Chapter 528: Enticement and Warning

Under the gaze of so many great figures, Kang Chong no longer hesitated, nor feared offending anyone, and he rattled off a string of seven or eight names.

This made Chen Yan both surprised and a little disappointed.

The surprise was that most of the names Kang Chong reported were sixth- and seventh-rank officials, with none lower.

The disappointment was that there were no Fifth Rank officials, so it didn't reach the level that required reporting to Li Shimin.

Officials below Fifth Rank who are corrupt or commit crimes only need internal review, investigation, and then be sent to the Ministry of Justice or Dali Temple.

In short, Chen Yan was dissatisfied with the quality, feeling the resulting commotion wasn't big enough to meet his expectations!

He even, unwilling to give up, asked, "Is that all? Why don't you think it over again?"

Kang Chong's eye twitched, and even Du Gou, Ma Zhou and the others were left speechless.

He directly reported seven or eight names; what more do you expect?

Seeing your disappointed and eager expression, do you still find this insufficient?

Living Yama King!

The people present couldn't help but think that.

"Lord Chen, there really aren't any… um, perhaps it's only I who know this much; the other subordinates aren't aware,"

"Fine then." Chen Yan felt bored, gave He Xun a casual glance.

In the list Kang Chong just reported, that person was surprisingly absent.

After all, he recalled that when he asked if anyone was being frivolous, He Xun was the first to step forward and say there wasn't.

Yet, because of that casual glance, He Xun broke out in cold sweat down his back.

He truly hadn't expected that after Dai Zhou's two-year Great Purge, the Ministry of Revenue still harbored so many worms, even without evidence.

But even with a fingertip of thought, one knows that someone like Kang Chong would not dare to lie in front of so many adults.

To dare report names, he must have absolute confidence!

Recalling how he once swore to Chen Yan that the Ministry of Revenue had no corrupt officials, that anyone daring to act would have been cleared out by Dai Zhou, his face flushed with heat.

How shameful!

"Ministerial Attendant Han, I only took office today, I'm still unfamiliar with many aspects of the Ministry of Revenue; the long list of names External Officer Kang just reported… many of them I don't even recognize."

Chen Yan turned his head, smiled lightly and said, "How about this: please, together with External Officer Kang, investigate the matter in detail. After all, this is only Kang's one‑sided statement; we cannot fully believe it, nor dismiss it."

"Investigate thoroughly; don't wrong a good person, nor let a worm go unpunished—that would be best."

"What do you think?"

Han Zhongliang was slightly startled.

Although the names Kang Chong just reported were only some sixth- and seventh-rank officials, the advantage lay in their considerable number and deep concealment; whoever handles them will earn a substantial merit.

Did Chen Yan just hand that over to himself?

Having just taken office, shouldn't he urgently need achievements?

Moreover, in the future he may need to step forward, so such merit should be exactly what Chen Yan urgently needs...

Han Zhongliang's mind raced, and soon he understood the underlying reason.

From Chen Yan's disappointed expression and his background, such merit might be optional for him—tasteless to consume, regrettable to discard.

But for him, it's different.

He considered himself unable to aspire to the position of Minister of Revenue, but aside from the Ministry of Personnel, the top posts in the other four ministries might be attainable within his lifetime.

For him, every bit of merit is crucial!

Now Chen Yan places this merit before him; it's assistance, a pull, and also a warning.

If he accepts, everyone will become his own people in the future.

Refuse......

Then it's hard to say.

Han Zhongliang was sincere, immediately stood up and thanked earnestly.

That was said earlier.

He, Han Zhongliang!

Primarily a loyalty!

On the other side, Kang Chong's face was full of gratitude.

He understood that Chen Yan specifically letting Han Zhongliang take him along was also pulling himself up.

His heart, long suppressed by power into dead silence, suddenly burst with warmth.

Kang Chong could no longer describe his current feeling; he wanted to cry, yet also wanted to laugh, and recalling his youthful, vigorous past, he couldn't utter a single word.

He only performed a deep bow and paid his respects to Chen Yan.

Everyone dispersed; those busy with official duties continued their duties, those investigating corruption kept investigating.

Du Gou, Fang Yizhi, and Ma Zhou approached Chen Yan, first congratulating him on his appointment, then Ma Zhou asked, "Sir, do we have any goals this year?"

When they were in Weinan County, they had already become accustomed to broadly following Chen Yan's direction, so upon arriving they asked if there were any plans or arrangements.

"None this year!" Chen Yan replied bluntly. "This year's goal is to plant our feet firmly, thoroughly audit the Ministry of Revenue's accounts and transactions, then, using the method I previously taught you, compile and report."

"Regardless of the situation, by New 's Day, consolidate all expenditures and statistics into a clear report and submit it so His Majesty can see."

"Next year will be the time for us to make a big move."

Ma Zhou and the others instantly understood.

They were not unfamiliar with this; back in Weinan County, Chen Yan had led them to do the same.

Fang Yizhi frowned, "But the Ministry of Revenue's situation differs from Weinan County; the Ministry's annual expenditures, revenues, and household registration changes are far too numerous to compare with Weinan County."

"Back then in Weinan County, preparing the report you mentioned took almost a month; now with less than a month before New 's Day, can we make it in time?"

"If there's no time, just figure something out!" Du Gou laughed heartily, cheerfully saying: "As Zi Anxiong said, New Year's Day is near; even though we just arrived, we still have to let His Majesty and the many ministers see that we are indeed getting things done."

"And let the ministers clearly understand the situation of the Ministry of Revenue, so that later no one will constantly act like a lion opening its mouth, demanding this and that!"

"Zi Anxiong, you just took office today, you may not know that Minister Dai spends almost all day quarreling with other ministers; in short, the bottom line is: no money!"

"Those people open and close their mouths at will, constantly demanding a certain amount of cash, as if they think the Ministry of Revenue's funds are inexhaustible."

"Since that's the case, let's work hard!" With those words, Fang Yizhi was not one to hesitate.

"Perfect timing. After Zi Anxiong's episode today, I think the subordinates will be less likely to pay lip service while secretly defying; if it still doesn't work, we'll work through the night!"

"How can we eat imperial grain and not get things done?"

Chen Yan, upon hearing this, wore a serious expression and said, "New Year's Day is near, the year is about to end; this is not merely a report, but the foundation for us to secure our footing and be ready to achieve something great in the future!"

"If anyone dares to cause a hindrance inside, regardless of who they are or their background, deal with them directly!"

"If you truly can't handle it, tell me; I've got my 'principle' and 'virtue' all ready, and now there's nowhere to put them!"