Chapter 205: Twelve Great Scholars, Impeach the Qin King, Ironclad Evidence, Yong Sheng's Fury【Seek Monthly Votes】

Looking South of the River.

One hundred merchant guild representatives sat before the wine table.

Upon hearing Wu Zhangyi's words, the crowd present instantly erupted in an uproar.

Their eyes were filled with shock.

"Young Master Wu, what's going on? How did things suddenly become a calamity that could overturn one's hat?"

"Young Master Wu, speak clearly—how did it just become a calamity that could overturn one's hat?"

"We may have donated little silver, but it shouldn't come to a calamity that could overturn one's hat, right?"

"Yeah, isn't this post-disaster work something that needs people? At worst, we just donate more silver and it'll be enough."

The merchants looked somewhat anxious; they were all merchants, each with vast fortunes, and though they valued profit, life was even more important.

Upon hearing of a calamity that could overturn one's hat, who could remain calm? And hearing these chaotic voices, Wu Zhangyi said nothing, merely waiting until the crowd gradually calmed down before he spoke softly.

"Everyone."

"This time, in the Da Xia heavenly disaster, we donated a total of 130,000 taels of silver; this will surely anger the court."

"But this matter certainly won't bring great trouble; it will merely be a punishment for us."

"But the real reason is that, during this Da Xia heavenly disaster, some of you substituted thin cotton for real cotton, some had inferior medicines, and some were so bold as to take the people's donated goods and sell them for profit."

"This is the real problem."

"Otherwise, even if we donated 30,000 taels of silver, the court would have no way to blame us; whether we donated or not, they only look at our intentions, at most enduring a bit of scolding."

"The key is these matters."

Wu Zhangyi spoke, his face somewhat icy.

In this Da Xia heavenly disaster, Longxi Commandery, Donglin Commandery, and Nanyue Commandery all saw such things: in Longxi Commandery, someone took the people's donated goods and sold them; in Donglin Commandery, someone sold expired medicines, causing some severely wounded soldiers to die unjustly.

Moreover, in Nanyue Commandery, some passed off thin cotton as real cotton, utterly reckless.

This is truly a great catastrophe.

Otherwise, what can be said about donating little? It's merely a lack of morals, but merchants care little for morals—making money is all that matters.

But such actions are no longer just a moral violation; they break Da Xia law, and combined with the donation matter, if investigated, it becomes a huge affair.

None of them can escape this calamity.

"Hiss."

"Who's got a screw loose? Doing this kind of business? Wanting to make money so badly they've gone mad?"

"Truly beastly."

"Someone actually does this? I thought my own business was already ruthless, but I didn't expect there to be such beasts."

"Even if you want to make money, don't do it this way—aren't you just killing people?"

"Young Master Wu, our Changlong Merchant Guild has never done such a thing; please, Young Master Wu, see clearly."

"Yes, Young Master Wu, our merchant guild also hasn't done this; Young Master Wu, please see clearly."

In an instant, the tavern exploded in an uproar; everyone was shocked, not knowing what to say.

This is outright beastly conduct.

Each merchant guild representative hastily spoke up, declaring they had not done such a thing and would not do so.

At the main table.

Listening to the crowd's voices, Wu Zhangyi remained silent.

To be frank, he knew very well in his heart; don't look at how fiercely this lot curses, but in reality it's not that they can't do it—they just lack the opportunity.

Furthermore, some who curse the loudest are actually the ones who did it; they're just afraid of being scolded.

Wu Zhangyi understood that these people, seeing the Da Xia Dynasty's heavenly disaster looming and possibly heralding the fall of the state, hardened their hearts to make a profit, never expecting the disaster not to arrive—instead, it was resolved by Gu Jin Nian.

This was something they had not anticipated.

"Enough."

Wu Zhangyi's voice rang out, quieting the crowd.

His gaze icy, he fixed his eyes on everyone present.

"Is now the time to talk about this?"

"What's the point of asking me to clarify? Will the court believe you? Will the Office of the Hanging Lamps, the Office of the Pacified Prefecture, the Ministry of Punishments, and the Ministry of War believe you?"

