Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Yun Qingyu listened to Xin Yao's every word, her expression softening as she deliberately asked, "Would you betray me?"
Xin Yao immediately responded with determination, "I would never, not ever."
Yun Qingyu reached out to pat Xin Yao's head and said, "I know you wouldn't."
Suddenly recalling something, she asked Xin Yao, "What if I wanted to become the Emperor of Western Chu?"
Xin Yao knelt down swiftly, his movements precise and his voice resolute: "Loyal subordinate, I swear to serve my master faithfully and will do anything to help you ascend to power."
Yun Qingyu was not surprised by Xin Yao's loyalty. She gestured for him to rise and said, "I do have this intention and am working towards that goal. You need not pay any price; just manage the Hidden Pavilion well for me."
Xin Yao stood up and replied, "Yes, my master will surely achieve her wishes."
The news of a general from a powerful nation committing suicide in prison sent shockwaves through the court.
Censor Ding, who often criticized Yun Qingyu, bowed and said, "I also find this matter suspicious; there must be hidden truths. I request the Emperor to issue an order for a thorough investigation."
Prime Minister Lu joined in, reporting to the Emperor: "It is said that Prince Yi from Prince Rong's Residence called General Ling aside while escorting the Ling family to Heavenly Prison. They whispered some secrets, and shortly after, General Ling committed suicide in prison. I find this particularly suspicious."
Everyone present understood Prime Minister Lu's ulterior motives behind his words.
Prince Rong turned and glared at him, saying, "Isn't that statement from the Prime Minister a bit excessive? Xuanyi is the commander of the Imperial Guard, acting under the Emperor's orders to escort the criminal Ling An Cheng. If he has something to say, can Xuanyi really silence him? How has public duty turned into a baseless accusation in the Prime Minister's mouth?"
Prime Minister Lu calmly defended himself, "Why is the prince so anxious? What I mean is that Ling An Cheng's cause of death is suspicious, and the focus should be on uncovering the truth. As for what he discussed with Prince Yi and whether Yun Heir had any ill intentions, can't the Emperor just summon Yun Heir for a direct inquiry?"
Prince Rong snorted coldly, "Ling An Cheng had dirty hands; he brought this fate upon himself. I understand that Prime Minister Lu wants to kick someone when they're down, but don't drag Prince Rong's Residence into this. I won't involve myself in your affairs. A friendly reminder, Prime Minister Lu, it would be wise to keep a low profile lately. If Eldest Princess were to uncover any embezzled funds from your residence, it would likely be you who ends up suffering."
Prince Rong's words struck a nerve. Prime Minister Lu's face darkened immediately, and he fell silent.
The ministers argued back and forth, while the Emperor sat quietly on his dragon throne, feeling quite pleased. He even thought about which of these ministers could help bolster his National Treasury.
When the Imperial Guard reported the total assets of the Ling Family, it nearly dropped his jaw in shock.
The Hong Family had only been confiscated for around eight hundred thousand, but the Ling Family was worth about four million.
At that moment, his joy was indescribable, but he couldn't show it in front of the ministers. He made an effort to conceal his delight and maintained an inscrutable demeanor.
Finally, he spoke up, "Stop arguing. I will have this matter investigated thoroughly. If Ling An Cheng's death truly has hidden motives, I will not show leniency. However, I am deeply shocked and disappointed. I believed in all of you esteemed ministers and valued your contributions, yet it turns out each of you is wealthier than I am! If we convert all of the Ling Family's assets into silver, it's a staggering four million taels. Indeed, ignorance breeds astonishment."
The ministers felt a chill run down their spines and quickly knelt on the ground, repeatedly bowing their heads as they said, "We are guilty."
The Emperor coldly declared, "You are indeed guilty. Censor Ding, you enjoy criticizing Eldest Princess so much; today you will explain to me why the Ling Family embezzled such a large sum of silver while you, as an Inspector General, failed to notice anything."
Censor Ding broke into a cold sweat and replied, "I have failed in my duties; I deserve death a thousand times over. I beg Your Majesty for forgiveness."
The Emperor's voice turned icy. "Knowing you have neglected your responsibilities, how dare you ask for my forgiveness? Effective immediately, I strip you of your position as Inspector General, impose a year's salary penalty, confine you for three months for reflection—dismissed!"
The ministers, who had temporarily escaped disaster, exclaimed in shock, "We bid farewell to His Majesty."
Amidst the chorus of long live the Emperor, the Emperor departed.
Comment 0 Comment Count