Chapter 204: Imprison Prime Minister Li Shan, Lock Him in the Heavenly Prison, Execute Him Tomorrow, Eradicate His Nine Clans 【Seekin

Year 13 of Yongsheng.

July 25.

As the imperial edict was issued, the Da Xia Dynasty instantly erupted in great cheers.

The disaster has been settled.

This is the announcement issued by the court.

The imperial edict is very simple, essentially revolving around Gu Jin Nian's achievements, which has raised his prestige among the people a bit.

However, even though the disaster situation has been settled, it does not mean everything is over.

For the Da Xia Dynasty, more matters will follow.

Stabilizing the disaster and handling the aftermath are tasks that cause great headaches.

To speak frankly, if it were not for Heaven's blessing, the emergence of the Five Great Oases, and the nation's flourishing, plus Gu Jin Nian spreading his merits among the Da Xia people to foster a proactive mindset, there would only be more trouble.

After all, now that hope is seen, everyone's morale is good.

Yet in the court, disputes have already begun without end.

In the main hall.

Emperor Yongsheng sits on the dragon throne, while various factions argue fiercely.

"Longxi Commandery has experienced earth tremors; although the situation is now under control, the required material and manpower should be the top priority. The fire in Donglin Commandery has been extinguished, and the merit rain has stabilized its disaster situation. As for Nanyue Commandery, the flood disaster is gone, so we should spare no effort to handle Longxi Commandery's matters."

Minister of Personnel Hu Yong spoke up, addressing the court directly without regard for anyone else's thoughts.

The disaster relief and aftermath work is no small matter.

It's not only about stabilizing the people's hearts; more importantly, it's about political achievements. Currently, Longxi Commandery is the Crown Prince's achievement, Donglin Commandery belongs to Prince Qin, and Nanyue Commandery to Prince Wei.

Jiangzhong Commandery is a bit better, after all it is overseen by Gu Jin Nian; even if Jiangzhong has no disaster at all, it wouldn't affect anything.

As the Da Xia Dynasty is about to prosper, the struggle for the throne becomes even more intense, especially since Emperor Yongsheng has now received a blessing.

The reign is long; although there hasn't been a centuries-long emperor, given the current situation, ruling another thirty to fifty years is not a big problem.

To put it bluntly, if Emperor Yongsheng were to pass away within the next two years, they wouldn't be scared; the Crown Prince would just stay at home, doing nothing, eating and drinking all day.

Hierarchy and seniority are set aside.

Unless a Da Xia natural disaster occurs that Prince Qin could solve without lifting a finger, but is that possible? Yet now Emperor Yongsheng clearly intends to reign for decades.

How many events will occur in these decades? For Prince Qin, that's simply a great boon.

But for the Crown Prince, it is not a good thing.

Therefore, the Crown Prince's faction has already begun preparing, not to target anyone specifically, but to contest around the Crown Prince's interests.

All four major disaster zones need aftermath work; perhaps Jiangzhong Commandery will be a bit better.

But manpower, material resources, and funds are limited to this; we can only handle one matter first, and naturally, Hu Yong will serve the Crown Prince.

He himself is a partisan of the Crown Prince; faced with this, they naturally argue with reason and force.

After all, if Longxi Commandery's disaster is resolved smoothly, then the world cannot criticize the Crown Prince; instead, Prince Qin and Prince Wei would appear inefficient.

Court officials understand why.

But the common people don't know; looking at Longxi Commandery's situation, they see it has been properly resolved.

Now look at Donglin Commandery, still sluggishly rebuilding homes; the people naturally harbor grievances, but these grievances target the officials handling the work, not the court.

At that time, it would inevitably become clear that the Crown Prince truly lives up to his title, with strong methods, instantly resolving these troubles.

Then Prince Qin indeed proves useless; he can only fight wars, contributing nothing to governance.

As long as such public opinion and topics are created, that is enough for them.

With this zero-sum shift, the Crown Prince's position becomes increasingly solid, and Prince Qin can hardly hope to ascend.

Moreover, these matters were privately discussed by the Crown Prince's partisans without informing the Crown Prince; it's not that they set him aside, but some tasks must be done by them, and notifying the Crown Prince, whatever his stance, is undesirable.