"Even if the Wu family believes you, what then?"

"Is this now a matter of whether the Wu family believes you?"

Wu Zhangyi shouted in anger, his gaze icy and piercing.

Feeling Wu Zhangyi's gaze, the crowd fell silent one by one, for what he said was true; right now it's truly not a matter for explanation—the Wu family surely believes them, but what good would belief do?

The Da Xia Dynasty does not believe, the Da Xia court does not believe either.

"Young Master Wu, then give us a way to live—this is simply an undeserved disaster."

"Yes, Young Master Wu, please give us a way to live."

"Ah, who could have known this would happen? Young Master Wu, please give us some advice."

In a moment, everyone spoke up, hoping Wu Zhangyi could offer advice and point them in the right direction.

"Enough."

Wu Zhangyi shook his head, then turned his gaze to Chang Yun Tian, his expression softening considerably, his eyes full of respect.

The latter nodded.

Wu Zhangyi then spoke.

"Originally, the Wu family would certainly not have gotten involved in this matter; it has nothing to do with the Wu family, but if it weren't for your close relationship with the Wu family over the years, the Wu family couldn't bear to watch you like this."

"So the Wu family invited Chang Yun Tian, Mr. Chang, to give you guidance."

One sentence: if you all want to stay alive, you must listen attentively to every word Mr. Chang says, and you must also carry out every order he gives with full sincerity.

Whoever dares to say yes outwardly but disobey inwardly, I, Wu Zhangyi, guarantee that his whole family will have no peace.

Wu Zhangyi said with a fierce expression, this matter concerns their lives and also the lives of the Wu family.

Because the Wu family is also involved.

But he didn't say that; otherwise, once these merchants heard that the Wu family was also involved, they'd be in the same boat, and they'd just lie back and wait for the Wu family to settle this.

After all, when the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up, so he must keep it secret and shift the pressure onto them.

Young Master Wu, rest assured, we will definitely obey your words.

Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Chang, you say it, we will act according to your instructions.

Yes, Mr. Chang, as soon as you speak, we will act, whether it costs money or requires manpower; as long as you speak, we will do it right away.

Everyone spoke up in turn, watching Chang Yuntian say this.

Feeling everyone's enthusiasm, Chang Yuntian's face was very gentle; he looked at the crowd and spoke calmly.

Everyone.

I, Chang, have come today precisely to resolve this major trouble.

To resolve this matter, it's actually not difficult; the key is your cooperation.

Right now, Longxi Commandery, Donglin Commandery, and Nanyue Commandery are busy with post-disaster affairs, which also buys you some time; if you all work together, I, Chang, can help you avoid this calamity.

But if anyone doesn't obey my words or acts recklessly, as Young Master Wu just said, they will bring misfortune upon their whole family; however, I, Chang, feel that Young Master Wu's remark is inappropriate.

I, Chang, can guarantee that even if you follow my instructions, survival is not certain; but if you do not follow my instructions, everyone here would face execution of the entire clan as a light offense, and the chance of implicating the nine clans would be even higher.

Don't say this has nothing to do with you; many of you present may not lack this money, but your servants, relatives, friends, and siblings may not be so fortunate.

Furthermore, as long as this matter is connected to you, even if your friends did it, combined with the recent donations, the court already dislikes you; seizing this opportunity, I dare ask: will they let you off or not?

Chang Yuntian spoke.

He did not reveal the plan, but instead sounded a warning bell for them, and also reminded them of a few things.

Just now he saw that many people said they had not done it.

From their demeanor and tone, he fully believed these people were truly innocent; but the problem arises: if he himself didn't do it, what about his family, his subordinates, his relatives and friends—did they do it?

If it was relatives or friends who did it, that would still be okay, after all this matter might not necessarily escalate to the level of implicating the nine clans.

However, the matter of donating silver will surely make the court angry.

So upon investigation, there is a connection, but it's not major; whether it's big or small depends on their previous conduct.

