Chapter 373: The Unleashed Wude Office

"Minister Wang, why would you abandon me?" Facing Wang Zhang's resignation, Liu Chengyou's face showed "bewilderment," his emotions slightly exposed.

His mind was turning rapidly. The reason and purpose behind Wang Zhang's move was not hard to guess—it was most likely about Yang Bin. However, what truly puzzled Liu Chengyou was whether Wang Zhang's relationship with Yang Bin was really that close.

Probably not!

Wang Zhang's attitude carried neither humility nor arrogance. He simply clasped his hands and spoke slowly in an aged voice: "Your subject is old and frail, as Your Majesty well knows. Lately I truly feel that my strength fails me. Now the Great Han enjoys stable governance and peace in the provinces. Your Majesty is wise and martial, surrounded by worthy talents—there is no need for this shallow-virtue old minister to continue occupying a high position!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's mind turned only slightly before he asked with pointed meaning: "Minister Wang, why are you so disheartened? Is there something I have not done properly?"

"Your Majesty speaks too gravely!" Wang Zhang let out a long sigh and shook his head, but his tone was resolute: "Truly, this old minister is plagued by illness and my virtue does not match my position—I am deeply fearful! Now I only wish to return to my hometown, purchase some farmland, and enjoy the pleasure of grandchildren, to savor family happiness. I hope Your Majesty will grant this request!"

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou's tone was equally firm: "I do not agree! The state's finances cannot do without you, Minister Wang. I must invoke the rule of overriding mourning duties!"

The Emperor's attitude took Wang Zhang somewhat by surprise. He looked up at Liu Chengyou, but could not read anything from the young emperor's face, for Liu Chengyou's face was full of "sincerity."

Meeting Wang Zhang's gaze, perhaps feeling he was being unreasonable, Liu Chengyou thought for a moment and added: "Since Minister Wang is unwell, I shall send imperial physicians to reside at your residence for treatment. As for the burdens of office, you may delegate the taxing matters to your subordinates. In short, I still need to consult you frequently—how could you bear to abandon your sovereign and the state?"

The words had been spoken to this extent. Boldly meeting Liu Chengyou's gaze for a moment, a trace of helplessness surfaced on Wang Zhang's calm face, and he could only reply: "Your subject obeys!"

After a pause, Wang Zhang added: "Your subject is ultimately old and muddled, lacking in ability. To remain long at the State Finance Commission is not a blessing for the court. I beg Your Majesty to make early preparations!"

Liu Chengyou let out a soft "Oh," understanding Wang Zhang's meaning. Bracing his left hand on the imperial desk, he considered the suggestion, pondered for a while, then asked lightly: "Minister Wang, who in the court do you think can assist in leading the State Finance Commission?"

At the question, Wang Zhang thought seriously, watching the Son of Heaven's expression, and said in a deep voice: "Administrative Assistant Xue Juzheng of the Finance Commission—he is worthy of the heavy responsibility!"

An image of a middle-aged official of distinguished bearing and exceptional cultivation immediately surfaced in Liu Chengyou's mind. Without hesitation, Liu Chengyou made the decision directly: "I know this man—broad in learning. What Minister Wang recommends cannot be wrong. So be it—I shall appoint him Vice Minister of the State Finance Commission!"

This scene of sovereign and minister facing each other, if one set aside those unknown off-stage factors, would not lack merit as a fine tale if spread abroad. However, the truth is often vastly different from what people see on the surface.

Once Wang Zhang withdrew, Liu Chengyou's face immediately changed, turning somewhat gloomy.

Wang Zhang—Liu Chengyou would replace him sooner or later; he had considered it ever since Yang Bin fell from power. But definitely not now. Yang Bin had just toppled; if Wang Zhang were also kicked out of court, whether or not it was his own resignation, it would be another political storm. Liu Chengyou knew this clearly in his heart.

So for Wang Zhang to pull this stunt at such a time—Liu Chengyou was dissatisfied, deeply dissatisfied.

Why did he have to imitate Yang Bin? His conduct in court over the past two years had pleased the sovereign greatly. Liu Chengyou was somewhat puzzled—perhaps Wang Zhang did not feel the meaning of "when the rabbit dies, the fox grieves" deeply enough.

Carrying a less than pleasant mood, Liu Chengyou received his cousin Li Shaoyou and listened to his work report. During this period, regarding the purge of Yang Bin's partisans in the court, the Wude Office had exerted great effort—investigating, gathering evidence, fabricating charges, and even issuing arrests and imprisonments.