If they agree, it makes the Crown Prince appear unkind, and even his own brothers would act.

If they refuse, would the Crown Prince willingly let Prince Qin ascend? This shows the partisans' fearsome power; some matters are not about who decides, but whether everyone is willing, and moreover, would the Crown Prince truly refuse? Yet as soon as Hu Yong finished speaking, someone immediately stepped forward.

"I do not agree,"

"Your Majesty, of the four major disaster zones, only Jiangzhong Commandery is still manageable; the other three require massive manpower and supplies. I believe we should send three batches of rescuers, which would first stabilize public sentiment, second allow us to see how the princes act, and third give us early insight into the problems."

"If we were to rescue Longxi Commandery unilaterally, setting aside other matters, how would the people perceive it?"

"Furthermore, rebuilding Longxi Commandery will take at least half a year; if after that half-year it is resolved, that's fine, but if the main army goes to Donglin Commandery and finds many problems, what should we do?"

"Every second of delay harms the Da Xia Dynasty."

"Therefore, Your Majesty, please consider carefully before acting."

At this moment, Gu Leng's voice rang out; he is the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and speaking for Prince Qin now naturally signals something different.

Everyone knows Prince Qin has a good relationship with the Gu Family, and now the Gu Family has produced a qilin offspring, so the Gu family's words naturally carry more weight than usual.

To be blunt, previously the Gu Family could sway the Crown Prince's position, but now the Gu Family is not that easily manipulated; a direct imperial appointment poses no big issue.

As long as Gu Jin Nian says a single sentence before Emperor Yongsheng, it will suffice.

I think the Crown Prince is unsuitable, but Prince Qin His Highness still could be.

Then essentially Prince Qin His Highness could ascend the throne.

However, everyone clearly understands that the Gu Family would not act that way; at this scale, whether it's the Crown Prince or Prince Qin, they would not trouble the Gu Family, and even if any of them ascended, the Gu Family would remain the Gu Family.

Will future emperors no longer need the Gu Family? Yet if they get involved, what if, by some chance, the Crown Prince manages to ascend? How great would that grievance be? Not even an emperor could be magnanimous enough.

Therefore, not participating is the best course; of course, offering a couple of reasonable words of support is fine—like Gu Leng does now; he is not supporting Prince Qin, but easing Prince Qin's pressure, while also not offending the Crown Prince.

This approach is the best.

When Gu Leng spoke, Yang Kai's voice rose in response.

"Minister Gu, I do not approve; if the troops split into three routes, they can rescue simultaneously, but how slow would that process be?"

"Now the Five Great Oases still require civilian relocation, and the dynasty has many affairs; dividing the vast majority of forces into three batches will take at least two to three years to fully resolve the troubles of the three commanderies."

"If we concentrate our strength to solve Longxi Commandery, then gradually settle the affairs of Donglin Commandery and Nan'yue Commandery, and if that really isn't possible, let them migrate—how could that not be a good thing?"

"Yang Kai spoke up; his words also supported the crown prince, firstly because he indeed is a person of the crown prince, and secondly because he approves of Hu Yong's plan."

"It's not entirely because of this strife."

"Your Majesty, I also agree with Minister Hu's words."

"I, too, agree."

"The next moment, the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works also expressed agreement; the Minister of Revenue's agreement is normal, as concentrating efforts to resolve things also eases the revenue department's finances somewhat."

"The reason the Minister of Works agreed surprised many, after all, the Works Ministry's relationship with the crown prince is merely average."

"As for this matter right now, though not openly picking sides, it's essentially the same; doing so is somewhat not good."

"However, during this period they also discovered that the Minister of Works and the Minister of Rites often gather together, not knowing what they're doing; it's very likely the Minister of Works has already been pacified by the crown prince."

"I do not approve."

"The Minister of Justice shook his head and still came forward to refuse."

"We also do not approve."

"Some scholar-officials also stepped forward, speaking out together with some military officers."

"The scene became rather awkward for a moment."

"On the dragon throne, Emperor Yongsheng listened to the arguments, feeling somewhat troubled."

"Yes."

"The natural disasters of Da Xia have ended, which is a good thing, and moreover five great oases have been opened up; but precisely because of these five great oases, things have become somewhat difficult now."

