Xie Jia Yan clenched his fist. No, he couldn't let things escalate.
Everyone else could seek advantages and avoid harm, but he couldn't.
The complete breakdown of conflict between the Five Clans and the imperial court would not be good for Great Wei. Internal strife would allow the covetous foreign tribes to take advantage of the situation.
Moreover, his mother would not stand by and watch the Wang family fall into ruin.
...
"Your Highness, Scholar Xie requests an audience," the young eunuch reported, bowing.
Xiao Che put down his memorial and said, "Quickly, bring him in!"
The smooth progress of this case was largely thanks to him; he was indeed a useful person.
"Your subject pays his respects to Your Highness!" Xie Jia Yan bowed.
"Please rise, and be seated!" Xiao Che was very polite to Xie Jia Yan.
"Your Highness, I am here regarding the Wang family's affairs," Xie Jia Yan stated directly.
They had a mutual friend, but Xie Jia Yan and Xiao Che were not close.
Therefore, this was a matter of sovereign and subject, not personal acquaintance, and there was no need for pleasantries.
"Oh!" Xiao Che's "oh" was meaningful, indirectly indicating his stance.
Even Minister Qin and Vice Minister Lu were no longer insisting; Xie Jia Yan's action seemed overly ambitious.
"Your Highness, Wang Ning Qing and his son's conspiracy to rebel with Prince Han is an unforgivable crime, and confiscation of their property is justifiable. However, the Five Clans previously assisted Your Highness in quelling the rebellion in You Province with merit, and the Sage previously pardoned Prince Han, wishing to avoid further bloodshed and conflict. I implore Your Highness, in consideration of the Wang family's contributions, to spare the lives of the Wang clan members," Xie Jia Yan said respectfully, head bowed.
Xiao Che's expression visibly darkened. He was still young and could not yet achieve the Sage's ability to remain impassive regardless of emotion.
For convenience, Xiao Che had moved to Taiji Hall, handling state affairs and receiving ministers in the front, and attending to the Sage in the rear.
Zhang Ying, in the rear hall, heard everything clearly. Yao Guifei, who was attending to the Sage beside him, naturally heard it as well.
Yao Guifei's hand, wiping the Sage's forehead, paused, and Zhang Ying's heart skipped a beat.
How could this young Master Xie, usually so intelligent, be so foolish today? Times had changed.
"Are you using my father to pressure me, or are you saying I am unmerciful?" Xiao Che's voice had turned cold.
Since his triumphant return to the capital, he had been surrounded by flattery. Even those like Prime Minister Mo, who had previously shown outward respect but inward rejection, had changed their attitudes.
Xie Jia Yan's words were undoubtedly like pouring cold water on the triumphant Xiao Che.
"Your subject dares not."
"Dares not?" Xiao Che sneered. "I see you dare anything by relying on your father's favor. Wang Ning Qing and his son's treasonous collusion is proven, and by law, their entire clan should be executed. Confiscating their property and eliminating one branch of the clan is already a great mercy."
Xie Jia Yan lifted his robe and knelt. "Your subject is grateful for the Sage's benevolence and would never dare to act presumptuously. What I say is from the heart and without selfish motives. Our Great Wei was founded on rule of law and governance by virtue. Law is the standard, and virtue is the warmth. Without law, there are no rules; without virtue, the people's hearts are lost."
"Wang Ning Qing and his son's rebellion is indeed punishable by death, but the Wang family also has merits. Not to mention their ancestors had contributed to the founding of the dynasty and produced two empresses. During the You Province rebellion, the Wang family's retainers galloped thousands of miles through the snow to rescue Your Highness and the soldiers of Great Wei, which is a significant contribution. Those who err should be punished, and those who have merit should be rewarded. Punishment is the law of the land, and clemency is the warmth. Governing by law, leading by virtue, and moving people with emotion will surely win the people's trust." "Therefore, your subject believes that confiscating the Wang family's assets and ordering their clan members to relocate from Liancheng, with the Wang descendants scattered, will ensure that the Wangs of Liancheng are no longer a threat to the court. This will demonstrate the Emperor's immense grace, ease the conflict between the court and the noble families, and turn them into allies of the court rather than obstacles."