Chapter 223:

Chapter 223:

Chapter 223

Time quickly passed. Just as Li Er had foreseen, this night in Changan, none of the high-ranking officers in the court had slept a wink.

In any case, hundreds of cavalry had been galloping through the city all night. Even the slowest to react had already figured out what had happened.

In the early morning, the court convened. In the grand hall, each individual's eyes were fixed on a pair of dark circles beneath them.

Everyone secretly stole glances at the figure at the forefront, regardless of who it was.

Despite a night of exhaustion, Su Li appeared radiant, showing no signs of fatigue. The long sword hanging at his waist is still emitted a strong scent of blood, causing those behind him, including Li Jing and Qin Qiong, to take a few steps back involuntarily. Li Er sat on the dragon throne, his demeanor not quite as lively.

“My ministers, present your matters for discussion. If there is nothing to report, you may step down,” Li Er waved his hand.

The court officers exchanged glances, each hesitating to speak. But it wasn't that there was nothing to report. There were indeed too many things that could be said...

The previous night, when Li Er issued the decree to eliminate the nine generations of the Lu Clan, it was an unprecedented and monumental event.

Eliminating nine generations... Throughout history, this act has been the most brutal method employed in court conflicts, dating back to the times before the Qin Dynasty. Using this method meant the intention to eradicate the roots.

Throughout the thousands of years of history in the various states, examples like Shao Kang's revival and Wu Zixu's attack on Chu demonstrated the consequences of not eradicating the roots, causing the embers to reignite.

The concept of eliminating nine generations had always existed, but in the millennium that followed, no one had truly faced such a severe punishment. Only Yang Xuangan during the early Sui Dynasty could be considered a precedent.

Taking advantage of Emperor Yang of Sui's expedition to Goguryeo, Yang Xuangan had risen in rebellion. Emperor Yang had no choice but to lead an army to Liaodong personally, and he withdrew only after alleviating the situation.

Although Yang Xuangan's rebellion eventually led to his defeat and his followers turning against him, Emperor Yang's anger remained unquenched. He had Yang Xuangan's body dismembered, exposed, and then cut into segments before being set on fire.

Then, Emperor Sui Yang, who was furious, killed Yang Xuangan's clan members and brothers and issued an order to punish Yang Xuangan's nine clans.

Even if he was as cruel as Yang Guang, he did not kill Yang Xuangan's family and relatives. Only two generations of Yang Xuangan and his son were killed, and the others were exempted from the death penalty and sentenced to exile or reduced to slavery.

The Yang clan of Hongnong was originally a prominent family during the early Sui dynasty, with each generation having members holding significant positions in the court.

The court officials couldn't help but feel a deep fear towards Su Li. As no one spoke, the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward. Zhangsun Wuji, having no choice, mustered his courage and stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, the Lu clan of Fanyang has committed grave crimes and is being subjected to the punishment of the extermination of nine generations. However, we are unsure about the specific procedures involved...”

Li Er impatiently waved his hand, saying, “Implement the law.”

The hall was immediately filled with sporadic gasps of astonishment. When Li Er said, “implement the law,” he was undoubtedly referring to the law he himself had established, the “Tang Code.”

Within it, the punishment for exterminating nine generations was outlined as follows: fathers and sons over sixteen were executed together. At the same time, other relatives were exempt from the death penalty. Of course, exemption from the death penalty didn't mean escape from all consequences.

Males would be sent into exile, while females would be enslaved. Regardless, the Lu clan of Fanyang would cease to exist after today. Just as the court officers were gradually calming down, Su Li suddenly stepped forward and said,

“Your Majesty, I have recently investigated corruption cases, and the revelations have been shocking. I suspect many other officers have fallen into corruption and remain hidden in the shadows, yet to be exposed. Therefore, I have decided to investigate corruption thoroughly!”

At that moment, the officers couldn't help but feel a sense of dread coursing through them. Even individuals like Zhangsun Wuji were looking at Su Li with shock. “Not again. Are you still here?”

The previous corruption cases had already resulted in numerous executions. Even a cursory investigation had led to the downfall of many officers from prominent families. If Su Li were to conduct a thorough investigation, it was hard to imagine that it wouldn’t implicate even more people, including them. How many individuals within the court would be left standing by the end?

The court officers were gaining a deeper understanding of Su Li’s ruthlessness. As Li Er locked eyes with Su Li, he saw a calm, unaffected gaze. However, Li Er knew that Su Li was truly determined.

While the Lu clan was responsible for the assassination attempt on Su Che, dealing with just them wouldn’t be enough to quell Su Li’s anger. This time, Su Li intended to thoroughly uproot corruption among the Five Surnames and Seven Names, regardless of their status.

Li Er’s expression was complicated. According to common sense, he should have transitioned to a more moderate approach after taking down the Lu clan to avoid uniting the Five Surnames and Seven Names against him. However, Su Li’s actions were anything but common. He had a distinct plan in mind and was intent on shaking the foundations of the power structure within the court.

The officers now realized that Su Li was not just a violent enforcer but a strategic thinker with a clear agenda. A measured approach was the best solution. Unexpectedly, Su Li was being so forceful. Taking down the Lu clan wasn’t enough. He was now planning to target other prominent families as well! Evidently, he intended to deal a decisive blow to all those influential families at once. He truly lived up to his reputation...

Li Er had nothing else to say. “Granted.”

Let him shake things up!

Li Er had long grown tired of the weakness displayed by those noble families. If Su Li was willing to take action, it was undoubtedly a welcome development. Though the idea of Su Li standing up for him might lead to a sense of shame, Li Er was adept at adjusting his mindset and engaging in self-encouragement. After all, Su Li was still his son-in-law. Having a son-in-law help settle old scores was a reasonable and fitting thing to do.