"First, the disasters require aftermath work, which in turn needs manpower, material resources, and financial support."

"Disaster relief needs silver."

"Opening up oases also needs silver."

"Everyone, high and low, needs silver; everybody understands that the future of the Da Xia Dynasty is promising, but the problem is that the present difficulties cannot be resolved, which is troublesome."

"After all, it's still that the resources given are too abundant; sometimes too much is also not good."

"It's like a beggar in a ruined temple outside the city, about to starve to death, yet at this moment a table of delicacies and ten thousand taels of gold are placed before him, and he can choose only one."

"Choosing the food will certainly prevent starvation, but then forget about getting those ten thousand taels of gold."

"Choosing the gold is fine, but you cannot be sure you'll be able to buy food afterward; what if there's no one within a hundred li around?"

"What use is so much gold? It would only drag oneself down."

"Now the oases lie before us; migration is a major matter, indeed a top priority, but the disaster situation also lies before us."

"It's quite a headache."

"Esteemed officials."

"How about this: we call on the people to voluntarily go to the disaster areas, led by the Da Xia troops; although we cannot directly resolve the disaster aftermath, at least we can reduce panic—what do you think?"

"Emperor Yongsheng spoke, having thought of a plan: let the people voluntarily do it."

"But as soon as he said this, the entire court of civil and military officials slightly shook their heads."

"Your Majesty."

"It's not that the people are unwilling; rather, they need to survive. If they work for nothing, it's unfair to them, and moreover, going voluntarily requires food, which the court must naturally provide—this remains an expense."

"Including housing and personnel management, etc., it would instead become a mess."

"He Yan spoke, full of helplessness."

"The idea is good, but unrealistic; the common folk aren't stupid—donating a bit of silver is about all they can do, they couldn't possibly travel a thousand miles to relieve disaster."

"I understand."

"What I mean is, promise gold and silver, then after the court's tax revenues return, give supplementary payments."

"Emperor Yongsheng is not stupid either; having the people work for free certainly won't find volunteers, but the Da Xia Dynasty simply has no silver now—there may be none later either."

"Upon these words, the Minister of Revenue, He Yan, could not help but sink into thought."

"Your Majesty, this method is not impossible, but even if we follow this line of thinking, may I ask when the supplementary payments could be made?"

"He Yan spoke, asking Emperor Yongsheng."

"About a year."

"Emperor Yongsheng gave a time limit, but upon saying this, He Yan again helplessly shook his head."

"A year is really too long; I fear the people won't agree, and it could easily cause panic—if it cannot be fulfilled, that would not be good."

"Please reconsider, Your Majesty."

"He Yan spoke, saying a year is too long, this is not easy to handle; it's akin to withholding a year's salary—who would agree?"

"Even if the court agrees, what then? Silver is only valuable when in hand; everything else is meaningless."

"Can't even wait a year?"

"This time Emperor Yongsheng became a little annoyed."

"Your Majesty, a year is indeed rather long; mainly, long nights bring many dreams, the people are also anxious, and if someone spreads rumors during this period, it would be detrimental to the court."

"Hu Yong spoke, giving an answer."

"Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng fell slightly silent."

"The hall also grew quiet."

"Your Majesty."

"I, a subject, have a suggestion."

"At this moment, a voice sounded—it was Li Shan's voice."

"I don't know why, but since Li Shan returned from a trip to Jiangzhong Commandery, he has become relatively taciturn; previously such matters should have been handled by Li Shan, but now he basically says nothing."

"Moreover, for many matters, Emperor Yongsheng has not spoken with Li Shan either."

As Li Shan began to speak.

Emperor Yongsheng simply gave Li Shan a brief glance, and that alone made the main hall even quieter.

Normally, Emperor Yongsheng should have let Li Shan explain the plan, but this deliberate glance without a response felt rather odd.

Yet Li Shan was neither embarrassed nor at a loss for action; he stood quietly beneath the hall, waiting for Emperor Yongsheng to speak.

"Speak."

