But in doing so, you have thoroughly offended the old noble families."
"If I've offended them, so be it," Zhao Feng replied nonchalantly.
"I neither break the law nor plot rebellion."
"What can they do to me?"
"If they wish to make a move, I won't hesitate to fight back."
He chuckled, completely unconcerned.
"You are too arrogant," Ying Zheng shook his head, though there was a hint of admiration in his tone.
Originally, he had wanted Zhao Feng to show some restraint, leaving room to eventually win over the old noble families.
But now, it was clear that Zhao Feng didn't care about them at all.
There was nothing he could do about it.
Ying Zheng could only follow his son's wishes.
Perhaps neither Li Si nor Feng Jie realized that the reason Ying Zheng had been so resolute in his decision was Zhao Feng.
"I've spent my life in the military," Zhao Feng continued.
"I don't play those bureaucrats' political games. I have a clear conscience, but they do not."
"They might try to dig up dirt on me, but can they find anything?"
"I have my network of loyal soldiers. Can they even get close to me?"
"Before they can even make a move, my men would have already dealt with them."
"Strength breeds confidence."
"That's what Wang Wan and the others never had."
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