pertwk Chapter 563 - 62: Glorious Flourishing Age, Wu Zetian’s Probe (Part 3)
Chapter 563 - 62: Glorious Flourishing Age, Wu Zetian’s Probe (Part 3)
At least before Gu Jing passed away, no one would dare to provoke the Great Tang because no one could bear such a cost.
Simply put—
Li Shimin and Gu Jing had already frightened them!
Even if they weren’t the ones injured, they would still be afraid!
Inside the Champion Marquis Mansion.
Gu Jing, as usual, was reviewing reports from the Imperial Censorate coming in from various places.
The Gu Clan’s descendants continued to make an impact from the ground up.
This was related to the talent of the Gu Clan’s descendants.
Perhaps due to changes in history, the talents of the Gu Clan’s descendants seemed to have diminished, but it wasn’t too big of a problem.
For the Gu Clan currently, it was already sufficient.
At this moment, the sound of footsteps approached, and soon, Gu Jing’s eldest son, Gu Rui, entered from outside, his brows tightly knit. He bowed deeply to Gu Jing and respectfully said, "Father, I have an important matter to report."
"Speak," Gu Jing immediately detected the seriousness in Gu Rui’s tone, set aside the secret letter, and looked at him.
"Someone has secretly reported that Wei Siqi, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, is suspected of accepting bribes."
After Gu Rui spoke, he presented the secret letter with a bow.
Upon hearing this, Gu Jing’s eyes slightly narrowed as he took the secret letter and read it.
As for this Wei Siqi, he was the cousin of Wei Siqian.
Gu Jing was not unfamiliar with Wei Siqian.
His character was extremely upright and daring to criticize and was considered one of the few critic officials nowadays, and his family was also quite extraordinary.
Logically speaking, he shouldn’t bear this accusation.
But the position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture was such that it controlled the granaries of the Capital City and the royal estates.
The benefits involved were indeed too vast, and it was hard for one person not to be tempted.
"Investigate it."
Gu Jing spoke lightly after reading the secret letter, without any superfluous words.
He absolutely could not ignore it.
Though the Imperial Censorate might not be able to control all the officials of the Great Tang, there must not be any mistakes under his watch in Chang’an.
This always had been Gu Jing’s attitude.
As for who made the report, Gu Jing did not care at all.
A storm was brewing in the Capital City.
The Wei Clan was one of the eight major surnames of the Guanlong Group, and their family had close marital ties with the royal family, with Consort Wei during Taizong’s reign being from this family.
The Imperial Censorate initiating action against a member of their family would certainly create a huge stir.
Not only Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, but even Li Zhi approached Gu Jing, hoping for leniency.
"Grand Tutor, the Wei Clan is related by the inner chambers, causing such a ruckus might harm the national dignity."
In Taiji Hall, Li Zhi looked earnestly at Gu Jing, "If there indeed are offenses, could we not handle it discreetly and preserve some dignity, merely stripping him of his position?"
"Since Your Majesty has spoken, his punishment can be waived."
Gu Jing, expression unchanged, bowed towards Li Zhi and said, "But has Your Majesty considered, after this leniency, what should be done if other family members violate the law in the future?"
"Once Emperor Taizong said."
"The administration is the foundation of the nation and cannot tolerate the slightest error."
"Minister...."
Even before Gu Jing finished, Li Zhi quickly waved his hand, "Enough, enough, let’s pretend I didn’t say anything."
He had no dissatisfaction in mind.
Under the influence of Li Shimin, Li Zhi also held the Gu Clan in high regard.
And he understood.
He could be a carefree emperor largely thanks to Gu Jing’s efforts.
Helping to absolve Wei Siqian was merely out of courtesy.
He didn’t really care about the Wei Clan.
"Your Majesty is wise." Gu Jing didn’t hesitate at all, immediately retracting his words and bowing towards Li Zhi.
"By the way, has the Grand Tutor considered who should occupy the position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture in the future?"
Li Zhi suddenly changed the topic.
Gu Jing, who usually did not meddle in these matters, simply shook his head.
And Li Zhi seemed to have anticipated this, immediately speaking as Gu Jing shook his head: "What does the Grand Tutor think of Wu Sansi, the Clerk of the Crown Prince’s Right Guard Bureau?"
"I find him clever and he is also the empress’s clan nephew, worthy of trust."
In an instant, Gu Jing’s expression changed.
Wu Sansi?
As a legitimate master of political intrigue, Gu Jing’s way of thinking was always that of a standard politician.
He wouldn’t ponder the reasons, only focusing on the results.
Like the current matter.
He didn’t care who reported it; by looking at who ultimately benefited, he could make sufficient analytical judgments.
At this moment, it was like this!
Currently, the Crown Prince of the Great Tang was Li Hong, the eldest son of Wu Zetian.
After becoming empress, Wu Zetian had not sought much power, seemingly wary of Gu Jing, and her family members were also quite restrained, mostly holding positions in the Eastern Palace.
And Wu Sansi was now a renowned figure from the Wu Clan in the capital.
Gu Jing almost instinctively thought this was Wu Zetian’s testing.
Though the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture was merely a rank six position,
It was indeed a real power position, not one to be exchanged for a typical rank six official.
How could this not be seen as a test?
Though Gu Jing had never acted against Wu Zetian, he never fully let down all his defenses, treating everyone this way.
Once he assessed someone’s character, he wouldn’t easily change his judgment.
And in his eyes, Wu Zetian was a person with an extremely high desire for power.
From Ganye Temple to the harem, then climbing to Lady Zhaoyi, and then from Lady Zhaoyi to Empress.