After a while, Emperor Yongsheng finally spoke, prompting the other to state the plan.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe the vast majority of manpower should still focus on Longxi Commandery; Lord Hu Yong's words are correct, resolving Longxi is of great significance. If handled promptly, a proper solution within half a year could also rally the troops and civilians together."

"As for the matters of Donglin Commandery and Nanyue Commandery, indeed the populace can be sent there, but a yearly levy is too long; a three‑month levy, I think, is appropriate."

Li Shan spoke, presenting the proposal.

"A three‑month levy can start the tax collection next month; according to the plan, it won't be excessive, supporting one round poses no major issue, but what about thereafter?"

He Yan frowned; he did not quite agree with this.

Longxi Commandery, Nanyue Commandery, Donglin Commandery, Jiangzhong Commandery—taxes cannot be collected.

Jiangning Commandery was the same before; it is still in a tax‑exempt period, so how much can actually be collected? A three‑month levy sounds good, but at most only one month can be levied; the rest of the silver would have to be deferred—one cannot trick people and then act like a rogue, right?

If it were an emergency, that would be another matter.

Now the Da Xia Dynasty is thriving; who would agree to such a scheme?

"We could borrow silver from merchants to tide over the difficulty; regarding the oasis, these merchants naturally know how the Da Xia Dynasty will develop, and if they lend a hand now, the court will not shortchange them."

Li Shan spoke, saying so.

Upon hearing the suggestion to borrow silver from merchants, Emperor Yongsheng fell slightly silent, for Gu Jin Nian had also mentioned such a thing.

It truly is a good method.

But when merchants were mentioned, the Minister of Justice's voice could not help but speak up.

"Your Majesty, regarding this calamity, I have heard many merchant guilds within Da Xia have not donated silver. Do you know how much silver the countless wealthy merchants in the Jiangnan region have collectively contributed?"

The Minister of Justice spoke, looking at Emperor Yongsheng.

It was fine not to mention merchants, but once merchants were brought up, the Minister of Justice could not refrain from speaking.

"How much silver was donated?"

Emperor Yongsheng slightly frowned and turned his gaze toward the other.

"Then we must ask Lord He Yan,"

The other looked at He Yan.

This time Emperor Yongsheng directed his gaze at He Yan, making a slight mental preparation.

Feeling Emperor Yongsheng's stare, He Yan could only lower his head and speak softly.

"In total, one hundred thirty thousand taels of silver,"

He Yan said.

One hundred thirty thousand taels of silver is not a small amount.

But for all the merchant guilds in Jiangnan, this amount truly slaps them in the face.

It gives the Da Xia Dynasty a harsh slap.

In the Jiangnan region, the number of merchant guilds may be unknown, but there are at least seven thousand if not ten thousand; the total population of Jiangnan approaches thirty million, after all Jiangnan is the collective term for six commanderies.

Naturally, Jiangnan Commandery is the most prosperous.

A single Jiangnan Commandery, surprisingly, contributed only one hundred thirty thousand taels of silver; assuming five thousand merchant guilds, that's about twenty‑six taels per guild.

"Heh."

"I hear that wealthy merchants in Jiangnan need at least seventy‑two dishes for a meal, not inferior to my own. Can a guild's twenty‑six taels of silver even cover a meal?"

"Impressive, truly impressive."

Emperor Yongsheng's gaze became somewhat icy.

That truly is remarkable.

Obviously, the merchants aren't foolish; they're merely too clever. When the Da Xia calamity occurs, they immediately consider how to handle internal chaos.

They think the Da Xia Dynasty is inevitably doomed, so they hold onto their silver and give no face.

Otherwise, under normal circumstances, such a mistake wouldn't occur.

"Then issue an edict."

"Lord He, whether the Da Xia merchant guilds raise funds or the court borrows silver, in short, this matter must be resolved."

"The relocation of the oasis shall be handled jointly by the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Justice; within the Five Continents, ten million people must be moved and completed by next year."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, issuing the decree.

He agreed with their plan: first focus on Longxi Commandery, send the populace to assist Donglin and Nanyue Commanderies; without a formal solution, easing the disaster is also fine.

Other matters can be discussed later.

"We receive the edict."

The ministers all spoke in turn; with Emperor Yongsheng's confirmation, they had nothing more to add.

However, at that moment, Hu Yong's voice continued to sound.

