Chapter 217: The Battle In The Junshi Xianhe Hall (2)
Quan Yilin waited until Emperor Yong’an finished reading the memorial and then said, "Four days ago, Li Junwang gathered the refugees on the outskirts of Qian Shan County without providing any medical assistance. Due to the lack of treatment and sanitary conditions, most of the refugees were infected with influenza and diarrhea. In just half a day, these ordinary diseases spread to all the refugees, and a plague emerged."
As soon as these words came out, Cai Guiqi, the Minister of Revenue, stepped out of his place.
He bowed slightly at Emperor Yong’an and said, "Your Majesty, what Quan Da Ren said is baseless. Everyone knows that Li Junwang gathered refugees and provided food and medicine in times of crisis. Li Junwang’s kindness and benevolence are facts, but Quan Da Ren’s words are just slanders based on unsubstantiated rumors. Your Majesty, please investigate clearly."
Hearing this, Quan Yilin turned to look at Cai Guiqi and said, "Cai Da Ren, according to your words, Li Junwang is innocent. Then, can you explain why Li Junwang sent those sick refugees to the Western and Northern Regions?"
Seeing that Cai Guiqi was silent, he continued, "Li Junwang even secretly sent the patients to the Xie Army and the Jin Yi Army. Why didn’t Li Junwang send physicians to treat the patients before the common flu turned into a plague? What is his motive for doing all of this? If the Jin Yi army and the Xie army were both destroyed due to the plague, what good would it do to Li Junwang?"
When asked by Quan Yilin, Cai Guiqi was speechless. Seeing Emperor Yong’an looking at him, he fell silent and retreated to his position. Seven days ago, Emperor Yong’an suddenly went to welcome Xie Yanghui in person and saw the slums in the imperial capital city, which led to him being investigated by Dali Si.
If he had worked hard to defend Duan Qinwang at this time, then Emperor Yong’an would have definitely connected him with Duan Qinwang. When all the truth is revealed, he will not be able to escape the death penalty. To make matters worse, Emperor Yong’an might sentence him to nine familial exterminations to warn the others by killing the chicken to warn the monkey.
After considering the pros and cons of the current situation, Cai Guiqi decided not to intervene in today’s matter. After today’s morning court meeting, it would be better if Emperor Yong’an could let go of his suspicions toward him.
When Duan Qinwang saw Cai Guiqi playing death and staying silent after speaking a few words, he sneered and thought, ’Do you want to keep your distance from Ben Wang? Good, good. When Ben Wang ascended to the throne, the first person to be killed was you, Cai Guiqi!’