Liu Fang paused for a moment and said, "The current emperor's era has not seen many major cases, but speaking of which, there is something related to the Ministry of Justice that is not handled by the Ministry of Justice itself."
Cao Rui nodded: "Tell me what you said."
Liu Fang replied, "Several months ago, when the former emperor was still alive, the former emperor imprisoned Bao Xun due to some reason and ordered him to be punished. At that time, the Ministry of Justice believed that the crime did not warrant death, so they refused. However, the former emperor summoned the Minister of Justice into the palace and, while he was inside, bypassed the Ministry of Justice to order Bao Xun's execution."
Cao Rui was puzzled and asked, "I know Bao Xun. He is just a man who, when he infringes upon the superior, does not change despite multiple instructions. He indeed has his own path to death. However, why did the former emperor necessarily have to bypass Gao Ruan?"
Liu Fang showed a hint of hesitation, and upon seeing this, Cao Rui added, "Don't worry, tell me the truth."
Liu Fang nodded in agreement and then said, "Bao Xun's enmity with the former emperor has been longstanding. I will not go into detail on this matter."
Bao Xun once served as the Minister of Works and often included sarcasm in his advice, which made him unwelcome to the former emperor. Later, the former emperor ordered Bao Xun to leave Luoyang and take up the position of Right Commander-in-Chief. At that time, both Chen Qun, the Grand Secretary, and Sima Yi, the Assistant Grand Secretary, recommended Bao Xun for the post of Chief Censor.
"The former emperor had to use him reluctantly."
Cao Rui heard the implication in Liu Fang's words and interrupted him, asking, "Chen Qun and Sima Yi recommended Bao Xun, and the former emperor had to use him. How could he have had no choice?"
Liu Fang fell silent for a moment and then said, "In the early years, when the former emperor was the prince of Wei, he appointed Chen Qun as the leader of the East and West Offices of the Prime Minister, responsible for the election of officials in the state of Wei. The appointment of both internal and external officials was all done by Chen Qun."
"And the former emperor had four Prince's Aide: Sima Yi, Sima Fu, Bao Xun, and Wang Chang. Sima Yi and Bao Xun were also colleagues."
"Chen Qun and Sima Yi have been responsible for the selection of officials for a long time. They both insisted on recommending Bao Xun. The former emperor did not want to alienate them, and since the position of Chief Censor involves monitoring officials and often makes enemies, the former emperor temporarily endured this and let Bao Xun take up the position of Chief Censor."
Cao Rui nodded silently, indicating for Liu Fang to continue. Although the emperor is officially above everyone, he would also have some unavoidable situations.
Liu Fang continued, "When Bao Xun committed a crime last year, the former emperor ordered the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate. According to the laws, the Ministry of Justice sentenced Bao Xun to five years in prison. However, when the Ministry of Justice presented this sentence to the three officials for execution, they found it inappropriate and changed Bao Xun's sentence to 'pay a fine of two pounds according to the law.'"
The three officials were the three officials who assisted the Minister of Justice in handling affairs: the Principal Justice, the Inspector of Justice, and the Judge of Justice. They had the responsibility to review the cases that had been audited by the Minister of Justice.
This is the story from half a year ago, not far from now. As Liu Fang made his statement, Cao Rui, listening intently, furrowed his brow even tighter.
Cao Rui asked, "Why did the three officials of the Minister of Justice, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, overturn the order of the Minister of Justice? Is it related to Chen Qun and Sima Yi?"
Liu Fang simply bowed and did not respond to the question, but instead said, "When the former emperor ordered the execution of Bao Xun, both Chen Qun and Sima Yi had also offered advice."
It's Sima Yi and Chen Qun again.
Of course, with the recent incident involving Sun Zi and Xin Bi, Liu Fang's words also raised a doubt in Cao Rui's mind. It is impossible to blindly trust or doubt the words of key officials in court.
Cao Rui thought for a moment and said, "Minister of Justice Gao Ruan punished Bao Xun according to the law, refused to allow the former emperor to increase his punishment and kill him, nor did he allow the three officials to reduce his punishment. Is that correct?"