"Your Majesty."

"I have another matter to report, this concerns Master Wenjing."

Hu Yong spoke, looking at Emperor Yongsheng.

"What matter?"

Emperor Yongsheng asked.

"Your Majesty, during the Da Xia calamity, two Da Xia outstanding talents retrieved the clan's saintly scriptures to save the Da Xia populace; though their effect was limited, their intentions were sincere. The Ministry of Personnel has already investigated these two, confirming they are native Da Xia, born and raised, having studied diligently under the Great Scholar since childhood. Now they have offered themselves, wishing to enter the court as officials, but lacking any achievements, so they request your instruction."

Hu Yong spoke up and reported the matter.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng roughly recalled those two.

"It's Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan, right?"

Emperor Yongsheng asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Hu Yong nodded.

Speaking of those two, Emperor Yongsheng felt somewhat pleased.

"They are indeed commendable. During the Da Xia calamity, although it was Gu Jin Nian who ultimately saved the Da Xia people, these two also had childlike sincerity and even retrieved two volumes of holy texts. That is quite good and worthy of recognition."

"Hu Minister, what do you mean?"

Emperor Yongsheng praised the two, for indeed there was no denying that at the critical moment they acted. Though the results were not great, the two saintly scriptures and their stepping forward in peril were commendable.

Therefore granting offices is not a major issue, but the specific positions still need discussion.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe the two are Great Scholars, still young yet already accomplished, which is truly excellent. Moreover, they have loyalty to the throne and have contributed to the Da Xia Dynasty; they should serve as examples. As for offices, the Ministry of Revenue currently lacks two Assistant Directors. It would be better to let them serve there."

Hu Yong spoke, assigning the two to the Ministry of Revenue.

He Yan slightly frowned at this, but after a moment fell silent, because the Ministry of Revenue is indeed busy now, and having two Great Scholars is a good thing. So he did not refuse, merely feeling that the rank of Assistant Director is a bit high.

"Assistant Director, you say?"

"Agreed."

"Additionally, confer the title of Viscount and appoint them as Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, to set an example for the realm."

Emperor Yongsheng was indeed generous; the Assistant Director is a fifth‑rank official, and he directly also granted them Viscount titles and the post of Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

The Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices is a proper fourth‑rank official; although Viscount is the lowest peerage, it nonetheless completes a reversal of status, making them aristocrats rather than mere ministers.

The reason for this is first to set an example for the realm, but more importantly to let the people know that Emperor Yongsheng will not solely favor Gu Jin Nian, thereby easing the gossip.

Otherwise, after the calamity ends, all the benefits would go to Gu Jin Nian alone; who would not be jealous? Moreover, these two are already Great Scholars at a young age, highly capable, willing to serve the court; whatever motives they have are irrelevant.

Possessing the Son of Heaven's seal, Emperor Yongsheng truly does not fear that the other side harbors ill intent to harm the Da Xia Dynasty.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Hu Yong immediately performed a bow, and the ministers followed with a bow.

"Since there is nothing else, dismiss the court."

"Li Shan, I have matters to discuss with you."

After resolving this matter, Emperor Yongsheng turned his gaze to Li Shan and also dismissed the ministers.

Hearing this, many felt a sudden chill; leaving only the Prime Minister behind implied something, which he did not understand, but it could not be good.

Thus, the officials departed.

In the main hall, only Emperor Yongsheng and Li Shan remained.

"Your Highness."

Li Shan was utterly calm.

And on the throne.

Emperor Yongsheng sat upright on the dragon throne.

His gaze was utterly calm, his breath also calm; the entire hall was unusually silent, and this silence was oppressive and frightening.

"Do you have anything to say to me?"

Emperor Yongsheng's voice rang out.

It broke the silence.

Below the hall.

Li Shan's face was expressionless.

"Minister, nothing."

Li Shan spoke; that was his reply.

Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng could not help but stand, looking at Li Shan and saying,

"Li Shan."

"Do you know why you have become the current Prime Minister?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, gazing at Li Shan.

"Because Your Majesty discerns talent."

Li Shan replied, calm and composed.

"Heh."

"You are correct; I do recognize talent. I truly do. When you appeared, I already knew whose person you were."

