My Wife is Unbeatable in the Whole World, Touch Me If You Dare!-Chapter 608 - 378 Returning Home

Chang’an.

Public opinion about the Minister of Justice has swayed back and forth over the past two years.

Two years ago, if someone called him Daxia’s greatest villain, few would disagree.

His name instilled fear not only among the courtiers but was also enough to stop a child’s cries.

However, over these two years, his reputation has steadily improved because people, upon reflection, realized that although the fact he executed Confucian officials cannot be erased, he has also done more to benefit the people.

The nobles oppressed the common folk, and there was no one in court who could intervene, but he did.

The famous families, arrogant and unchecked, had to restrain themselves in his presence.

On careful analysis, the various reforms in Daxia over the past two years could not have been smoothly implemented without the obstacles cleared by the Minister of Justice for Lord Li. The reforms would have never succeeded without him.

If not for the death of the Great Scholar Su, his reputation would likely have continued to rise.

The execution of a Fifth Realm Great Scholar like Su, under such injustice, is truly unforgiveable.

Nonetheless, recently, a new narrative has emerged among the populace.

Although the death of Great Scholar Su infuriates people, not all the blame can be placed on the Minister of Justice.

It is clear to the discerning mind that the execution of Great Scholar Su was at the Emperor’s behest.

In the position of the Minister of Justice, anyone else would have faced the same lack of choice.

Reflecting carefully, all the Confucian officials he executed had somehow offended the Emperor first, each and every one.

If the Minister of Justice were as upright and unyielding as Great Scholar Su, unwilling to compromise even unto death, he would have died twenty years ago. Had he perished, Chang’an would not be what it is today.

As ordinary citizens, they would certainly suffer more than before, enduring greater hardships.

He is guilty, but his merits outweigh his faults.

Though he is not a Confucian, his impact on the populace far surpasses that of those isolated Confucians with integrity.

This rhetoric, though sparse, still prevails over previous defamatory voices from past days.

A certain official residence in Chang’an.

After the end of work, an official heard certain remarks from his wife while having dinner, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Where did you hear these things?"

The woman responded, "While out on the streets with Cai’er today, I heard others talking about it. I think they have a point. I’ve always felt the Minister of Justice can’t possibly be a bad person..."

The official darkened his face, and said, "How can he not be a bad person? What do you women know? Twenty years ago, when you ran to the streets to watch him, and now you still speak for him..."

The woman gave him a sidelong glance and said, "If you passed as the Six Subjects’ Scholar, there’d be no shortage of people watching you. You mustn’t hold prejudice simply because you’re not as capable. If the Emperor commanded you to kill, would you kill or not..."

"This..."

The official was momentarily speechless and could only hunch over to finish his meal.

Although he was often displeased with his wife’s defense of Li Xuanjing, he knew she was right.

As an official in the court, one must understand one critical thing.

Their power comes from whom.

The courtiers’ power comes from the Emperor; the Emperor’s commands must be obeyed without fail.

Those Imperial Censors and Historians who have disregarded the Emperor’s words have been dismissed from their positions, and worse still, have even lost their lives. The Minister of Justice could hold such sway only because of the Emperor’s favor.

Frankly, it is not fair to blame him for the death of Great Scholar Su.

It was unexpected that his wife, who usually indulged only in shopping, could possess such insight. It was truly surprising.

After dinner, the woman returned to her room alone.

She closed the door and let out a sigh of relief.

Although she did not understand why there was repeated pressure from above for them to change the Minister of Justice’s public perception, these matters were beyond their questioning.

The same scene was playing out in many officials’ homes throughout Chang’an.

Jade Sound Pavilion.

The door on the second floor was shut, and an old woman frowned, looking at Phoenix, and asked, "What’s the point of this? Every move they make increases the risk of exposure. What does it matter to you if people curse Li Xuanjing?"

Phoenix, full of conviction, replied, "How can you say that? Who knows if they’re dragging me into it too behind my back? Haven’t you noticed that the business at Jade Sound Pavilion has been declining lately?"

The old woman glanced at her and said blandly, "Acting on emotion is a grave mistake. I hope you’re genuinely doing this for Jade Sound Pavilion. If personal motives ruin grand plans, there won’t be a good outcome for you..."

Phoenix waved dismissively and said, "You’ve said this eight hundred times; my ears have grown calluses..."

Imperial Palace.

In the Imperial Study Room, the Xia Emperor looked at a dossier on the table and tapped his index finger lightly on the tabletop.

A eunuch stood inside the hall and spoke, "Your Majesty, we can confirm that indeed there are people manipulating public opinion in Chang’an. But their methods are so clever; we have only managed to detain a few common folks spreading the word..."

The Xia Emperor said calmly, "What is their objective?"

The eunuch thought for a moment, not knowing the reason these people spoke on behalf of the Minister of Justice, and could only suggest, "Perhaps they just want to drive a wedge between Your Majesty and Lord Li?"

The Xia Emperor’s gaze shifted slightly, and he said, "Continue investigating. Those who can conceal any clues from you all are certainly no ordinary beings. Their presence in Chang’an must be with a purpose."

The eunuch said, "As you command."

The Xia Emperor stood up, walked to the window, and remained standing with hands behind his back, gazing into the distance.

There’s no need for others to sow discord in his relationship with Li Xuanjing.

Even to this day, he has not fully trusted him.

He also knows that those nobles and famous family officials who were executed likely served his personal interests.

However, this does not matter.

No matter what thoughts he harbors, he cannot escape from within his grasp...

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