amaotonovel Chapter 586 I am the most powerful person in the world
Chapter 586 I am the most powerful person in the world
"Although I did not act according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, I was indeed too hasty in the matter of Xianyang."
"But the deep-rooted ills of the officialdom are like a thorn in the flesh. They are difficult to tolerate and cannot be delayed."
Li Chengqian sat upright on the majestic dragon throne, looking awe-inspiring without even getting angry.
He glanced at His Highness and his ministers, his tone heavy with gravity. "It's just like that terrible plague, spreading silently and corroding the body."
"Fortunately, in my opinion, the officials in Chang'an, while somewhat unsatisfactory in terms of self-discipline and adherence to their duties, have not disappointed me too much."
"Why do I have to emphasize this to you again and again today?"
"The reason is that the abuse of power, when traced back to its source, is inherently difficult to avoid. It can even be said to be contrary to the greed inherent in human nature."
Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression revealing a hint of helplessness and deep thought. "Let me ask all the nobles in the court, since you have entered the court as officials, how many of your families have not benefited from your positions?"
"Isn't life more prosperous and comfortable than before? How many of your family members who go out to do business have smooth and unimpeded travels because of your power?"
His voice echoed in the empty hall. Although it was not loud, every official could hear it.
The officials either lowered their heads in thought or looked embarrassed. They exchanged glances with each other, but no one dared to speak.
"I understand that this is a normal human experience. Although I don't like it, I have never criticized it."
"I also hope that you can use the power in your hands to make your family's life better without violating principles."
"After all, if your family is safe and secure, you can serve the court and handle official business with greater peace of mind."
Li Chengqian nodded slightly, his tone softened, a gentle flicker in his eyes, "However, everything has its limits. You must not abuse the power in your hands."
"You must know that this power does not come out of thin air. It comes from the trust and entrustment of the people."
"There's nothing wrong with improving one's family's life, but one must never cross the line and engage in activities that harm the public interest and enrich oneself, or compete with the people for profit."
"Take the situation in Xianyang for example. After I sent people to conduct a thorough investigation, I discovered many shocking things."
"An official of only the sixth rank, yet his social network is so vast and complex that it involves most of the prominent figures in Xianyang City."
Li Chengqian's expression suddenly darkened, anger growing in his eyes. "From his wife's business operations, to his son's renowned teacher, to every detail of his life, from food and clothing to housing and transportation, he relies on connections and power to strive for perfection."
"But this kind of behavior is clearly competing with the people for profit!"
"You are already officials appointed by the imperial court, enjoying wealth and high status. Why are you so greedy and fighting with ordinary people for those meager benefits?"
"Does being an official mean you have to feel superior to others? If not, then you think your job is worthless?"
Li Chengqian glanced at everyone coldly, his eyes seeming to see into everyone's innermost thoughts. "I advise you all to abandon this absurd idea and stop showing off your petty thoughts and temper in front of me."
"I have already said this: if you want to be an official, don't think about getting rich. If you are obsessed with wealth, then don't embark on a career in officialdom."
"Don't even think about engaging in any dirty business collusion between officials and businessmen. All I want is fairness!"
"Perhaps you're thinking, 'Fairness' is easy to say, but actually achieving it is much harder than climbing to the sky, right?"
Li Chengqian sighed slightly.
"It's precisely because you all harbor this mindset that, once you see someone abusing power for personal gain, you feel you have an excuse to follow suit, thinking: If he does it, why can't I? If this continues, our Tang Dynasty officials will all abuse their power for their own selfish desires. Sooner or later, the foundations of our Tang Dynasty will be completely eroded, and our country will be in jeopardy."
"But in fact, in my opinion, as long as each of you can stick to your original intentions and be strict with yourselves, it is not impossible to achieve fairness and justice."
Li Chengqian sat up straight, his expression firm and his tone decisive, "I have already issued a clear order that anyone who enters the court as an official must not have family members engaged in business, nor are they allowed to associate with merchants."
"If your family is facing financial difficulties and there is indeed an urgent need, just report it to me truthfully and submit a detailed report. I will lend a hand and help you overcome the difficulties."
"My attitude and position are already very clear."
"If this decadent mentality of abusing power and competing with the people for profit is not effectively curbed and controlled, within five years, our Tang Dynasty will repeat its past mistakes and return to its old state of corruption, chaos, and miserable livelihoods, and nothing will change."
Li Chengqian's words contained a stern warning, which made every official present feel a tightness in their hearts and a chill down their backs.
"Also, let me share your thoughts on the children's fight. I imagine that if you were able to study back then, you must have come from a wealthy family to be able to afford the tuition."
"In your perception, the fights between children may be harmless little things. They may clash today but be reconciled tomorrow."
Li Chengqian shook his head slightly, his expression solemn, and his tone became increasingly serious, "But the nature of what happened this time is completely different."
"This is no ordinary childish brawl, but rather an extremely egregious act of bullying. It's a group of people relying on their numbers to bully the weak for their own twisted pleasure."
"There is a world of difference between the two, and they must not be confused."
"Minister Tang, let me ask you, if my son were studying and someone gathered seven or eight people to beat him every day, day after day, without interruption, you would surely be filled with resentment, but what could you do?"
Li Chengqian looked directly at Tang Lin, his eyes filled with scrutiny and questioning. "It is precisely because of this that I have decided to compile a law specifically addressing this matter to prevent such evil from happening again."
"Children are the future and hope of the Tang Dynasty. If any of you dare to indulge your own children and, relying on your family's power, wantonly bully the children of ordinary people in the academy, don't blame me for giving them a taste of their own medicine."
"I will have the Crown Prince bring people there every day to discipline your child. You must remember that while I am restraining you, I am also strictly restraining myself and the royal family."
"If you think my actions are insignificant and you insist on acting recklessly, then I can follow your wishes."
"But when that time comes, don't regret it, because I will be the most powerful person in the world. By then, no matter who you ask for help, it will be useless."