Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Qi Xiaomian gave Cai Zhuo a glance, and a Dragon Guard approached, receiving orders to check outside the hall. Soon, he found the source of the smell and asked one of the commoners about the Cotton Clothes distributed by the Court. Leaning in closer, he detected the scent more clearly.
With a swift motion, he cut open the fabric, revealing that the cotton had been stained with dark red, rotten blood. A quick search uncovered several small pieces of Rotten Flesh hidden within the cotton.
The expressions of the Dragon Guards changed dramatically as they quickly sliced open a few more Cotton Clothes, finally uncovering the truth. To showcase the generosity of the court, these Cotton Clothes were made thicker than military supplies. The blood mixed with Rotten Flesh had been frozen and then broken into granules slightly larger than sand, concealed within the cotton.
Each piece of clothing contained only a small amount, ensuring it wouldn’t significantly affect warmth. However, once the commoners sat by the fire and the ice melted, the foul stench of decay would permeate the air. The Dragon Guards understood that these clothes could no longer be worn, but with nearly ten thousand people outside in the cold, even with braziers for warmth, removing these Cotton Clothes would leave them shivering. The commoners would surely voice their grievances, making it difficult to proceed with the grand banquet.
One person entered the hall carrying a piece of clothing, and Xuande Emperor's face darkened again. Were these Cotton Clothes not inspected before distribution?
At this moment, Qi Xiaomian also moved closer; the granules were too small to identify by touch—surely they couldn’t tear open the clothing. Xuande Emperor slammed his hand on the table. "How are tasks assigned among you Six Ministries? Which department prepared these Cotton Clothes?"
Minister Liu Tian stepped forward. "Your Majesty, it was our department. When making the Cotton Clothes, I had people supervising. If there had been anything mixed in with the cotton at that time, it would have been discovered. Moreover, to speed up production, braziers were placed in workshops to prevent workers from freezing their hands; at such temperatures, ice granules wouldn’t remain."
"May I take a look?" Xuande Emperor considered Liu Tian's reasoning and nodded. Liu Tian gently rummaged through a few pieces and relaxed slightly. "Your Majesty, every piece made by our department has subtle markings; these are not from our batch—someone has swapped them."
"After your department finished production, who handled this batch of Cotton Clothes?" Xuande Emperor pressed.
Liu Tian replied, "After our department completed them, they were counted by the Ministry of Revenue. The Ministry of War transported them into the palace while the Ministry of Rites was responsible for distribution and the Ministry of Personnel for registration."
Xuande Emperor sneered. "So aside from the Ministry of Justice, every one of you is suspicious."
"Uh, Your Majesty," Liu Tian stammered, "when manpower is insufficient, departments often assist each other. The Ministry of Justice also sent people to help with distributing these cotton garments."
After a few exchanges, it became clear that everyone was under suspicion; Xuande Emperor felt his anger rising again.
Qi Xiaomian spoke up. "Your Majesty, we must prioritize replacing those cotton garments."
Xuande Emperor took a deep breath. "A Mian is right; let’s hurry and change them!"
But as for those from Six Ministries, they exchanged glances and stood there hesitating to move.
Xuande Emperor realized yet another problem had arisen and could hardly bear to listen to their excuses any longer.
"Step forward, Your Majesty. The act of sending Cotton Clothes is not only to keep the people warm but also to maintain order within the palace. When clothes are removed, it becomes easier to search individuals, and giving away a piece of clothing will not easily provoke public resentment."
Comment 0 Comment Count