So, when Chang Yuntian said this, everyone present immediately understood the stakes involved.

Don't think that not doing it means you're safe; if you die, you'll all die together.

Indeed, after saying that, some people wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads and plopped down; they truly had done nothing, but Chang Yuntian's words were not a threat—being merchants, they naturally understand how the authorities operate.

You didn't do it? Your brother did—you die.

You didn't do it? Your friend did—I have reason to suspect you did, so you die.

In short, the hope of survival is indeed slim.

We earnestly ask, Mr. Chang.

Please guide us, lost as we are.

If we get through this, we will certainly honor Mr. Chang as an esteemed guest.

At this moment, someone stood up, bowed to Chang Yuntian, his demeanor extremely serious and sincere.

Having said what needed to be said, having suppressed what needed suppression and reminded what needed reminding, Chang Yuntian no longer hides anything.

You are too kind, sir.

The purpose of coming here is precisely for this matter.

Chang Yuntian smiled faintly.

Then he looked at the crowd and said.

Everyone, listen to me.

Right now, the court is troubled by the three commanderies, lacking manpower and supplies, and most of all lacking silver.

The silver in the national treasury is certainly not much, so.

Chang Yuntian spoke.

Just as he was saying this, someone couldn't help but interject.

So we donate silver, and in this way we give the court a good impression—is that what you mean?

A merchant spoke up, putting forward this logic.

For merchants, they care about money, but if a problem can be solved with silver, they are willing to use silver to solve it rather than go through great trouble.

But as soon as this was said, Chang Yuntian smiled faintly.

May I ask, sir, how much is your estate?

Chang Yuntian, curious, asked the other party.

Upon hearing this, the other party fell slightly silent, and Wu Zhangyi, standing beside Chang Yuntian, immediately spoke.

Just say the number straight, no beating around the bush.

He spoke up, prompting the other party to reveal his estate.

Liquid silver amounts to fourteen million taels; if you include real estate, shops, farmland, etc., the total is around forty-eight million taels.

But compared to all of you present, this amount is insignificant, utterly insignificant.

The other party spoke up, but couldn't boast, still speaking rather modestly.

Forty-eight million taels—Chang Yuntian showed no surprise, but continued with a gentle smile.

Then may I ask, sir, how much are you willing to donate?

He asked.

"One million taels of silver."

"If it could save one's life."

The other party spoke an astonishing figure: one million taels of silver.

This is indeed extravagant; for the imperial court, it truly is extravagant.

"Good."

"Just treat it as one million taels."

You might suppose yourselves: if you were officials of the imperial court, a merchant who casually donates one million taels—how wealthy would that person be?

Chang Yun Tian did not directly state his own idea; instead, he had them change perspective—only by making them understand their current predicament and the trouble they faced could he enact his plan.

Otherwise, no matter how much is said, these people will always have a mindset of taking chances, but this matter cannot allow even a hint of taking chances; if a mistake is made, all will die.

"Let's not speak of several million taels of silver."

"It would not be an exaggeration to say even a hundred million taels of silver."

"Indeed, we know Lao Xu's silver flow amounts to fourteen million taels, but for ordinary people, casually producing one million taels of silver makes them instinctively feel it's several tens of millions, or even a hundred million taels, not an exaggeration."

"Indeed, just like a few years ago, a wealthy man from Zhejiang came to the Longing Pavilion and flung two million taels onto a courtesan; we all assumed his estate was at least tens of millions, even that he was a descendant of one of the Five Great Merchant Guilds."

"But we never expected that those two million taels of silver were his entire fortune; producing such a misunderstanding is quite normal."

Everyone chatted, each voicing their own speculation.

However, this is also a fact: no one knows exactly how much silver there is; the only way to judge is by expenditure.

If someone dares to casually throw down one million taels of silver, you say he has a hundred million taels and others will believe it; but if someone is stingy, you say he has a hundred taels of silver and nobody will believe it.

After receiving a satisfactory reply,

Chang Yun Tian continued speaking.

"Then good."