The Wude Office had been established for nearly two years. During that time, Li Shaoyou, as Commissioner of the Wude Office, had more than once openly and covertly petitioned Liu Chengyou. Now, finally, the Yang Bin case had opened an opening, granting the Wude Office the power of arrest.

From ancient times to the present, what secret service agency has ever existed without the power to arrest and interrogate?

Of course, in unleashing the fangs of a hungry wolf, Liu Chengyou did not forget to impose restrictions. The Wude Office's arrest authority was limited to officials of the fifth rank and below; the powers held by agents at various levels were also graded, and they possessed only the power to arrest and interrogate—the case files would ultimately be transferred to the Ministry of Justice for disposition.

At the same time, regarding the military—without imperial command, absolutely no unauthorized action was permitted! There was no helping it; in this era, civil officials were easier to bully...

During this period, Liu Chengyou's cousin appeared extremely energetic, decisive in handling matters, and highly efficient.

Casually flipping through the case files Li Shaoyou had submitted, appearing indifferent—there were dozens of people, many of whom Liu Chengyou had no impression of, whose names he had never even heard. But those who deserved to be charged and punished could by no means hope for exemption. Politics never lacked compromise, but on this matter, Liu Chengyou needed no compromise whatsoever.

Skimming through like a fleeting glance, Liu Chengyou set them down directly, unconcerned, and expressed approval of Li Shaoyou and the Wude Office's performance.

"After transfer to the Ministry of Justice, the Yang Bin case ends here. No need to drag in anyone else!" The flat tone was overwhelmingly forceful as Liu Chengyou instructed Li Shaoyou.

"Yes!" Without the slightest hesitation, Li Shaoyou acknowledged.

"You handled this beautifully, Brother You!" A hint of a smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

Probably due to his greatly increased power, Li Shaoyou was in a very good mood and said modestly: "All thanks to His Majesty's authority!"

Among those outside the imperial clan, those who could address Liu Chengyou as "His Majesty" were already few, and Li Shaoyou was one of that rare few.

Composing his expression, Liu Chengyou suddenly turned serious again, fixing his bright eyes on Li Shaoyou and speaking in a warning tone: "Lately, because of the Wude Office, there has been heavy criticism and much resentment in the court!"

"Unless they harbor guilt in their hearts, why fear the Wude Office? Those court officials are so fearful—perhaps something is amiss. Shall I send men to investigate?" Li Shaoyou requested.

His brow slightly furrowed, Liu Chengyou's expression grew increasingly indifferent as he stared at Li Shaoyou and said flatly: "I only want to remind you that in the Wude Office's future operations, you must keep firmly in mind your authority and not overstep the rules. Otherwise..."

The Son of Heaven's voice drifted off into nothing, but it landed in Li Shaoyou's ears and jolted him awake. His complacency faded, and he could not help but look up at Liu Chengyou sitting there impassively. Doubts churned in his heart, while his mouth responded almost reflexively: "Your subject will surely remember His Majesty's teachings and strictly restrain his subordinates!"

Nodding, Liu Chengyou pointed to the third person standing in attendance, Wang Jingchong, and said: "Over the past several months, Vice Minister Wang has rendered great service and toiled much. I intend to reward him with the post of Deputy Commissioner of the Wude Office, to assist you!"

The moment these words fell, Li Shaoyou's expression changed instantly. Frowning deeply, he glanced at Wang Jingchong, who stood silently by. Chaotic thoughts surged in his mind; he wanted to refuse, but under the intimidation of Liu Chengyou's gaze, the words simply would not come out.

"What, does Brother You have any objections?" Liu Chengyou's tone instead became calmer.

But the calmer it was, the less Li Shaoyou dared to be careless. His face twitched unpleasantly. Suppressing his aberrant thoughts, he bowed: "Your subject obeys!"

Beside them, Wang Jingchong was both surprised and delighted. He knew very well what kind of institution the Wude Office was. In his fluster, he expressed profuse gratitude and proclaimed his loyalty—the gamble he had taken since Xingtang days had finally paid off.

Amid his excitement, he could not help but consider the Son of Heaven's intention in placing him in the Wude Office. After only a brief moment of thought, he seemed to grasp something, and the look he cast at Li Shaoyou gained a hint of amusement...

Paying no mind to the two men with their different thoughts, Liu Chengyou secretly instructed them both: "The investigation into the lands, properties, and registered households of Buddhist temples and monasteries across the realm has been underway for some time. The Wude Office's next focus..."