Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 598 - 434: Eliminating Harm for the People

Chapter 598: Chapter 434: Eliminating Harm for the People

Xia Qing was feeling a bit unsure about the Emperor’s intentions at this moment. Could it be that the Emperor really intended to thoroughly pursue this matter?

"Your Majesty! Although this humble servant did not know beforehand, I cannot escape culpability. I beseech Your Majesty to punish me!"

Even though Xia Qing was anxious, fearing the Emperor might use this matter to act against him, he was also taking a gamble. The Emperor hadn’t acted against him before, so perhaps he wouldn’t now either.

"Your Majesty, in my opinion, if this matter is true, we absolutely cannot show leniency. To have embezzled so much silver taels, wiping out nine families would not be excessive."

Shen Shikang saw Xia Qing admit to it himself. How could he miss this opportunity to give Xia Qing a hard time?

Upon hearing this, Xia Qing frowned. This Shen Shikang was like a sticky plaster that he couldn’t peel off.

Eradicate nine families... Did they intend to implicate him, the Grand Secretary, as well? It’s always been said that a prince’s crime is the same as a commoner’s, but that’s just talk.

The Eldest Prince committed such a blunder, yet there wasn’t any sign of the Emperor punishing him.

Although he wasn’t a Prince, he was the influential Xia Qing, Chief Minister. Shen Shikang was naive to think he could use this matter to topple him. How utterly delusional.

The Emperor’s face twitched upon hearing this.

"Indeed, this matter cannot be condoned. However, since Xia Aiqing can set aside personal matters for righteousness, I cannot deny him a chance. Xia Aiqing has served many years with great merit, and I’m not one to forget old ties. We will decide after thoroughly investigating this matter."

Hearing this, Xia Qing felt a weight lift off his heart.

"Your Majesty, this old servant is unworthy of you!"

Immediately, there was an even louder clamor in the court than before.

Some officials were very displeased; the Emperor was being too partial.

Eighty thousand taels of silver! A mere County Magistrate dared to amass so much silver. If not for those hollow reputations, how could people have believed him?

The truth behind this is obvious, but they were powerless to speak out. The low-ranking officials who criticized Xia Qing never met good ends.

Over time, no one dared to accuse him. Occasionally, an official without foresight would draft an impeachment petition, but it never reached the Emperor.

The higher-ranking second and third-rank officials all sought self-preservation, unwilling to openly offend Xia Qing. Thus, everyone covered it up. Although they knew the truth, they pretended to be ignorant.

Moreover, the Emperor trusted him very much, and the officials didn’t want to waste efforts while implicating themselves.

Jiang Mingyuan watched Xia Qing, who was kneeling in front, crying bitterly, and couldn’t help but admire Xia Qing for his ability to adapt.

Facing these subordinates, Xia Qing shamelessly cried and complained. It truly made Jiang Mingyuan see him in a new light.

"Where is the Right Deputy Imperial Censor Yin Kun?" the Emperor suddenly shouted, startling Yin Kun from his contemplation.

His heart jumped, and he quickly stepped forward, "I am here!"

"I command you to go to Yingnan Mansion to thoroughly investigate this matter. Once confirmed, first detain Xia Zhou, and confiscate all properties to be seized into the National Treasury. If many officials are implicated, report to me first before making a decision!"

"I will follow your command!" Yin Kun thought to himself that if many were implicated, the person might even be sent to Dali Temple for trial.

"As a court official, to dare engage in corruption is truly unforgivable. I must rid the people of this scourge and restore a peaceful and prosperous time for the people of Yishui County and the merchants." The Emperor slammed his armrest, declaring with righteous indignation.

All the officials hurriedly knelt down, shouting, "All hail the wise Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

However, Xia Qing had a foreboding feeling. Yin Kun did not interact much with him, and being an upright person, what concerned him most was that Yin Kun was Liang Zhirui’s senior disciple.

Xia Qing’s face turned a bit ugly, feeling he had lost face in front of Liang Zhirui.

It seemed Xia Zhou couldn’t be kept. Yin Kun, being Liang Zhirui’s disciple, certainly knew about the strained relationship between Xia Qing and Liang Zhirui.

Moreover, the main reason for Liang Zhurui stepping down was precisely because of Xia Qing. So, he couldn’t possibly hand Xia Zhou over to Yin Kun.

If Yin Kun seized this opportunity and found leverage against him, wouldn’t that create future troubles?

With a myriad of thoughts racing in his mind, Yin Kun was also pondering matters.

The Assistant Prefect of Yingnan Mansion was his teacher’s second son-in-law. The Emperor ordered him to Yingnan Mansion for investigation, certainly to ascertain whether any officials were involved in this matter.

Moreover, the Emperor was surely aware of his relationship with his teacher’s second son-in-law. Why did the Emperor not consider avoiding suspicion?

Thinking about the Emperor’s previous attitude, could it be that he didn’t want to escalate the matter? Otherwise, the Emperor wouldn’t have sent him for a thorough investigation.

With this guess in mind, he planned to visit his teacher that evening to discuss the situation. After all, his teacher had been an official for many years and must know the Emperor’s character well.

Ren Ge returned to his office from Zhang Hai’s place and paused when he saw Gu Chengyu diligently scrutinizing the records.

"Jinyu! Mr. Zhang has summoned you!"

Gu Chengyu was focused on the verification work and only looked up when he heard Ren Ge’s voice.

After a moment of contemplation, he mulled over Mr. Zhang’s reason for summoning him. In an instant, he tidied up his desk, thanked Ren Ge, and proceeded toward the door.

Ren Ge was deep in thought watching Gu Chengyu’s silhouette. Yesterday, the Emperor summoned Mr. Zhang, and Gu Chengyu went too. Was it related to the codification?

Liu Zonghan chuckled at the scene, having given up hope of securing the Assistant Reader position.

The political scene was never about seniority leading to promotion. Gu Chengyu’s recent accomplishments were significant, and Ren Ge might not necessarily realize his ambitions either.

With this thought, he glanced at Jiang Kenan, who was engrossed in his work.

Among the four of them, Gu Chengyu had strong backing and ability. Even though he offended the Prime Minister, his chances of promotion in the next three years were very high.

Ren Ge was also highly talented but lacked background support. Depending on Mr. Zhang’s appreciation, promotion seemed challenging.

As for Jiang Kenan, it was unnecessary to mention. Though diligent, his capabilities were unremarkable, and he didn’t slack off in the slightest.

Yet, this person only knew hard work and didn’t understand networking or the intricacies of officialdom. His family background was average, so he seemed unlikely to move up in rank for a few years.

After analyzing the three in his mind, Liu Zonghan decided to align closely with Gu Chengyu in the future.

What if the Prime Minister didn’t get along with him? Could the Prime Minister be more influential than the Emperor?

He noticed that the Emperor favored Gu Chengyu greatly and might summon him repeatedly in the future, especially given the codification was looming.

Reflecting lastly on himself, he let out a bitter laugh. How could he not know his limited abilities?

While lacking substantial skills, he was a master at socializing and getting along with everyone, which allowed him to stay in his position for so long.

Gu Chengyu arrived at Mr. Zhang’s place and as usual, planned to announce his presence at the door.

With the doors and windows wide open, Mr. Zhang had already seen Gu Chengyu arrive.

Even before Gu Chengyu could speak, Mr. Zhang beckoned him to come inside.