"Your donation of one million taels of silver will first surprise the imperial court; they may not immediately seek you out, and you all will likely donate considerable silver, at the very least not less than one million taels."

"You chip in a bit, I chip in a bit, and we'll break a hundred million."

"Do you think that upon seeing this hundred million, the imperial court will be greatly pleased and thus spare you?"

As Chang Yun Tian spoke to this point, everyone gradually realized something.

"A hundred million—will the imperial court not let us off either?"

"Donating this much—could it be that they intend to put us to death?"

Someone did not understand, feeling that donating so much silver was still not enough? "I understand: the more silver we donate, the more we expose our wealth; if the imperial court sees we have this much silver, they will surely not let us off."

Eventually someone did think of this, and instantly understood what Chang Yun Tian wanted to express.

Upon saying this, for a moment everyone present was stunned.

Because this statement is quite correct.

"A hundred million taels of silver—if casually taken out, what is it in the eyes of the imperial court? It is a fat sheep."

"And it is a flock of fat sheep."

"Your words are not wrong."

"If you truly intend to save yourselves by donating a hundred million taels of silver, the imperial court probably originally wanted to investigate secretly and gather evidence, but now upon seeing it, they would simply kill you all, without even needing to collect evidence."

"Even casually assigning some charges would injure you; this is based on the assumption that no evidence can be found. If any evidence could be found—even a bit—you would not die, and Chang Mou would instead find it strange."

"Furthermore, does the imperial court lack a hundred million taels of silver? The disaster relief silver needed for the Three Great Prefectures this time—even ten hundred million taels might not suffice, and with the migration, the migration of the Five Green Isles, how much more silver would be required?"

"Putting it bluntly, even if all your properties were confiscated, it would only solve half; at this very moment, the Da Xia imperial court is extremely short of silver, and will not let even a single coin go."

"Why do you dare to donate silver at this time, and in such an astonishing amount?"

Chang Yun Tian opened his mouth.

"Donating silver is seeking death, and moreover inviting great misfortune."

"Knowing they are lacking, you directly wave your hand—isn't that just asking for bitter suffering? Leaving aside whether you have actually done wrong."

"Even if you truly have done nothing, can they not investigate? If they investigate and find nothing, they will report back to the emperor and give you a bit of reputational benefit."

"If they indeed find something, then you can just await death."

"What they covet is not a bit of silver, but your entire fortune."

Having said this,

Everyone fell completely silent.

They fully understood.

"May I ask, Mr. Chang, what should we do? Surely we cannot simply refrain from donating?"

"Not donating before already drew the imperial court's attention; if we still don't donate now, would that not also invite trouble?"

"Yes, donating is not an option, not donating is not an option—what should we do?"

"Please, Mr. Chang, resolve our doubts."

"Everyone this time is utterly bewildered, truly not knowing what to do—advancing is not possible, retreating is not possible, leaving people desperate."

"Donate."

"If you want to save yourself, you must donate."

"But what is donated is not silver."

"But rather new supplies."

Chang Yun Tian opened his mouth, gazing at everyone.

Upon saying this, everyone felt somewhat surprised, not quite understanding, yet somewhat understanding.

"The Five Green Isles need reclamation—what do they require? Farm tools, oxen; these items, you buy as much as you have, and if you have iron mines or iron workshops, you forge as much as you can."

"Longxi Commandery needs craftsmen; spend silver to hire people."

"Donglin Commandery needs food supplies; buy them and send them."

"Nan Yue Commandery needs tents, blankets and the like; send them all."

"But we won't donate silver, only supplies, and they must be good; we tell the court that indeed the silver is gone, but we have goods, and all shops and all workers are mobilized."

"Thus the court won't be angry, and with these items the court must dispatch troops to escort and send craftsmen to handle them, leaving no one free to investigate what you have done."

"During this period, go to the major disaster zones, deal with what needs handling, make unstable people disappear, and they must be eliminated."

"Thus, gods won't know, ghosts won't notice."

"This matter is settled."

"Chang Yuntian spoke, this is his plan."

"When he finished speaking, everyone present fell completely silent, each stunned into speechlessness."