Liu Fang nodded in confirmation: "Just as Your Majesty said."
The result of Bao Xun's case was simple - he was killed by Cao Pi. However, this case still reveals many issues. That's why political struggles in different dynasties have always started with certain cases, and have only become more intense over time.
Cao Rui asked again, "What about the three officials of the Ministry of Justice?"
Liu Fang replied, "The former emperor ordered the Censorial Officers to arrest the three officials and put them in the imperial prison. But before any action could be taken against them, the former emperor passed away. These three men have been in the imperial prison for half a year already."
Cao Rui snorted coldly, "Since that's the case, I won't bother using the Censorial Officers to manage them. Isn't the imperial prison under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice? Issue an imperial edict to Minister of Justice Gao Ruan and ask him on behalf of the emperor whether these three officials have committed treason. I want to see how the Minister of Justice will handle this and whether anyone will still defend these three men."
It must be said that in every dynasty, affairs are conducted by people. When the emperor grants ministers power and position, it is natural to respect the authority of ministers within their scope of responsibility. Otherwise, who would truly serve the emperor with sincerity?
Cao Pi was forced to make Bao Xun the Chief Censor because of the joint recommendation of Chen Qun and Sima Yi, and Cao Rui is now entrusting the officials arrested by the Censorial Officers to be dealt with by the Ministry of Justice because of the same reason.
And let's see if anyone will come forward on their own.
After Liu Fang agreed, he continued to report to the emperor, "Your Majesty, the Censorial Officers in Chang'an reported that the report submitted by Princess Qinghe, accusing Xiahou Mogu, was actually made by Xiahou Mogu's two younger brothers, Xiahou Zizang and Xiahou Zijiang."
Cao Rui was indeed taken aback.
Two younger brothers helping their sister-in-law cheat on their own brother?
We can discuss the details with Xiahou Mogu when Your Majesty personally receives him. Such misfortune within the family, what can one do about it anyway?
Cao Rui actually didn't care about Xiahou Mogu's family matters. Although Princess Qinghe is Cao Pi's older sister, what of it? Let them do whatever they want. Even Cao Zhi, Cao Pi's half-brother from the same mother, Cao Rui doesn't want to involve himself. As long as they don't cause trouble, let them fend for themselves.
The personalities of emperors differ from one another.
Cao Pi is different. Not only does he have a rich emotional life as an artistic youth, but he also often likes to interfere in the personal matters of his subordinates.
Taking Xiahou Shang, who once had an excellent relationship with Cao Pi, as an example. Xiahou Shang was the Administrator of Jingzhou and had the title of Adjunct Marshal. He was granted the power to 'bring people to life or kill them'. Xiahou Shang's wife was a daughter of the Cao family, and he also had a favorite concubine.
Cao Pi actually sent someone to kill Xiahou Shang's beloved concubine. At a time when Xiahou Shang was grieving in despair, Cao Pi looked down upon him. Compared to Cao Pi, Xiahou Shang indeed lacked the harshness in his methods.
Cao Rui addressed Liu Fang and said, "Liu Zhongshu, help me draft an edict for Minister of Justice Gao Ruan."
Liu Fang did not hesitate and directly moved to the desk to prepare to write.
Cao Rui said, "Firstly, it is unwise for a minister to be punished for his words, and I also dislike seeing my ministers reporting each other and spreading slander. The Ministry of Justice has done the right thing this time. In the future, do not promote the practice of making a big deal out of nothing to avoid it becoming a trend where everyone feels insecure."
"Secondly, the Minister of Justice has done a good job with this matter. From now on, the Minister of Justice can offer more advice on government affairs on behalf of the emperor, and I will praise him for his efforts."
Liu Fang's penmanship was quick, and after the emperor had finished speaking, Liu Fang promptly drafted the edict on behalf of the emperor.
It is said that Liu Fang and Sun Zi, such officials of state secrets, are the heart of the emperor because they draft imperial edicts every day. All confidential documents that the emperor sees must pass through their hands. Moreover, they also control the Censorial Officers system. With such power and influence, how could ordinary ministers dare to anger them?
