amaotonovel Chapter 599 The Cat Going to Court
Chapter 599 The Cat Going to Court
In the Liangyi Hall, the ministers stood on both sides, each with a different expression, but their eyes were all focused on a thin official.
Li Yifu looked calm and unhurried, and his every move revealed composure.
"Your Majesty," Li Yifu bowed slightly. His voice was not loud, but it was particularly clear in the empty hall.
"I was born in poverty and have lived in hardship since childhood, so I know all about the actions of the poor when they suddenly become rich."
He looked up at Li Chengqian on the throne, a complex expression flashing across his eyes, as if expressing emotion, yet also worry. "In one's lifetime, desire is like a bottomless pit that can never be filled. It has no end."
“Those who come from humble backgrounds and are poor, once they suddenly become wealthy or achieve success through their own efforts, often become extremely harsh in their attitude towards those under them.”
Li Yifu shook his head slightly, his words filled with helplessness. "They always feel that they have suffered so much to achieve their current success, so why should their subordinates enjoy life so easily? They can't tolerate others enjoying themselves, so naturally they are picky and harsh towards others."
"However, Your Majesty," Li Yifu changed the subject, his expression becoming increasingly serious, "If Your Majesty were to grant the power to investigate corrupt officials to the people, it would be like what I once told my mentor: dirty water may temporarily relieve extreme thirst, but it will inevitably cause physical discomfort and bring many hidden dangers."
As he spoke, he carefully observed Li Chengqian's expression. Seeing that His Majesty showed no impatience or disgust, he continued, "In the beginning, perhaps it will be just as Your Majesty hopes. Many corrupt officials hiding in the shadows will be uncovered by the people and receive due punishment, and the atmosphere in the court will be rectified as a result."
"But once this precedent is set and the people have power, the situation will gradually get out of control."
Li Yifu's brow furrowed, his eyes filled with worry, as if he had already seen the chaotic scene. "They will gradually stop focusing on agricultural production and their original lives. They will spend every day thinking about how to cause trouble for the officials."
"Over time, power will overwhelm one's mind and make one fanatical and blind."
He clenched his fists slightly, his tone revealing a hint of urgency. "By then, no matter if they are honest and upright officials or evil officials with ulterior motives, they will all be dragged into this chaotic turmoil."
"Every official in the Tang Dynasty will inevitably feel insecure. Everyone is afraid of being accused and arrested without reason by the people, and they live in fear all day long."
"In this case, how can the affairs of the court proceed normally?"
"Who else is willing to take the risk and serve the Tang Dynasty and take up an official position?"
Li Yifu's voice became increasingly earnest, almost pleading, "Even those good officials who are dedicated to serving the people and have clean hands will probably not be spared. They will be labeled as corrupt officials by those with ulterior motives and suffer injustice and persecution."
"This is truly detrimental to the Tang Dynasty and its people, and has no benefit at all."
Having said that, Li Yifu bowed with a respectful attitude.
"Your Majesty, I dare to say frankly that the current arrangement is the best."
"Your Majesty, by only allowing the people to discuss matters without granting them the final say, is already a great favor to the people. The people will surely be grateful for your kindness and wisdom."
Li Chengqian sat on the dragon throne and listened quietly to Li Yifu's long speech, with a hint of imperceptible admiration flashing in his eyes.
He extended his finger and pointed at Li Yifu, the corner of his mouth slightly raised, and slowly said: "You are not bad. From now on, you can follow your teacher Dai Zhou to attend court together."
Hearing Li Chengqian's words, Li Yifu was stunned at first, and the expression on his face froze instantly, as if he had not yet reacted.
Then, a look of ecstasy quickly spread from the bottom of his eyes to his entire face, and his eyes widened.
His chest heaved violently, his breathing quickened, and it took him a long time to come back to his senses. He hurriedly bowed, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
Li Chengqian turned his gaze away from Li Yifu, glanced at the ministers in front of him, and asked loudly, "My dear ministers, do you have anything else to report? If not, today's court meeting will end here."
"If there is something that is inconvenient to say in court, just submit a memorial to me after court."
Li Chengqian was about to stand up when he suddenly seemed to remember something and slowly sat back down. His face darkened and his expression became extremely serious. "Also, my dear ministers, listen carefully. You may advise me and offer suggestions for the court, but please do not try to form cliques and force me to make decisions. I am not someone you can fool."
After saying that, Li Chengqian slowly stood up under the gaze of everyone. For a moment, the Liangyi Hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. The ministers in the hall looked at each other in confusion.
After a while, many people couldn't help but sigh, obviously disappointed with the result of today's court meeting.
Only Li Yifu stood there, his eyes bright and sparkling with excitement.
Although his official position has not changed at this moment, he is full of confidence in his heart. He knows that his day of rapid success is not far away.
Being qualified to follow Dai Zhou into court to listen to lectures was an honor he had never dared to imagine before.
After all, in this court, the lowest official rank that can participate in court meetings is the fifth rank. How could he possibly stay at the seventh rank?
What excited Li Yifu the most was that His Majesty specifically mentioned that he should follow his teacher Dai Zhou.
These words ignited a raging fire in his heart.
He knew that his teacher Dai Zhou was old and the affairs of the court were becoming increasingly heavy. Given his teacher's physical condition, he would probably have to retire soon.
So, after the teacher leaves, is it possible for me to sit in the vacant seat?
Thinking of this, Li Yifu felt his blood boiling, his heart almost jumping out of his throat, and he was completely immersed in the fantasy of being on the verge of success.
Although the ministers around were not familiar with Li Yifu before, after witnessing with their own eyes today how much His Majesty valued him, they all realized that this man had a bright future.
So, one by one, they came up to him with smiles on their faces, greeted him actively, and their words were full of enthusiasm.
Li Yifu also smiled and greeted them politely.
After some socializing, Li Yifu could no longer contain his excitement. He walked out of the Liangyi Hall excitedly and ran towards Dai Zhou eagerly.
He wanted to tell Dai Zhouming everything that happened in the court today.