"This plan really does sound feasible."

"Not donating silver but donating goods leaves the court unable to turn its hand against us."

"That really works."

"\"Mr. Chang, isn't this somewhat improper? After all, the court wants silver. Donating supplies takes time, and could it anger the court? \" someone said, looking at Chang Yuntian."

"It's not that we mean something else; although the plan sounds workable, it's still somewhat unsuitable."

"\"The court now has no time to appease the various places; solving troubles is what the court must do. \""

"\"Moreover, this material donation also has a rationale. \""

"Chang Yuntian spoke, bringing up another key point."

"\"A rationale? What is it? \""

"\"What does Mr. Chang mean? \""

"They were curious, looking at Chang Yuntian."

"\"Who you donate to also matters; if these goods are given directly to the court, your worries are inevitable, since the court isn't stupid either. \""

"\"But if we donate to His Highness Prince Qin, what do you think? \""

"Chang Yuntian smiled slightly, mentioning a key figure."

"Prince Qin!"

"They're not stupid; they instantly understood the meaning—donating to Prince Qin would be a huge achievement for him."

"It also binds Prince Qin; having received such a great favor, he can't stand by and do nothing."

"This method really is good."

"It completely solves the lingering worry."

"After all, whether the court investigates them depends on one thing: whether anyone comes to investigate."

"If people know it's Prince Qin, who would dare investigate?"

"\"Then why not go to the Crown Prince? \""

"Someone, curious, asked Chang Yuntian, since such a great achievement, why not give it to the Da Xia Crown Prince."

"\"You all still haven't figured it out. \""

"\"The Crown Prince now is truly at the height of his power; the Longxi Commandery matter was handled properly by him, earning the emperor's holy favor. \""

"\"Moreover, in the Da Xia Dynasty, how many officials want to attach themselves to the Crown Prince? Even though you have vast wealth, what does that matter? \""

"\"Would the Crown Prince favor them? \""

"\"Prince Qin is different; he wants to vie for the Crown Prince's position, a fact all under heaven see. His delay in taking the fief means he has such intentions. \""

"\"For the Crown Prince, you are a embellishment, but if it involves risk, he may not agree and might even betray you directly. \""

"\"But for Prince Qin, you are like delivering charcoal in snow; with such support, he will also exert all effort to suppress this matter. \""

"\"More importantly, Prince Qin has an excellent relationship with Gu Jin Nian; the person you all worry about most in this whole affair should be Gu Jin Nian. You should understand his temperament. \""

"Chang Yuntian revealed the core."

"Making everyone suddenly realize."

"Especially the last sentence: Prince Qin has an excellent relationship with Gu Jin Nian. In other words, if things get out of hand, Prince Qin still has a trump card—let Gu Jin Nian step in; at worst it's a fine, and if he holds out till death it's confiscation."

"Gu Jin Nian's prestige, the Da Xia Emperor cannot refuse to grant."

"\"This plan is clever. \""

"\"Truly clever. \""

"\"Understood, understood, now I completely understand. \""

"\"Fully support Prince Qin, hand over all supplies to him; then we can clean up immediately. If discovered, Prince Qin is there; if the court truly investigates, Prince Qin will call Gu Jin Nian, and all matters can be easily resolved. \""

"\"High, truly high. \""

"\"Hahaha, Mr. Chang truly is a great talent. \""

"Everyone spoke up, each in high spirits."

"\"Sir, great talent. \""

"Wu Zhangyi spoke, also thanking Chang Yuntian for clearing things up."

"However, at that moment, a voice suddenly rang out."

"\"Mr. Chang, there is another matter to ask you: a few days ago the court sent several officials to implement the new policy, taxing per mu; what should we do about this? \""

"Abruptly, as the voice sounded, everyone nodded."

"To be frank, they initially thought the purpose of gathering here was to discuss this matter."

"Long before the Da Xia heavenly disaster, the court sent people to implement the new policy, but due to various coordination reasons it has been delayed until now, and the specifics have not been enacted."