"But I have no anger at all. I keep you in the court because I acknowledge your talent. For every deed you accomplish, as long as it yields merit, I will promote you and grant you rewards that Jian De would not give."

"Until today, I thought I could change your preconceived notions, alter your thoughts, but I did not expect that you remain the same; in your heart, there is no me, only Jian De."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, directly voicing his inner thoughts.

Li Shan is the Jian De emperor's spy; he knows this, having known it from early on.

"But so what? He is not afraid; instead he wants to elevate Li Shan, because overt enemies are always less threatening than hidden ones."

"Killing one Li Shan, what then? Tomorrow another Wang Shan, the day after another Zhou Shan—can we withstand that?"

"Rather than letting the other side cultivate a multitude of pawns, it is better to promote a single person and then target them."

"But as time passes, Emperor Yongsheng realizes that what he cares most about is not this, but proving himself better than Jian De."

"Your Majesty, do not listen to slander; I, your subject, have always served the court."

The latter responded calmly, showing no sign of panic.

I know that if you were not serving the court, you would have died countless times already.

Observing the other's expression and attitude, Emperor Yong Sheng spoke slowly, then looked at them and spoke directly.

I only want to ask you one thing: if we let Jian De govern the Da Xia realm, could it achieve today's prosperity?

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

He knew that getting Li Shan to smear Jian De was nearly impossible, but he still wanted an answer.

"Your Majesty, history does not repeat itself, and there are no hypotheticals."

The other party spoke, answering in this way.

Upon receiving this answer, Emperor Yong Sheng fell silent.

Inside the hall, it was utterly quiet.

Attendant.

Grand Chancellor Li Shan of the Da Xia Dynasty, during disaster relief, engaged in corruption, perverted justice, caused loss of life, and sold military intelligence to enemy states.

Exterminate the nine clans.

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke lightly, a flicker of coldness and killing intent flashing in his eyes.

He had already given Li Shan many chances, yet the other remained thus; how could he not be angry? "Your subject, thank you, Your Majesty."

Li Shan spoke, showing no panic.

He fears not the punishment of nine clans.

This left Emperor Yong Sheng utterly at a loss for words.

Soon, soldiers entered the hall and directly dragged Li Shan away.

Afterward.

Within less than half an hour after the imperial edict was issued, the entire Da Xia Capital erupted in turmoil.

A high and mighty chancellor, second only to the emperor and above ten thousand people, was actually arrested and imprisoned, and even the nine clans were implicated?

The Six Ministries were shaken.

Upon hearing this news, Hu Yong did not know what to say for a moment, only staring wide-eyed, speechless.

Meanwhile, in the Ministry of Personnel.

The voices of Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan rang out at this moment.

Congratulations, Minister Hu.

The two spoke, causing Hu Yong to startle.

What is there to congratulate?

Hu Yong looked at the two, certainly feeling doubtful.

Minister Hu, with Chancellor Li removed, is not the chancellorship yours?

Indeed, Minister Hu, you have labored tirelessly for the Da Xia Dynasty; your contributions are evident to both commoners and officials. How could the Da Xia Dynasty remain without a chancellor? Among all civil and military officials, only you are fit to ascend to the chancellorship.

The two spoke, laughing.

They congratulated Hu Yong.

Hearing this, Hu Yong fell somewhat silent; speaking frankly, advancing a step is naturally a great boon.

Yet hearing that Li Shan had his property confiscated and the nine clans implicated, he was still somewhat shocked; he needed time to digest this, so even though the two flattered him, Hu Yong was not overly pleased.

A little.

After regaining his composure, Hu Yong continued speaking.

Let's not mention the chancellorship for now; we can discuss it later.

You two say there is ironclad evidence against the Qin Prince; what does that mean?

Hu Yong spoke; although the chancellorship was something he had long awaited, he now knew he must stay calm, adapt to change, for if he showed excessive joy at this critical juncture, he would gain no benefit.

What he needs to do is properly handle the tasks assigned by the court, then focus on the Crown Prince to eliminate rivals.

That is the true way of a king.

Even if one steps back, if the Da Xia chancellorship is not given to him, at least he can manage the Crown Prince's affairs well; when the Crown Prince ascends, the chancellorship will eventually be his.

