I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 90 A Reprimand

At this moment, Li Yan realized that from the moment he entered the room, Liu Shan had firmly grasped the initiative in this heart-to-heart talk between the emperor and his minister.

Regarding the matter of embezzlement, Liu Shan defined it as "covering up" rather than condoning.

Covering up emphasizes the active concealment after the fact, while condoning emphasizes letting things go unchecked before or while they are happening.

Having spent many years in officialdom, he keenly sensed that Liu Shan had left himself a way out.

"Your Majesty, I have abhorred embezzlement of military funds all my life. But this time, I don't know what came over me; I made a mistake and caused such a disaster." Li Yan said with some remorse, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will make up for the embezzled military rations even if I have to sell everything I own. Furthermore, Your Majesty, I am willing to accept any punishment you deem fit."

At this moment, Zhuge Liang said, "Li Duhu is in the central government and has always devoted himself to assisting His Majesty. Yong'an is in the east of Yizhou, far from the emperor's reach, so occasional oversights are understandable."

Li Yan's face instantly darkened.

The phrase "the mountains are high and the emperor is far away" was not just an oversight for him, but a serious dereliction of duty.

Li Yan didn't know whether Zhuge Liang was genuinely trying to exonerate him or stabbing him in the back when he spoke at this moment.

Liu Shan raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding Zhuge Liang's intention, and followed his words, saying, "That's true, but this matter is worth being wary of. Although this one-tenth of the military rations is not easy to detect, what will be the consequences if this continues?"

"The imperial court's annual grain reserves are limited and cannot withstand any waste or corruption."

Li Yan said worriedly, "I know the consequences will be very serious. I will have failed the court and Your Majesty's trust."

Seeing that he had given enough of a warning, Liu Shan slowly picked up the official document.

"This is an urgent document sent by Yang Hong. You can open it and take a look now."

As Liu Shan slowly opened the official document, Li Yan's heart tightened again, and he kept swallowing.

He didn't know what else Yang Hong had discovered on this trip, and this unknown was the most terrifying thing.

Liu Shan's expression did not change at all after reading it, and he casually placed the document on the desk.

"Prime Minister, Protector-General Li, you should take a look too."

Li Yan stood up impatiently and reached out to take it, but after thinking for a moment, he gestured to Zhuge Liang to invite him.

He understands the current situation clearly; at this time, one must not act rashly but remain calm.

Otherwise, if there are any serious incidents mentioned in the official document, being anxious will only make you look guilty.

Zhuge Liang didn't stand on ceremony; he simply smiled and readily accepted.

After he finished reading it, he handed it to Li Yan.

Li Yan's hands trembled more and more as he looked at the screen, and he gasped for breath until he finally knelt on the ground.

"Your Majesty, I know nothing about this..."

Liu Shan waved his hand and said, "Protector Li, I have already said that today is for us, ruler and subject, to have a private conversation, not to discuss crimes or punishments. Please rise."

Li Yan, unaware of Liu Chan's true intentions, rose cautiously.

"Thank you, Your Majesty..."

Liu Shan asked in a questioning tone, "They embezzled military rations and forced labor. Is it because they were pressured by the political achievements of Yong'an that they resorted to such desperate measures?"

The phrase "it is said" doesn't ask if you know about these two things; it directly asks, "Isn't this due to pressure to achieve political results?"

In this way, Li Yan lost the initiative to defend himself and could only passively admit, "Your Majesty, the fortifications in Yong'an were indeed built on my orders. Although Eastern Wu has made peace with our Han Dynasty, the fact that they crossed the river in disguise and seized Jingzhou is still fresh in our minds. I have no choice but to be vigilant even in times of peace."

"I just didn't expect my subordinates to do this. It was my oversight and I made a mistake in choosing the right people."

Both of these charges would be serious offenses in the military, but Li Yan ultimately defined it as "failing to properly select personnel," thus diluting the severity of the problem and the responsibility.

"Throughout history, peasant uprisings have all arisen from taxes and forced labor. For the sake of your political achievements, Protector Li, your men have dared to enforce forced labor. If the people are oppressed and lose the support of the people, no matter how well the fortifications are built, won't the people of Yong'an surrender without a second thought when Sun Quan raises his army to invade?"

Liu Shan's use of "rebellion" directly tore away the veneer of Li Yan's pretense of "defending against Eastern Wu," pointing straight to the core issue.

So, Li Yan, did you build these defensive fortifications to defend against Eastern Wu, or for your own career advancement?

Li Yan lowered his head in shame and said, "Your Majesty, this was not my intention!"

Liu Shan pointed at Li Yan and continued in a coercive tone, "Li Governor, it seems your understanding is not deep enough."

If Liu Shan's previous conversations were still reserved and friendly, the moment he pointed at Li Yan, the atmosphere suddenly became tense and aggressive.

This is also what Li Yan has always been worried about: what kind of force would Liu Shan use to ring the bell?

Before Li Yan could react, Liu Shan continued, "The defensive fortifications in Hanzhong are equally important, but why didn't such a thing happen in Hanzhong under Wei Yan's rule?"

"According to news from Hanzhong, Wei Yan and Ma Dai have begun to make intensive preparations for the military settlements. The 20,000 troops are taking turns to defend, train, farm, and repair irrigation canals in an orderly manner."

"Compared to Yong'an, Hanzhong should be more likely to be at war with Cao Wei, so why did Wei Yan not focus on building defensive fortifications, but instead let the people recuperate and develop in a long-term manner?"

"This contrast is clear to everyone, and frankly, I find it rather shocking."

Although both Li Yan and Wei Yan were high-ranking officials appointed by Liu Bei before his death, it was clear to everyone that if Huang Quan had not been cut off from returning to Shu after the Battle of Yiling and had no choice but to surrender to Cao Wei, Li Yan would not have been appointed as the regent.

Liu Shan used this opportunity to warn Li Yan: "I have plenty of men like you under my command, and they are better at both domestic and military affairs than you. I can replace you at any time."

This comparison was a devastating blow, delivering a fatal strike to Li Yan's arrogant pride.

Li Yan was utterly dejected at this moment, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I know my crime. As a minister entrusted with the care of the young emperor, not only have I failed to share Your Majesty's burdens, but I have also increased the potential hidden dangers in the court..."

"I, the guilty subject Li Yan, am willing to accept punishment."

Upon hearing the words "a guilty subject," Liu Shan knew he had achieved his goal and deliberately let out a long sigh.

"Actually, it's partly my fault. I originally intended to motivate court officials through their achievements, but it backfired. It was my oversight."

Liu Shan not only had to reprimand Li Yan, but also had to appease him.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang immediately understood why he had been spared.

"Your Majesty need not blame yourself. According to Yang Hong's report, the soldiers in Yong'an embezzled military rations only so that the soldiers and civilians building the fortifications could have enough to eat. It was not for personal enrichment. I think it should be dealt with appropriately."

"Very well, granted. Then I'll trouble you, Your Excellency, to reply to Yang Hong and ask him to handle the matter accordingly."

"Your Majesty, political achievements, like military merits, are a means of motivating court officials, but they are also prone to fraud and falsification. I suggest that an independent oversight body be established to ensure the authenticity of officials' achievements."

Liu Shan nodded.

Isn't this oversight agency somewhat similar to the later Embroidered Uniform Guard?

While it may be useful, we must guard against their abuse of power and entrust the task to someone we can absolutely trust.

Liu Shan didn't even need to think about this candidate.

"Since it was proposed by the Prime Minister, then we will trouble the Prime Minister to prepare this oversight agency, which will be directly under the command of both the Prime Minister and me."

"I obey your decree!"