"But the court's attitude is firm, causing them daily distress."

If this tax reform is carried out successfully, it will be a massive shock to them.

"Agreed."

Chang Yuntian spoke up and answered directly.

"The court's new policy cannot be opposed, especially at this critical juncture."

"However, just as before, this achievement will still be granted on sight."

"Gentlemen, you have come today to clear doubts; I, Chang, also have my purpose. I have known for a long time that the court will promote the new policy, and once it spreads, it will inevitably bring great benefits to the Da Xia Dynasty."

"It can be considered a political achievement; if I, Chang, obtain such an achievement, someone will recommend me for office. So if I get it, first it solidifies my position, second it eases communication with Brother Wu, and prevents future incidents that the others might only realize later."

Chang Yuntian spoke.

There is no reason to oppose the court's new policy; even without these matters, once the policy spreads, any local that dares not to cooperate faces a dead end.

However, such a monumental merit must be awarded to someone with consideration.

Chang Yuntian now wants to obtain these achievements; once he does, he can firmly plant his feet in the court.

Upon hearing this, the others fell silent.

They agreed with Chang Yuntian's idea; there is no free lunch in this world. Chang Yuntian is willing to offer a plan, surely with ulterior motives, but the court's new policy truly makes them uneasy.

Thus they remained somewhat silent, unwilling.

Seeing the others like this, Chang Yuntian's expression stayed unchanged, but his heart was filled with disgust.

Merchants are like that; earlier they clung to life, fearing a blade, and now that the trouble is solved, they fixate on a few silver coins' profit.

To put it bluntly, can they really impede this new policy? These people are truly insatiably greedy.

They should be killed.

And killed mercilessly.

However, we truly need these people now; otherwise, their lives or deaths are irrelevant.

"The promotion of the new policy is the court's will; you truly are insatiably greedy."

"Are you really not afraid of the Hanging Office's blade descending?"

At this moment, Wu Zhangyi could no longer bear it; at this point, they were still tangled over the new policy.

This is the court's intention.

When the court is determined to do something, can subordinates dare to speak up?

You could say hindering for a while is not impossible, but how long? At most half a year; once you dare to obstruct, the court will notice these merchants' disobedience.

Fine, when I free my hands, I'll deal with them one by one.

Honestly agree, that's best; everyone can earn silver, just a little less, not forbidden to earn.

Sure enough, as Wu Zhangyi spoke, the merchants dared not babble, each stating their stance.

"Please, Young Master Wu, do not be angry; we agree."

"We were only contemplating the matter; regarding the new policy, we naturally agree."

"Yes, yes, agree, agree."

The others spoke, daring not to say much more.

"In short,"

"This time, regardless, I still hope everyone can cooperate. As I always say, if cooperation goes well, nothing will happen; everyone can pass this calamity peacefully."

"If anyone harbors ulterior motives and I discover it, or someone catches them in the act, the whole family will disappear; do not cause us any trouble. Whoever acts out will be the first to die."

"You should all know the weight of the Wu family."

Wu Zhangyi spoke; although the matter was already clarified, the harsh words still needed to be said.

"We understand."

The others stood up and all agreed.

With that, Wu Zhangyi waved his hand, letting everyone dine, but after this ordeal, few had the mind to eat; they merely went through the motions.

Wu Zhangyi also looked at Chang Yuntian, smiling broadly, and asked him to leave.

The two ascended another floor, reaching the highest private chamber in Wangjiangnan, which only Wu Zhangyi could access.

Inside the private chamber.

Wu Zhangyi let out a long sigh, looked at Chang Yuntian and said,

"Mr. Chang, will this truly solve the Wu family's trouble?"

Wu Zhangyi spoke.

His words were tinged with melancholy.

In this Da Xia disaster, the Wu family committed some mistakes in Longxi Commandery, Donglin Commandery, and Nanyue Commandery; the Wu family was involved in all three, but not by the family's will—it was his two younger brothers.

To prove themselves, they seized the opportunity to greedily snatch a sum of silver.

They never expected the Da Xia Dynasty to resolve the disaster, and so swiftly.

