I, Liu Bian, Sanxing Han Dynasty

Chapter 390 Retreating to Advance
After hearing the news of the earthquake again, Liu Bian was too lazy to even think about what impact it would have on public opinion throughout the world.

Cao Song was indeed gifted in money and goods. Under his leadership, the merchants and businesses developed by Mi Zhu and Zhen Yan played a great role in the disaster relief in Chang'an in October. Liu Bian still thought of him first, and then remembered that Cao Song had submitted a memorial a while ago, requesting to go to Chang'an to investigate the disaster relief situation. In this way, Liu Bian had nothing to do.

He only sighed and ordered: "Let the Shangshutai make arrangements and follow the old system in October... Let's return."

After knowing about the earthquake, it was not appropriate for him to go out and play anymore.

But he really couldn't do more and could only choose to trust his subjects.

At least the subsequent disaster relief after the October earthquake proved that the Jingzhao officials headed by Tao Qian were still trustworthy.

……

"What? Tao Gongzu allowed his subordinates to embezzle disaster relief supplies?" Liu Bian looked at Zhang Wen, the lieutenant of the Sili Army, and frowned. "Is there any evidence?"

He had learned from the late emperor a few years ago that there had been discord between Zhang Wen and Tao Qian.

But he also knew that Zhang Wen was a good guy by nature, and even though Tao Qian looked down on him so much, he was still able to recommend Tao Qian.

Therefore, although Liu Bian asked this question, he knew very well that Zhang Wen would not come to him to report Tao Qian without real evidence.

As expected, Zhang Wen immediately responded: "Your Majesty, I have solid evidence!"

"I have received a report from Han Bin, a supervisor of Jingzhao, that Jingzhao officials Cao Hong and others took advantage of the disaster relief to embezzle money and grain. I immediately sent Wei Jie, a supervisor of Jingzhao, to Jingzhao for a detailed investigation. All the witnesses and evidence are listed in the register!"

Liu Bian looked at the evidence provided by Zhang Wen and asked, "It seems that Tao Gongzu was only guilty of not governing his subordinates strictly."

Zhang Wen replied, "Not only that, Your Majesty, you can see clearly that the corrupt people here are all county officials that Tao Gongzu has trusted in recent years. According to my investigation, since he was appointed as Jingzhao Yin, Tao Gongzu has thought that he has made great achievements, so he has become lazy, and the loyal and upright have been neglected, and he has trusted the treacherous and evil. As a result, he has trusted the wrong people, and Jingzhao has shown signs of neglecting the criminal justice!"

Liu Bian did not doubt the truth of Zhang Wen's words. He would know the truth after checking. Moreover, even if the truth was as Zhang Wen said, if the matter was exposed at this time, Tao Qian would only be charged with misjudging people.

What puzzled him was why Zhang Wen would show up to visit Tao Qian at this time.

This doesn’t quite fit Zhang Wen’s character!
Thinking of this, Liu Bian asked: "What do you think should be done?"

"Thunder, lightning, rain and dew are all grace from the emperor. Your Majesty should make the decision!" Zhang Wen bowed.

Liu Bian continued to ask: "You are the Inspector of the Imperial Guards, how can you teach me?"

Zhang Wen then said, "I thought that during the disaster relief in October, Cao Hong's corruption did not cause any disaster. Now that the capital is shaken again, we need to be prepared and punish him in time!"

"Although Tao Gongzu has a lazy heart, he has made contributions to the country. We should reprimand him in time before he makes a big mistake. I hope he will correct his mistakes and continue to serve the country!"

The words were spoken passionately.

Liu Bian praised: "You are truly a famous scholar!"

"Since you have already thought of how to deal with it, and this matter is within the responsibility of the Sili Xiaowei, there is no need to let others interfere."

Zhang Wen heard this and said with a bitter face: "Your Majesty, Tao Gongzu has always been prejudiced against me... But since it is your Majesty's order, I will live up to your trust and go to Chang'an in person to show the governance of the government!"