Moreover, he does not boast, achieving two goals at once.

As for eliminating rivals, that is the Qin Prince.

The Crown Prince's greatest enemy now is the Qin Prince, especially as the Qin Prince's relationship with the Gu family grows ever closer.

This is not a good thing for the Crown Prince.

Although Li Ji follows Gu Jin Nian, the Grand Heir remains the Grand Heir; no one knows what attitude the Gu family holds.

Gu Jin Nian also never openly declared support for the Grand Heir; he had said such things in the Capital's Kong Family residence earlier, but that was mostly angry words, a dispute of spirit, not a firm stance.

Naturally, these Crown Prince supporters will suppress the Qin Prince.

Minister Hu, in the Donglin Commandery mountain fire disaster, the Qin Prince, seeking merit, ordered soldiers to rush into the blaze; one hundred forty soldiers died in the fire, all to rescue a single civilian.

Such incidents have happened more than once, and we know that the casualties in this Donglin Commandery disaster amount to about forty-four thousand, of which twelve thousand soldiers died unjustly.

All of this stems from the Qin Prince's desire for merit, which brought trouble.

Li Ruoyu spoke, producing some evidence; these so-called evidences were military intelligence and casualty matters.

Including testimonies from surviving soldiers.

Seeing these evidences of guilt, Hu Yong involuntarily sucked in a breath of cold air.

If this is true, it is sufficient to impeach the Qin Prince; in any case, forcing the Qin Prince to fiefdom is not a major problem.

Hu Yong received these accusations, his eyes showing extraordinary excitement; even saying he was overjoyed would not be an exaggeration.

Indeed.

Among the three disaster zones, Donglin County had the highest death toll; although the wildfire was merciless, the number of casualties was indeed far greater than in the other two areas.

Putting it lightly, the wildfire was unavoidable, and no one expected so many casualties.

Putting it seriously, sacrificing soldiers' lives for merit is no small matter; it is both unrighteous and incriminating. If it were another official, exterminating nine clans might be exaggerated, but confiscating property and executing the whole family would be inevitable.

If it were the Prince of Qin, we could force him to go to his fief; once he did, this enormous danger would disappear.

So, Hu Yong was very happy, extremely happy.

"After I investigate thoroughly, if it is true, you two will have rendered great merit. When the Crown Prince returns, I will report this to His Highness the Crown Prince, and once he ascends the throne, you will also be counted among his ministers."

Hu Yong spoke, looking at the two.

"Sir Hu, you are too courteous; we brothers are not seeking merit, we simply cannot stand the Prince of Qin's actions."

"Of course, if we can serve the Crown Prince, it would also be an honor for us students, but no matter what the future holds, we will always remember your kindness."

Li Ruoyu spoke; he was handsome and spoke gently, and moreover he was a Great Scholar, yet now so humble and respectful toward himself—frankly speaking, this let Hu Yong enjoy it immensely.

He has no shortage of eloquent people under him, nor of flatterers.

But he had never enjoyed the flattery of a Great Scholar before; moreover, these two also carry some prestige, so naturally Hu Yong enjoyed it even more.

"You are too courteous."

"You are so young and already Great Scholars; I admire that. Moreover, I will grow old, and in a few decades I will have to step down; the future world will still belong to you young people."

"Diligence."

Hu Yong opened his mouth, saying this, thereby drawing the two closer.

"Sir's teachings, students understand."

The two rose and bowed to Hu Yong, who then took the opportunity to mention that he still had several daughters at home; his meaning was simple: seeing their outstanding talent, he wanted to bind them through marriage.

Li Ruoyu and the other did not refuse either, going along with Hu Yong's meaning and continuing the conversation.

Just like that.

After a few hours.

Jiangnan region.

Looking toward Jiangnan.

It is the first tea house of Jiangnan County, covering several thousand mu, nine stories high; those who can enter are officials and nobles, and the higher the floor, the higher the status.

At this moment.

On the top floor of Looking Toward Jiangnan, nearly a hundred people gathered, with eleven tables, ten people per table.

On the tables lay delicious dishes, yet none of the people present moved their chopsticks—not because they dared not, but because they had no appetite.

