Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 593 - 429 Finding a Scapegoat

His clansmen thought that with his backing, while they may not get exceedingly brazen, they were certainly blatant. Ultimately, he knocked some sense into them a few times, advising them not to go too far, which finally curbed them a little.

But the Emperor simply watched the situation unfold without intervening. When the time came, estimating that they’d amassed a significant amount of Silver, he’d have them hand it over.

This would fill the National Treasury and also harshly deal with the clansmen, achieving two goals with one move. Gaining both reputation and tangible benefits.

Xia Qing shivered involuntarily, having forgotten the brutal tactics the Emperor employed in his youth.

In recent years, as the Emperor aged, his manner grew gentler, causing him to gradually forget the Emperor’s cunning and ruthlessness.

However, through the case of Wan Xue Nian and Song Shuqing, one could catch a glimpse.

"Sir! Do you remember that some official previously reported you, accusing your clansmen of exploiting the people?" He Zhongkuan glanced at Xia Qing, who was deep in thought, knowing that he understood.

He did not pay attention to Zhang Xiansheng’s words, considering him a fool unworthy of his concern.

Previously, he saw this person as somewhat cunning and was wary for a period. But after a few incidents, he saw through him.

The man seemed shrewd on the surface but was, in fact, a complete fool.

He believed himself far more clever than such a person, so Zhang Xiansheng was not a cause for worry. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Xia Qing’s face turned ashen; understanding Mr. He’s implications, he realized that their thoughts aligned.

"Mr. He! Are you suggesting that the Emperor has his eyes on my clan’s wealth?" Xia Qing turned with hands behind his back, looking at He Zhongkuan.

Xia Qing’s words startled Li Wei and the others, who all looked at He Zhongkuan, comprehension dawning in their expressions.

None present were fools; naturally, they understood the implications of the conversation between the two, causing them to shiver.

It turned out the Emperor had been planning this all along. Undeniably, the Emperor’s strategy in his youth was extraordinary; otherwise, he would not have secured the throne, even with the late Emperor’s decree and his status as Crown Prince. Which of the Emperor’s brothers, after all, were easy to deal with?

"Indeed! That is precisely my point!" He Zhongkuan nodded, seeing that Xia Qing and the others understood; they were not dull-witted and discerned the truth quickly.

"Then what does the Emperor intend? Does he plan to confiscate properties?" Xia Qing could not help but feel his heart tighten; his clan’s actions were inextricably linked to him, especially given his own tacit consent.

If the Emperor sought to pursue this matter, he too would be implicated, perhaps even losing his official’s hat.

"Sir! As I guess, if the Emperor intended to confiscate properties and punish you, he wouldn’t have waited until now. It seems currently, the Emperor wishes to give you a chance to offer the Silver Coin yourself."

He Zhongkuan pondered for a moment, concluding that the Emperor’s interest lay in the Silver. As for dealing with the Grand Secretary, the Emperor likely had no such thoughts yet.

In other words, the Emperor still found Chief Minister Xia useful.

Having understood the Emperor’s plan, He Zhongkuan didn’t voice it. He simply took a leisurely sip from a teacup, disregarding Xia Qing’s probing gaze.

Seeing this, Xia Qing’s face darkened. This He Zhongkuan indeed possessed certain abilities, often advising him to considerable advantage.

Though he admired He Zhongkuan’s eloquence, the man had a flaw: a penchant for affecting an air of superiority, which Xia Qing found displeasing, especially at critical moments.

Still, capable individuals often had particular temperaments and unique interests, making it hard for Xia Qing to quibble over such matters.

Xia Qing cleared his throat, knowing Li Wei was perceptive. Seeing He Zhongkuan leisurely sipping tea, he couldn’t help but twitch his eyes.

This person truly knew how to put on airs. Didn’t he notice Chief Minister Xia’s terrible expression? At such a pressing time, the house was on fire, yet he still pretended.

"Mr. He, might you have devised any strategy? Must the sir truly surrender the Silver Coin?" Li Wei inquired, expressing everyone’s thoughts, earning an approving glance from Xia Qing.

"It’s not that I’m unwilling to part with the Silver Coin! It’s just that such an action isn’t feasible. To hand over Silver means to hand over my clansmen. But if clansmen are dealt with by the government, it inevitably implicates me, resulting in loss and no gain."

At this point, Xia Qing saw no need for concealment. After all, his clansmen’s profit-seeking was well-known and not worth hiding.

However, handing over the Silver would be disadvantageous to him, essentially giving the Emperor leverage against him. If the Emperor seized the opportunity to punish him when he was unprepared, he’d essentially be orchestrating his own downfall.

Even if the Emperor saw use in him, he could not guarantee that the Emperor wouldn’t demand something unreasonable again. The mere issue of military stipends had already left him struggling.

Moreover, surrendering all the wealth amassed by his clansmen wouldn’t nearly cover the military’s needs!

In regret, Xia Qing also grew increasingly resentful of Gu Chengyu. Had it not been for Gu Chengyu, he wouldn’t have been forced into such a passive state, which led to further discontent with Min Feng’s incompetence.

"Someone! Go fetch Pingyun." Now that they had deciphered the Emperor’s intentions, it was time to find a solution.

This matter began with Min Feng; summoning him now would allow him to hear their discussion on resolutions. This disciple was still too inexperienced; it was time for him to be tempered by experience.

Though Gu Chengyu was young, his depth of plot was no lesser than that of the veteran ministers, even surpassing them in some respects.

"Sir! If you truly intend to offer the clan’s Silver, I do have a method." He Zhongkuan contemplated briefly before confidently addressing Xia Qing.

"Please enlighten us, Mr. He!" Xia Qing curbed his impatience, offering a gesture of respect towards He Zhongkuan.

This movement signified Xia Qing’s sincerity, and He Zhongkuan knew the importance of striking when the iron was hot.

He quickly became serious: "Sir! You might as well take the moral high ground by condemning a particularly greedy member within the clan as a scapegoat. This way, you can protect the rest of your clan while fulfilling the Emperor’s request. Most importantly..."

He Zhongkuan smiled slightly, continuing: "You can also silence public criticism, showing outsiders that you do not shield your clansmen and allow them to act lawlessly. Isn’t this achieving multiple ends at once?"

Min Feng proceeded to the outer study with an anxious heart. His senior had just returned from the estate before dinner, leaving him somewhat unsettled. It seemed the teacher still did not trust him, as he wasn’t called for important discussions.

Though he knew he was lacking in experience and his means were too naive, how many are naturally adept? Isn’t it experience that sharpens skills?

Restless in the room, he felt fearful, worried that the teacher might harbor displeasure towards him over this matter.

When summoned by the teacher, he breathed a sigh of relief, indicating the teacher hadn’t given up on him yet.