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墨書 Inktalez
The two were busy expressing their gratitude.
Shi Yun entered to discuss matters with me. "Cai Zhuo, take a break for a moment. Find a little eunuch to massage your knees, and come back to serve later."
Cai Zhuo left with a grateful expression.
In the Inner Palace, the Xuande Emperor examined all the evidence very carefully, especially the later parts, where the Censor had secretly conducted additional investigations. The contents were shocking.
The amount of grain traded with the Dayu Kingdom was twice what Qin Junyong had privately informed him! Besides grain, there were other supplies as well. While they might not be as conspicuous as grain, their total quantity was not to be underestimated.
With such a massive amount of resources at hand, anyone with a bit of sense could make a fortune. Yet Qin Junyong ended up losing everything and still seemed pleased with himself.
Thinking about how the Dayu Dynasty had been relying on resources from the Great Jing Dynasty in recent years, killing Great Jing's warriors and civilians, the Xuande Emperor nearly blurted out that he wanted to execute his own son. But just as the words were on the tip of his tongue, he swallowed them back down.
Shi Yun glanced at Xuande Emperor's expression but said nothing.
After a while, Xuande Emperor finally spoke, "Qin Junyong shall receive thirty strokes of the rod—no, eighty—and be demoted to commoner status for life without any chance of restoration."
Shi Yun rolled her eyes internally; it was fine as long as there was no possibility of him turning things around. As for the charges, there was no need to publicize them; it was enough for them to know themselves. She suggested he choose a punishment that wouldn't overly tarnish the royal reputation.
There were quite a few requirements; as long as there was punishment and guilt involved, it would inevitably have some impact. However, whatever His Majesty said would go; it could be seen as giving Cai some face.
Once Xuande Emperor reached this point, he stopped speaking and waved his hand to dismiss Shi Yun.
"Your Majesty," Shi Yun asked, "what should be done about the other officials involved in this matter?"
Xuande Emperor's expression hardened; he felt that these people had led his son astray and replied, "They shall face severe punishment."
Shi Yun then inquired about how to replenish the grain that had been traded away.
Xuande Emperor felt a headache coming on; this matter implicated many officials, and there would surely be many residences to confiscate. He decided that whatever was confiscated could be used to cover the cost of grain.
"But that's not enough," Shi Yun countered.
"How could it not be enough?"
Shi Yun reminded him that not only had the Third Prince traded grain, but in order to ensure that those in disaster-stricken areas had enough to eat, Yongxin Marquis had issued many IOUs when collecting grain; those also needed to be accounted for.
Seeing Xuande Emperor's intention to evade responsibility right before him, Shi Yun took out an abacus and began calculating. The sound of the beads clicking made Xuande Emperor's headache worsen; he couldn't help but curse under his breath. Shi Yun looked aggrieved and silently signaled him that he should be cursing his son instead of her.
Gasping for breath, Xuande Emperor asked urgently, "Then what do you suggest we do?"
"I've heard that your private treasury still has surplus funds."
Xuande Emperor exploded in anger, "You all seem to have your eyes fixed on my private treasury!"
I have no method left, Your Majesty. It's hard for a woman to cook without rice.
This is still private property from the Third Prince's Residence. The amount I calculated for you, if you want to leave some money for your son, it needs to be increased.
You! You! You! Shi Yun! You're taking advantage of the situation! I offered Old Three a way out, and here you are negotiating with me, asking me to pay for his life?!
Your Majesty, Shi Yun knelt down with a face full of fear. I wouldn't dare to negotiate with you; it's just that the Ministry of Revenue is out of money. Wealth is merely an external possession, so I ask Your Majesty to consider the innocent people in the provinces and counties!
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