After hearing the first half of the sentence, Liu Bian was about to sigh that the Zhang Wen he knew had returned, but when he heard Zhang Wen's request for help, he felt a little strange again.

But he thought about it and didn't find anything wrong. The Sili Xiaowei had the same responsibility as the governor to inspect the counties under his jurisdiction. At this point, he agreed. Liu Bian added: "This time, Jingzhao was hit by another earthquake, and we don't know how many casualties there are. When you go to Jingzhao, you must make sure that the people of Jingzhao don't suffer from cold and hunger!"

"I obey your command!" Zhang Wen immediately took his leave.

On the way out of the palace, Zhang Wen smiled triumphantly, secretly pleased with himself - "If you, Cao Song, can seek refuge in Chang'an, I, Zhang Wen, can too!"

He had a premonition that with the emperor's achievements in civil and military affairs in recent years, his power had grown. Jingzhao had experienced two earthquakes within two months. If someone with ulterior motives took advantage of this to raise doubts about the new policy again, there would be many casualties.

Taking advantage of natural disasters is old-fashioned but practical.

Direct killing is equally old-fashioned, but equally practical.

These two methods and the corresponding Han stories were clearly recorded in the Hanji of Dongguan. Officials and scholars knew about them, and so did the emperor.

Once people start killing, Zhang Wen, as the Inspector of the Imperial Capital, will inevitably be implicated, and any statement he makes will be a mistake.

……

"So, Wen Ruo thinks that the Si Li Xiao Wei's move is to avoid future disturbances in Luoyang?"

"Your Majesty, this is just my private guess, don't take it seriously. If Zhang Sili didn't mean this, then isn't this an injustice?"

Liu Bian nodded, agreeing with Xun Yu's words, but he made up his mind that it was time to replace him with a stricter Inspector of the Capital.

Originally, he thought that Sili was already well governed because of the presence of Taixue students and local officials, so it would be good to have a Sili Xiaowei who was benevolent and lenient in his administration. Anyway, he did not rely on the Sili Xiaowei to supervise all officials. Now it seems that he still needs someone who is willing to do the job.

Liu Bian then asked: "In Wen Ruo's opinion, will the scholars in Luoyang take advantage of the two earthquakes in Jingzhao to make a big fuss?"

"I don't know." Xun Yu certainly didn't really not know. He explained, "Since your majesty came to power, there have been many natural disasters, but your majesty has rarely dismissed the three ministers because of them. Therefore, the wise men in the world should understand your majesty's intentions! The so-called boiling public opinion depends on whether there is anyone colluding!"

Liu Bian heard the hidden meaning in Xun Yu's words - he didn't mind rivers of blood.

Come to think of it, the famous Xun Lingjun was not always gentle in his methods.

"Let's wait and see." Liu Bian paused. Guo Sheng was not here today, so he ordered a eunuch waiting nearby, "Go and call the school lieutenant to come and see him!"

Just after Liu Bian met with Xun Yu and Jia Xu and worked out a plan to deal with possible turmoil, the next day, somewhat to Liu Bian's surprise, Sikong Fan Ling wrote a letter to resign, citing old age and illness as reasons.

Since he served as Taiwei in the fifth year of Zhongping and later as Sikong, Fan Ling has been in office as one of the Three Dukes for five consecutive years.

Ever since the "story" of the Three Dukes being removed from office due to natural disasters, it has been very rare for the Three Dukes to be re-elected for such a long time.

Liu Bian had never heard of Fan Ling's illness before. After receiving the memorial, Liu Bian drove to Fan Ling's mansion that day to visit this old minister who had always pleased him.

After learning the news in advance, Fan Ling forced himself to go out to greet him despite his sick body.

But after entering the mansion, Liu Bian looked at Fan Ling's appearance and felt that he did not look seriously ill.

(End of this chapter)