Chapter 458: Zhou Ping'an's Stance

in high spirits and riding a wave of popularity. Who would dare to contradict him at this momentSeeing no one speaking, Li Chen continued, "This palace has ordered Su Pingbei to bring the main command...Chapter 458: Zhou Ping'an's Stand

"Your Highness, today I have reviewed the case files of the Ministry of Justice over the past decade. While there are indeed many problems within the ministry, its basic functions and purpose remain intact. Although numerous flaws were found in the case files, the situation is not yet dire. Therefore, I humbly request your permission to conduct a selective and focused mass review of these cases."

Zhou Ping'an was permitted to enter the Hall of Political Affairs. The very first words he uttered caused Li Chen to raise his head and shift his gaze from the memorial in his hands to Zhou Ping'an.

"There's no smoke without fire, isn't that right, Zhou Pingan"

Li Chen smiled and said, "If you're going to overturn the case, then overturn it. But what do you mean by selectively overturning it"

Zhou Ping'an answered calmly: "Some cases can be overturned, some can be overturned or not, and some cannot be overturned. As for the cases I want to overturn, they are the fourth kind, the ones that absolutely must be overturned."

“Cases that can be overturned are mostly those involving officials, either current ones or those who have been transferred or retired. These people, while in office, committed a series of actions to reduce, increase, or even harm cases due to personal favors, unlawful behavior, or social connections. However, the involvement is not widespread, making these cases potentially overturn-able.”

"The so-called 'can be turned over or not' is similar to the previous type, but because it dates back a long time, if you want to turn it over, the person involved may have passed away, or there is no benefit in doing so, it can be 'turned over or not'."

"What is meant by 'irretrievable' often refers to wrongful convictions. However, the individuals involved are either in high positions or part of complex conspiracies with widespread connections. Once an investigation begins, it encounters significant resistance, potentially harming a large number of people. In reality, while the wronged parties and events have become established facts, pursuing justice comes at a great cost, bringing more trouble than benefit. Ultimately, they can only accept the injustice as irreversible."

Listening to Zhou Ping'an's report, Li Chen remained composed and said again, "Then what cases must be overturned"

“These cases are mostly political struggles within the court. The cases I have chosen are mostly fabricated by the cabinet or those connected to it. The officials who were persecuted were either forced to resign or be demoted, but they are still alive. As long as these people can be targeted and manipulated by the cabinet, they are still useful. To overturn their cases would benefit the East Palace.”

Li Chen said calmly, "As the Minister of Punishment, you are responsible for upholding imperial law fairly and impartially. If there are grievances, why not treat everyone equally and clear the names of those who have been wrongly accused Instead, you have created a hierarchy."

Zhou Ping'an remained calm and replied, "Your Highness has not yet ascended the throne. When doing anything, the primary consideration is whether it benefits Your Highness. Only then should we consider fairness and justice. In the future, when Your Highness ascends the throne, this humble servant will naturally consider matters from the perspective of national interests and the stability of the country."

Zhou Ping'an's words carry a hint of overstepping.

But Li Chen didn't mind.

"This palace has agreed, go ahead and do it. If you need any help, you can contact the people from the East Palace. If there are any other issues, please contact the Dongchang directly." Li Chen said softly.

"The humble official takes his leave."

Zhou Ping bowed respectfully and quietly withdrew.

After Zhou Ping'an left, Li Chen lowered his head to look at the document in his hand. It was a memorial from the Imperial Censor of the Ministry of Supervision, stating that the newly appointed Minister of Punishment, Zhou Ping'an, had been extensively investigating old cases that were long settled, but he did not handle the various pending cases currently piling up. This led to delays in official documents and cases requiring approval from the Ministry of Punishment nationwide. The act of re-opening old cases also caused widespread anxiety among the people, and they requested the Crown Prince to order Zhou Ping'an to be reprimanded.

He scribbled "a mess of nonsense" on the report, and Li Chen tossed it aside, never to look at it again.Chapter 789: Twelve-Character Evaluation