Even if it took a year to resolve the disaster, the Wu family could have dealt with the impact gradually, but the disaster was solved in two months, while their goods were still in the three major disaster zones.

Thus the Wu family had to panic and be on edge.

If this matter were exposed, the Wu family from top to bottom would likely have no one escape the calamity.

Profiting from the nation's disaster.

And also causing the death of soldiers.

This is no minor crime; exterminating the entire clan would not be excessive.

"Brother Wu, rest assured."

"As long as we firmly hold onto Qin Wang as a lifeline, while I secure my footing in the court, and with the Wu family's power, we can turn great matters into small, and small matters into nothing."

Chang Yuntian spoke, brimming with confidence.

But the latter showed no sign of joy; instead, he sighed and said.

"In fact, I'm most worried about Gu Jin Nian. Fortunately, he's currently in seclusion, cultivating enlightenment. If this matter truly reaches Gu Jin Nian, it would be a huge trouble."

Wu Zhangyi spoke up; this was his greatest worry.

"Therefore, we must firmly hold onto the Qin King. The Qin King has an excellent relationship with Gu Jin Nian, and how could Gu Jin Nian discover this matter? If he truly finds out, the Qin King will intervene immediately; if Gu Jin Nian doesn't save the Qin King's face, that would mean a fallout with the Qin King."

"If a real fallout occurs, the Qin King wouldn't abandon the massive support of wealthy merchants in Jiangnan because of Gu Jin Nian. This force, for the Qin King, is not to be underestimated; it is one of the biggest sources of confidence in the Qin King's struggle against the Crown Prince."

"When the time comes, the Qin King will certainly devise every possible method to resolve this."

"If that still fails! If the Qin King truly becomes ruthless, whoever errs will be killed—reasonable enough, at least it won't implicate the entire Wu family. At that point, the relationship between the Qin King and Gu Jin Nian would inevitably break."

Chang Yuntian spoke up; this was his thought.

Hearing this, Wu Zhangyi nodded; he fully approved.

"But what if, just in case, the Qin King ignores us?"

Wu Zhangyi asked curiously.

When this was mentioned, Chang Yuntian gave a slight smile. He stood on the rooftop, gazing at the beautiful Jiangnan scenery, a scene of prosperity.

"Tomorrow, you will know whether the Qin King will agree."

Chang Yuntian gave no explanation, but told Wu Zhangyi to wait until tomorrow.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

It was already the next day.

The Da Xia celestial disaster remained the hottest topic, but the news that Prime Minister Li Shan and his entire clan were executed also spread to every prefecture and commandery, and for a moment the buzz was comparable to that of the Da Xia disaster.

A dignified prime minister being taken to the great prison is no small matter.

However, Li Shan's charges have drawn countless commoners' curses.

Only some aristocratic families understand that this matter is certainly not that simple.

As for Da Xia Capital, they learned early that Li Shan was arrested, so the citizens of Da Xia Capital have been discussing it continuously.

I thought this would be the hottest topic in recent days, but unexpectedly, a new piece of information set Da Xia Capital ablaze.

The Censorate, together with twelve Great Scholars, jointly submitted a memorial denouncing the Qin King for seeking achievements while disregarding soldiers, causing the needless sacrifice of over ten thousand troops.

This matter directly caused an uproar in the Da Xia court.

The Qin King went to Donglin Commandery to aid in disaster relief; now the disaster has been contained. Although it was entirely thanks to Gu Jin Nian, the Qin King received no credit yet endured hardship.

What was unexpected is that he is now being impeached, and the Censorate's twelve Great Scholars are personally leading the charge; this is no small matter.

With the twelve Great Scholars stepping forward, Yong Sheng Da Di must address this matter immediately.

Not only the twelve Great Scholars stepped forward; soon, the So Title: Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Rites, and the Minister of War also each received some evidence of guilt, to varying degrees.

Regarding the Qin King's evidence, there are testimonies from soldiers and from civilians; the gist is that the Qin King acted rashly, completely disregarding the safety of the people and the lives of the soldiers.

