Chapter 1040: Chapter 876: Giving You a Chance

Let Min Feng recognize clearly why these people are currying favor with him. Once there’s an issue, they will be the first to clear themselves and won’t forget to step on Min Feng a few times.

However, Gu Chengyu and the others haven’t returned to the Capital yet. If they had, these people might have changed once more.

Gu Chengyu naturally doesn’t care about such petty people. But relying solely on Duan Zhijie for the downstream diversion of the river in Hangtian Prefecture is impossible; these people can still be of some use.

Rather than that, it’s better to use them temporarily and make a decision later. After all, they can’t run away.

"You know well what mistakes you’ve made. In those few days in Yingnan Mansion, you know what you did. No need for me to spell it out one by one."

Gu Chengyu turned and sat in front of the chair. He had plans for these people, but before that, he had to intimidate them again.

"Mr. Gu! We were truly in a difficult position!"

Gu Chengyu waved his hand and continued, "Let’s not talk about those empty words. You know the situation well, and I’m very clear about it too. However, it’s not impossible to give you an opportunity; this depends on whether you can seize it."

Feng Yutang, Ministry of Industry’s Chief, quickly expressed delight, "Whatever the Lords instruct, just command me, and I will do my utmost to handle it!"

Gu Chengyu was very satisfied with his attitude, recognizing the situation.

The other Ministry of Industry officials saw Gu Chengyu’s demeanor relaxed a little and also expressed their commitment to complete the task Gu Chengyu assigned.

"Since that’s the case, I will give you another chance. I want to divert the river downstream of Hangtian Prefecture and intercept several upstream tributaries. I have temporarily entrusted this matter to Ministry of Industry’s doctor Duan Zhijie; follow his instructions."

Speaking of Duan Zhijie, the few Ministry officials just realized they had overlooked him.

Looking again at Duan Zhijie quietly standing in the corner, they couldn’t help but feel toothache.

Duan Zhijie indeed had a stroke of luck; he didn’t get involved with Min Feng’s affair and even befriended the newly arrived imperial envoy.

They could foresee that diverting the downstream river would benefit the livelihood.

If the Emperor praised this matter, Duan Zhijie would certainly have credit, and getting a promotion would not be impossible!

Thinking this, they felt more jealous. If they had rescued Lord Yang before, wouldn’t they, like Duan Zhijie, also have a promotion in sight?

Four days later, in Taihe Palace within the Imperial City, all the Ministers were waiting inside for the court session.

Since the last time the Emperor was unwell, he no longer attended court daily but changed to once every two days.

This rule continued for two years, until today when it was broken.

The officials couldn’t help but yawn, then quickly adjusted their appearance upon seeing no one was watching.

Today, being suddenly summoned, they scrambled up from comfort, their heads still a bit dizzy.

"The Emperor arrives!" A sharp and soft voice sounded, officials immediately took their positions.

The Emperor walked hastily towards the throne, took a deep breath, and sat down with worry.

"Dear Ministers, hold off on presenting matters; let’s first discuss the disaster relief in Jiangnan."

The Emperor’s face showed great fatigue at this moment, red veined eyes, due to sleepless nights.

What made the Emperor so concerned, was it not the Jiangnan disaster relief?

"Dear Ministers, news came from Jiangnan a few days ago; the disaster victims in Changtian Prefecture have nowhere to settle, displaced, hungry without food. If the court doesn’t distribute disaster relief funds, how can the victims survive?"

Speaking of this, the Emperor was furious.

Xia Qing turned and glanced at Minister of Revenue Shen Shikang. He found Shen Shikang’s face gloomy, eyes slightly closed, as if indifferent to the Emperor’s words.

Xia Qing turned back in silence, lowered his head like the other Ministers, silently enduring cold.

Yet the slightly curved corners of his lips showed his mood wasn’t bad.

Seeing everyone remain silent, the Emperor’s anger couldn’t help but rise again.

"What? Do you have a plan or not? Whenever it comes to disaster relief, you all become tight-lipped gourds. Not long ago, there was a riot outside Hangtian Prefecture’s office. The victims nearly kidnapped Prefect Yang Chaoying, and some took advantage to make a black hand, almost causing harm to Yang Aiqing. Fortunately, Gu Aiqing arrived in time to stop this riot."

Upon receiving this news, the Emperor almost jumped with anger.

Changtian Prefecture has been hit by the disaster for a few days, not yet to the end of the road, why so agitated?

The letter from Gu Chengyu indicated something odd, but this matter still needed investigation.

The Emperor was glad to have sent Gu Chengyu to Jiangnan; otherwise, with other officials, who knows if they could have stopped this riot.

Therefore, having received this message in the morning, he immediately notified the court session to discuss disaster relief.

"What? Has Gu Shaoqing not already gone to Jiangnan? With him there, and assistance from Mr. Hu, how could those victims still kidnap Prefect Yang?"

Zhang Shuo, being the disciple of Xia Qing, naturally looked down on Gu Chengyu, thus he was the first to criticize.

Jiang Mingyuan, hearing this, couldn’t help but curse Zhang Shuo silently for his shamelessness.

"Mr. Zhang, at that time Gu Chengyu should just have arrived in Hangtian Prefecture, right? Is he an Immortal, able to reach Hangtian Prefecture in a day? Gu Shaoqing could arrive in time, saving Prefect Yang’s life, which is considered lucky for Prefect Yang. But Min Shidu should have set off several days before Gu Shaoqing and should have been in Hangtian Prefecture at that time."

Who wouldn’t know how to lay medicine? Jiang Mingyuan and Zhang Shuo are equals, so he fears not; after all, can Chief Minister Xia cover the sky with one hand in court?

"Since the Emperor has already appointed Gu Shaoqing as the imperial envoy, then settling the victims should be Gu Shaoqing’s responsibility. But Gu Shaoqing just arrived in Jiangnan. At this time being held accountable seems unreasonable. Min Shidu’s duty is to inspect the river embankment; he’s an intellectual, powerless in this matter, so it’s not their fault necessarily, is it? In the end, it’s Yang Prefect’s failure to settle the victims."

Li Wei was also unwilling to fall behind. However, he was an official of Xia Qing’s lineage before, so speaking for Min Feng was natural. Yet this time he suddenly defended Gu Chengyu, truly a spectacle.

The side of Xia Qing’s eyes glanced at Li Wei, inwardly snorting coldly!

Indeed, the Emperor played a good move, making Li Wei and Prince Jing become family by marriage. As time passes, can Li Wei’s heart not lean towards that side?

The Li family’s influence in the court is considerable; the Emperor successfully alienated him from Li Wei, frustrating Xia Qing immensely.

Over the past two years, he saw Li Wei very attentive to matters concerning Prince Jing; every time discussions arose, he would find excuses to avoid them. When he couldn’t avoid them, he would listen more and speak less.

This clearly leans towards Prince Jing’s side; otherwise, his attitude wouldn’t differ so drastically from before.