After Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty began to suppress all other schools of thought and exclusively promote Confucianism, other schools of thought declined, some even disappearing entirely into the annals of history.
Only Legalism survived.
It was a Confucian facade masking Legalist principles, relying solely on a facade.
Meanwhile, other rich and interesting schools of thought, such as the School of Fiction, the School of Diplomacy, the Agricultural School, the School of Names, and the Miscellaneous School, have long since vanished.
Perhaps the Mohist school still circulates among the common people, but it has always been marginalized and excluded from officialdom. Fortunately, this marginalization has allowed it to survive among the common people.
It's normal that schools of thought that cannot provide a foothold in officialdom will not be favored.
The School of Fiction and the School of Diplomacy, which had a place in the Warring States period, gradually lost their function in the era of unification and were replaced.
Therefore, Yuan Wei knew that someone was using rumors to severely damage him, but he didn't know how to retaliate.
This was the domain of the School of Fiction, and the School of Fiction had long since disappeared.
For a moment, Yuan Wei's expression shifted between light and shadow. "Grand Master of Ceremonies, you flatter me. When the nation is in trouble, every citizen has a responsibility. Sharing His Majesty's burdens is our duty as subjects."
"The Minister of the Imperial Secretariat's noble character is truly admirable!" Yang Biao found it amusing. He too had realized His Majesty wanted to seize power. Previously, when Emperor Ling approved the establishment of the Western Garden Army, he had been misled by the quota for a captain.
Now he realized His Majesty was trying to usurp power!
No wonder he wanted to deal with Lu Ming. Lu Ming was Emperor Ling's son-in-law and a sharp henchman. Eliminating Lu Ming was like crippling his arm—a good thing!
In the face of family interests and survival, a little medical skill couldn't cause any trouble.
At most, it could save Lu Ming's life and allow him to rise to prominence?
Then it simply meant he had chosen the wrong side, chosen the wrong side. The emperor wasn't necessarily the most noble!
"Attend court!" Zhang Rang shouted in his hoarse voice.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Everyone bowed in unison.
Actually, the phrase "long live the Emperor" didn't exist before. It was only after Lu Ming flattered him that Emperor Ling found it acceptable, so the phrase was retained, and ministers were instructed to use it during court sessions.
Unless it involved changes to vital organs, there was no reason to object; at most, it was considered a perverse pleasure.
Everyone knew that everyone dies eventually, even the emperor, but no one pointed it out.
"Speak if you have anything to report!" Zhang Rang called out again, then stood aside.
The crowd lowered their heads and remained silent.
However, at Yuan Wei's signal, a disciple of the Yuan family stepped forward.
Wang Kuang bowed respectfully to Emperor Ling, "Your Majesty, news has arrived from the border that Ma Teng, Han Sui, and other figures from Xiliang are showing signs of renewed activity, seemingly preparing for another rebellion. Liangzhou is in grave danger. I recommend General Lu Ming as the Governor of Liangzhou, to oversee all affairs of Liangzhou, and to quell the rebellion, suppress the plague, and ensure the safety of the capital!"
"We second that!"
"We second that!"
"We second that!"
This was already arranged: Lu Ming would become the Governor of Liangzhou.
Once the threat was eliminated, they would send someone else to serve as Prefect, a legitimate way to reap the benefits.
Whether Lu Ming was willing or not was irrelevant.
They probably didn't consider what would happen if Lu Ming sent men disguised as bandits or Xiongnu Yellow Turbans to kill their appointed official.
What would these people do in such a blatant murder?
Would they die without witnesses, or would they seek revenge against the Xiongnu?
Once you leave the vicinity of Luoyang, even reaching the vicinity of Chang'an becomes unsafe. Killing is one thing, but strength is paramount.
Emperor Ling sat on his dragon throne, his eyes flickering. A crown covered his head, and a beaded curtain obscured his small eyes, making his expression impossible to discern.
A long silence followed, the atmosphere becoming increasingly oppressive.
"What does the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat think?"
"Your subject has no objection. General Lu is exceptionally talented, a rare genius. He is truly the one everyone expects of him to assume this important position." Yuan Wei had already offered his approval; asking him meant he agreed.
After all, it wasn't his idea, and if anything went wrong, it wouldn't be his concern.
"How should the disaster relief supplies be handled? Where should they be collected? Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, what do you think?" Emperor Ling asked another crucial question, the one he cared about most.
Disaster relief grain and supplies were a bottomless pit.
Plus, the Yellow River floods and the construction of riverbanks—all of that cost money.
Yuan Wei's heart skipped a beat. Had the Emperor already learned of the rumor?
Or had the Emperor himself spread it?
No, if the Emperor possessed such intelligence, would he be so foolish?
In an instant, a series of thoughts flashed through Yuan Wei's mind. He thought rapidly, his face paling—he was exhausted and on the verge of collapse.
"The treasury is currently empty; all the grain has been used to support the suppression of bandits in Hedong, and the Yellow River floods also require expenditures."
"Minister of the Imperial Secretariat!" Emperor Ling's voice suddenly rose, seemingly annoyed. "I'm asking you how to solve these problems, not to listen to your complaints!"
The atmosphere became awkward, as if a conflict was about to erupt.
At this moment, Yang Biao stepped forward, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said, "Your Majesty, rumors are circulating that someone in Anding County is building a shrine to worship the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and that the Minister is willing to donate his entire fortune to disaster relief. Such malicious intent is clearly a serious offense. I beg Your Majesty to punish those who spread these rumors!"
While Yang Biao appeared to be exonerating Yuan Wei, he was actually putting Yuan Wei on the spot to roast!
Once money is involved, the nature of the rumors and who spread them become irrelevant.
The important thing is how to resolve and refute the rumors—that's the key!
Yuan Wei glared at Yang Biao, his heart seething with hatred. That scoundrel!
Among powerful clans, there is only self-interest. They rarely have the opportunity to kick someone when they're down, so naturally they won't let it pass.
It's a zero-sum game; the pie is only so big, so everyone wants a bigger slice!
"Oh? The Minister of the Imperial Secretariat has such a wish? I grant it!" Emperor Ling didn't wait for Yuan Wei's refusal or denial, and immediately made the decision!
Upon hearing this, Yuan Wei was terrified! He was going to be bankrupt! "Your Majesty, this old minister has lived a life of integrity and has never accepted bribes. I have a hundred taels of surplus grain at home, which I wish to donate entirely to the national treasury to support disaster relief, to do my utmost!"
Shame on you? Have you no shame?! Emperor Ling was ashamed for Yuan Wei. A life of integrity? This old fox, he thought he could settle things with just a hundred taels? "Oh? Father, is this true?"
Zhang Rang was secretly delighted. Even if he had to play the villain, so what!
So, in a high-pitched, hoarse voice, he chuckled, "Lord Yuan is incredibly wealthy; a mere hundred taels is no problem. Since it's for disaster relief, the more the better. If Lord Yuan doesn't remember, I'm willing to help you count the valuables!"