They had no appetite at all.

These people are the prominent chamber of commerce representatives of Jiangnan County, basically able to represent the entire county's chamber of commerce.

Being able to bring these people together is not something an ordinary person can do.

It is the Wu family.

The Jiangnan Wu family.

The greatest clan, which originally followed the Taizu Emperor in founding his empire, and later, during the Yongsheng Emperor's rebellion, followed the Yongsheng Emperor.

They can be said to have backed the winning side twice.

Naturally, in this area of Jiangnan County, the Wu family's status is extremely high.

To put it bluntly, the court's edicts in Jiangnan County are not as influential as a single word from the Wu family.

If you want to get anything done in Jiangnan County, you must obtain the Wu family's permission; otherwise, no matter who comes, it's useless.

Even high officials from the capital cannot.

Leaving aside the Wu family's ancestral merits, just consider the present: among the five major garrisons of Da Xia, two have Wu family influence, and within the palace, the Minister of Personnel Hu Yong and the Minister of Revenue He Yan are closely related to the Wu family.

Moreover, the Wu family has two women who entered the palace; they are now noble consorts.

Furthermore, in Jiangnan County, big and small, which official has no connection to the Wu family?

Those without connections have already been unable to get by.

Those with connections thrive here like fish in water, living carefree days—this is the Wu family's terrifying domain.

There are people in the court.

There are also people in the palace.

There are also people in the military.

Even the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty have their people.

In recent times, the Kong family actually learned from the Wu family; it's still the same old trick.

Not putting all one's eggs in one basket.

The Wu family had long achieved this; if any major incident occurred, the Great Jin and Fuyu dynasties would not stand by idly.

"Why haven't they come yet?"

"What good reason do they have for summoning us like this?"

"It must be about the court's upcoming affairs; the Da Xia natural disaster has ended, and the silver we donated earlier added up to only a trifle, so the court will surely be angry; I think the Wu family gathered us for this reason."

"It must be this matter."

"Yes, what should we do about this matter? My head is big; if I had known earlier, I would have donated a few thousand taels and been done with it, but now I don't know what to do—my head aches."

"Don't say that; who isn't? Fortunately I donated a hundred taels of silver, at least not the least; you know Old Zhang? He donated ten taels, and he will surely run into trouble."

"Ten taels? I also know that Manager Li donated only five taels of silver—this is basically slapping the court in the face."

They chattered back and forth, you saying a sentence, I saying a sentence.

And just at this moment.

Several figures walked in from the main gate.

As the figures appeared, everyone fell silent instantly.

Leading them was a middle-aged man, fairly handsome, with an extraordinary aura, dressed luxuriously, his demeanor exceptional.

This was the eldest son of the Wu family, Wu Zhangyi.

These days, the Wu family's big and small businesses are basically handled by Wu Zhangyi, and the old master indeed intends to entrust all of this vast business to this eldest son.

After all, whether in business or other matters, Wu Zhangyi does things solidly and well.

Compared to those useless young masters who merely eat, drink, whore, and gamble, and cause trouble everywhere, if the family weren't wealthy, they would have been beaten to death long ago.

Therefore, when facing Wu Zhangyi, everyone involuntarily rose to their feet.

"Greetings, Young Master Wu."

The merchant association representatives stood up and bowed to Wu Zhangyi.

Wu Zhangyi did not speak, but instead addressed the person beside him with great respect.

"Sir."

"These are the representatives of the various merchant associations of Jiangnan Commandery; any matter entrusted to them can be passed down layer by layer."

Wu Zhangyi spoke, treating the person beside him with utmost courtesy.

Only then did the crowd begin to notice the person beside Wu Zhangyi.

His appearance was extraordinarily handsome.

His bearing was transcendent.

At a glance, one couldn't help but sigh in amazement.

And this person—

was none other than Chang Yun Tian.

Feeling the gazes of the crowd, Chang Yun Tian showed no change at all.

But he also said nothing, merely nodding his head to Wu Zhangyi.

At that moment.

The latter came to the main table, had everyone sit down, and then spoke solemnly.

"Everyone."

"A catastrophe that could overturn the heavens may be coming."

As his voice fell,

there was an uproar all at once.