To save one person, he sent hundreds of soldiers into a death trap; the person wasn't rescued, and only three of the hundreds survived, all with extensive burns, while the Qin King ignored it, even concerning the wounded's rescue.

Fearing it would affect morale and rescue speed, he simply ignored it, letting them fend for themselves.

Secondly, the Qin King's own soldier brothers were handling logistics; the Tianyu Army was sent to their deaths, some medicines were seized by the Qin King's guards, and the Tianyu Army still had to queue, even with severe injuries, they had to wait.

Because of this, some soldiers were needlessly sacrificed, missing the optimal treatment.

Furthermore, when a forest fire broke out, some civilians trying to flee Donglin Commandery were blocked by the Qin King, tyrannically, indifferent to whether they were hungry or had food, simply refusing to let them leave Donglin Commandery.

He even said outright, "If they die, they must die in Donglin Commandery," such a treasonous statement.

And the most terrifying part is that all the above incidents have both witness and material evidence, truly ironclad.

However, without such iron evidence, how would the Censorate's twelve Great Scholars dare to impeach a prince? A royal prince? At this very moment.

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Yong Sheng Da Di stared at the pile of evidence before him; his complexion was icy, his gaze nearly spitting fire.

These pieces of evidence could not possibly be forged; whether the seal or the name, they underwent multiple layers of scrutiny before being submitted. If anyone dared to forge them, even setting aside that the impeachment targets the Qin King, the forger would be called in for confrontation and the truth would be clear.

Moreover, as the Qin King's father, how could Yong Sheng Da Di not know what kind of temperament his son has?

Since childhood he followed me, then followed the Duke of State Defense; at seven or eight he was already mixing in the camps, with a fierce, aggressive nature—someone like me.

He has every reason to believe these are true.

To earn merit.

For achievements.

To aspire to become emperor.

These are the reasons he believes.

Bang! In the next instant, Yong Sheng Da Di slammed the jade desk, almost roaring.

"Deliver my decree."

"Transport the Qin King to the capital and have the Dali Temple, the Hanging Lantern Office, the Censorate, and the Imperial Clan Office personally examine the case."

"If the evidence is conclusive, deal with it strictly; no leniency."

Yong Sheng Da Di roared.

As an emperor, my greatest concern is reputation; if my own son did such a thing, and if all this is true—

He will certainly, certainly not let his own son go unpunished.

This is simply being unfilial.

However, after the anger subsides.

Yong Sheng Da Di took a deep breath again, looking at Wei Xian beside him.

"Immediately conduct a covert investigation into where the So Title: Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of War, and the Minister of Rites obtained these pieces of evidence, and also where the Censorate sourced their proof."

"Then covertly investigate whether these matters are true."

Within twelve double‑hours, I must know everything.

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

He was angry, after all the twelve Great Scholars of the Censorate personally impeached; this matter would inevitably spread and be extremely bad for the royal reputation.

But as an emperor, could he possibly not see other matters?

Why was King Qin, who was otherwise fine, impeached?

With so many pieces of evidence, why not just hand them to the Ministry of Punishments? How could so many factions know? And even produce them? Is there the Crown Prince's involvement behind this? Or perhaps someone else?

But considering all of the above.

What Emperor Yongsheng knows is that someone is targeting King Qin.

Of course, another possibility cannot be ruled out: that King Qin's actions were so ruthless that they provoked such public resentment.

He hopes this possibility is unlikely.

What he hopes more is that someone is plotting against King Qin.

That is all.

He does not want his son, for the sake of this throne, to commit such heinous deeds.

This is a parent's final bottom line for their son, also the final demand.

He does not demand you be extraordinarily talented; just uphold a righteous conscience.

Thus.

As the news spread within the court.

In an instant, the matter resembled a meteor falling into a heap of weeds.

It spread instantly.

In less than half a day, the entire Da Xia Dynasty was discussing this matter.

And Donglin County.

Within the camp.

A deep, muffled roar sounded.

"Crown Prince!"

"You harmed me!"