Chapter Fifty-Five: Minister of Justice

Faced with Feng Yewu’s angry questioning, the entire court was trembling with fear. The only one who remained composed was Sun Changxi, standing upright.

“You… kneel at once!” The Minister of Justice, flustered, whispered a stern command to Sun Changxi.

“Oh.” Sun Changxi replied with a hint of resignation at the corners of his mouth, bending his knees to kneel.

Feng Yewu observed all this intently.

“Sun Changxi!” Upon hearing his name, Sun Changxi quickly straightened up and bowed.

“I am present, Your Majesty.”

“You did not kneel earlier. Why do you kneel now?” Feng Yewu glanced at the sweating Minister of Justice, his voice utterly devoid of emotion.

Sun Changxi was momentarily startled, then spoke the truth of his heart.

“When Your Majesty questioned whether I am guilty, knowing I am innocent, I did not kneel.”

After speaking, Sun Changxi cast a glance at the worried Minister of Justice, swallowed, and continued honestly.

“Later, the Minister ordered his subordinate to kneel. An order from a superior, to kneel before Your Majesty—I felt it should be done.”

Though Sun Changxi’s words were simple, Feng Yewu’s eyes brightened. In those few sentences, Feng Yewu found himself quite satisfied with Sun Changxi.

However, Feng Yewu did not intend to let the matter rest. This Sun Changxi was straightforward and principled. In today’s bureaucratic world, such a person would likely find little room to advance.

The Minister of Justice’s recommendation was clearly a last-minute change, using Sun Changxi as a shield.

Thinking of this, Feng Yewu could not help but let out a quiet laugh.

“Minister of Justice, this person you have recommended—what position do you intend for him in your ministry?”

The Minister of Justice, hearing Feng Yewu’s question, hesitated. Sun Changxi was not his own protégé; if he gave too high a position, he might become an obstacle. Too low a position, and Feng Yewu might be displeased.

“I believe the post of a clerical scribe will suffice.”

Hearing this answer, Feng Yewu sneered inwardly. Just now, the utterly incompetent Fan Yi was being touted for important duties by these officials. Yet now, a talent as upright as Sun Changxi was only offered a scribe’s post—a mere copyist.

Feng Yewu felt a surge of angry warmth.

“Is there any logic to this?” Feng Yewu asked, and the Minister hurriedly replied, fearing any hesitation would be misunderstood.

“Sun Changxi has little experience in the ministry, is young, and comes from a humble background. He will need some time to gain experience.”

He had found his excuse as soon as the post was mentioned.

Feng Yewu listened quietly to the Minister of Justice’s reasoning. At first glance, it seemed reasonable—if he were as naïve as before, he might be fooled by these old foxes of the court.

Little experience, youth, humble birth—every word was a subtle inducement, implying Sun Changxi was unfit for greater responsibilities. In the future, even if Sun Changxi accomplished something, these old foxes would erase his merits.

Such schemes were all too familiar in Feng Yewu’s memories of his previous life.

Ignoring the Minister’s words, Feng Yewu smiled and turned to Sun Changxi, asking in return, “What do you think of the position recommended by the Minister? And what of his reasoning?”

While the Minister spoke, Feng Yewu watched Sun Changxi’s expression. When the post was mentioned, Sun Changxi showed no reaction; when the reasoning was given, his face remained unchanged.

Feng Yewu found this man increasingly interesting.

“Your Majesty, I have no objection to the post given by the Minister.”

The Minister of Justice, hearing this, felt greatly relieved. His cunning told him that Feng Yewu favored this man; if Sun Changxi showed any unwillingness, Feng Yewu would blame him.

“But, I feel that the Minister’s reasoning is unconvincing.”

Sun Changxi’s next words chilled the Minister’s heart.

“Oh?” Feng Yewu’s lips curled with a hint of amusement.

“I am very curious. Go on.”

After Feng Yewu’s signal, Sun Changxi straightened and replied earnestly.

“In my opinion, appointments should be based on ability, not age or birth. Furthermore, I merely have little experience in the ministry—it does not mean I am unfamiliar with its laws.”

“Excellent. Go on, I wish to know why you have no objection to the scribe’s post.”

Feng Yewu, hearing Sun Changxi’s clear and righteous tone, could not help but praise him. At this moment, Sun Changxi in the court was like a refreshing spring, making Feng Yewu feel invigorated and pleased.

“I believe, since I am not yet familiar with the ministry’s cases, the scribe’s post will allow me to accumulate experience in judging cases. It is quite appropriate.”

“Hahaha, well said! All these civil and military officials in the court cannot match the joy you bring as a mere scribe.” Feng Yewu laughed heartily, rising from the throne and gazing up at the lofty ceiling of the Golden Luan Hall. He took a deep breath, and with a lingering smile, glanced at the Minister of Justice and suddenly asked,

“Minister of Justice, you are in charge of the ministry’s highest post; can you recite the major cases of past dynasties by heart?”

Feng Yewu’s question made the Minister break out in a cold sweat. Thinking of the earlier experience of the Grand Censor, he dared not lie for fear of being exposed.

“This… I… truly cannot.”

Upon hearing this, Feng Yewu smiled gently, showing not the slightest reproach, but rather a hint of harmony. With a wave of his sleeve, he descended from the throne, his bearing striking beneath the white gauze and blue canopy.

“If you do not know, then start from the beginning. Vacate your post as Minister of Justice.”

With a casual remark, Feng Yewu relieved him of his duties, his words carrying a trace of satisfaction.

The Minister of Justice had never expected that his cautious recommendation would lead to dismissal. He was naturally resentful.

“Your Majesty, I have served many years in the ministry. Even if I have no great merits, I have labored hard. I cannot accept this!”

Feng Yewu looked at the indignant Minister and sneered. He then ordered Lord Mingde to bring forth a memorial, throwing it heavily before the Minister.

On those records, evidence of the Minister’s years of corruption and abuse of power was detailed.

Seeing this, the Minister’s face darkened, and he was left speechless.

“Sun Changxi, receive the imperial decree!”

Feng Yewu ignored the Minister, turned, and stood at the steps, calling loudly.

“I am present!”

“Today, I appoint you as Minister of Justice, effective immediately.”

“I accept the decree!”

Sun Changxi knelt and bowed, responding loudly. The entire court was instantly thrown into an uproar.

“Minister of Justice, you claim only labor as your merit? Then I shall let you labor well—be the scribe in the ministry.”

With that, Feng Yewu waved his hand and dismissed the court.