Chapter 15 Confrontation

Jiang Chen's eyes were cold as he said,

"Minister Mei, what do you mean by this?"

"As Minister of Revenue, you failed to supervise your subordinates, leading to rampant corruption within the Ministry. Instead of examining your own faults, you dare to question me?"

Looking at Mei Wenshi kneeling on the ground with a face full of grievance, Jiang Chen felt disgusted as if he had swallowed a fly!

This old fox first coveted the Great Wei imperial power, then plotted an assassination, and now he shamelessly tries to take credit and accuse him, Jiang Chen, of mistreating loyal officials!

If the situation didn't forbid it, Jiang Chen would really like to issue an imperial decree and send Mei Wenshi's entire family to the imperial prison!

"This humble subject dares not, but I have served Great Wei loyally for many years, and I do not wish for Your Majesty to be alienated from me due to the slander of petty men," Mei Wenshi said, kowtowing heavily.

He had roughly guessed who was behind this memorial.

After all, the Emperor had only promoted Yuan Buyi a few days ago. According to that man's decisive character, he would definitely take action.

"Tsk!"

Jiang Chen disdained and did not comfort Mei Wenshi.

Although he couldn't afford to tear off the mask yet, as Emperor, he still had the power to be a little willful.

"Minister Mei, the origin of this memorial is not something you should be concerned about."

"As Minister of Revenue, the most important thing you should do is to manage the Ministry of Revenue well for me! The wind of corruption must not be encouraged; otherwise, the Great Wei empire will surely be destroyed by these corrupt officials!"

"I give you five days to purge the Ministry of Revenue, ferret out those bad apples, and rectify the atmosphere!"

Mei Wenshi's expression froze slightly, somewhat unable to believe that this was the same Emperor who used to indulge in pleasure and trust him so much? Why had he changed so much in just a few days?

"Minister Mei, I am not doubting your loyalty, but times have changed, and the old rules are no longer applicable!"

"Although the late Emperor never punished these miscellaneous tributes, I cannot tolerate such things! Moreover, the amount of 'tribute' accepted by certain high-ranking officials in this memorial is enough for their entire families to be executed, isn't it?"

As he spoke, Jiang Chen's eyes flashed with murderous intent, shooting towards Mei Wenshi's face.

Feeling a chill in his heart, Mei Wenshi immediately lowered his head, avoiding those deep black eyes.

'The old rules are no longer applicable,' was the Emperor warning him?

Frowning, Mei Wenshi prostrated himself again.

As he bowed, a sinister glint flashed in his old eyes, but his mouth said respectfully, "This humble subject obeys the decree and will surely rectify the Ministry of Revenue and not disappoint Your Majesty!"

Jiang Chen sat high above.

Taking in Mei Wenshi's performance in its entirety.

Anticipating that this old fox would not listen, he felt a headache.

Dealing with someone as experienced as Mei Wenshi, who had been floating in the court for many years, was really difficult!

Not to mention other things, just the network of connections he had and the web of interests he had cultivated over many years as an official were a major problem. If he couldn't clear away these forces related to him with thunderous force, even if he found a hundred pieces of evidence, it would be impossible to get rid of Mei Wenshi.

Although he, the Emperor, was the leader of the country, it was ultimately the people below who did the work, and he couldn't really do as he pleased. Mei Wenshi's relatives, subordinates, and allies would not stand idly by and watch him fall into a trap.

"Well, step down and get to work."

Jiang Chen withdrew his gaze.

Mei Wenshi stood up and bowed, "Your Majesty, this humble subject takes his leave."

After speaking, he bowed deeply and turned to leave.

After stepping out of the palace gate, Mei Wenshi quickened his pace, and the expression on his face became even more ferocious.

Yuan Buyi, you old dog, you dare to fight me?!

Thinking that you can rest easy with the support of that useless Emperor, how laughable!

Hmph, if you dare provoke me, don't blame me for being ruthless!

At this time, in the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Jiang Chen looked at the screen and frowned, "Minister Yuan, come out, Mei Wenshi has already left."

"I feel like he seems to have guessed the origin of the memorial. You must be more careful in your actions later. Now that corruption is rampant among the officials, if Mei Wenshi spreads the news that you are investigating bribery, you will inevitably be hated by everyone… Forget it, I'll find someone else to do this matter. That would be safer. You just need to handle the disaster relief well!"

Seeing that Jiang Chen seemed to be seriously considering candidates, Yuan Buyi felt a warmth in his heart, then knelt down and said with fervor:

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your concern, but I am not afraid!"

"Governing the world and bringing peace to the people is my lifelong ambition. Even if I have to pay with my life, I will have no regrets!"

Jiang Chen nodded, feeling somewhat moved.

"Since that's the case, I won't stop you. However, if you encounter danger in the future, remember to come to me. Don't try to handle it alone!"

"Also, eradicating corruption is a long-term project. Don't rush it. You can start with small things and gradually expand. The most important thing now is to settle the Wei River flood victims. If the situation allows, you can personally go to the disaster area. I don't trust those local officials!"

Yuan Buyi's expression was serious, "Your Majesty, I understand."

"Good, I trust you to handle things."

"Time is tight, so I won't keep you any longer… Feng Jin, escort Minister Yuan out of the palace!"

Hearing this, Feng Jin stepped forward and walked to Yuan Buyi with a smile, "Lord Yuan, please, this servant will lead the way for you."

Yuan Buyi was flattered and returned the greeting, "You are too kind, Grand Eunuch Feng!"

Feng Jin was the Grand Eunuch of the Inner Palace, a true servant of the Emperor.

With such a relationship, who among the civil and military officials would dare to offend him?

But now, His Majesty actually asked the Grand Eunuch of the Inner Palace to lead the way for him. Such kindness, how could he not be grateful?

Watching Yuan Buyi leave, Jiang Chen got up and went to the side hall.

As soon as he entered, he saw Fuer on the soft couch, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at him.

Jiang Chen's expression softened, and he walked over.

"How is your body? Are you still uncomfortable? Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

Fuer's pretty face flushed, and she sat up, her black hair scattered over her white and tender shoulders, saying:

"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern, Fuer, Fuer is already better."

Although that's what she said, there was still a hint of fatigue lingering between her brows.

After all, it was her first time serving, and she had encountered an emperor as vigorous as Jiang Chen, which was a huge drain on her, and it would be difficult to recover in a short time.

Jiang Chen saw her weakness and sat down on the edge of the couch, saying, "You waited for me half the night and served me for several hours. I'll send you back to rest."

After speaking, he waved his hand, signaling the palace maids on duty to come forward and help Fuer wash up.

A moment later, the two arrived at the Shufei's (Consort Shu) palace.

As a dowry maid, Fuer had grown up with Shufei since childhood, and their relationship was like sisters.

Even after entering the palace, they lived together, one residing in the main hall and the other in the side hall.

And Jiang Chen had come to visit Shufei, as the poison in her body had not yet been resolved, making him uneasy.

At the main entrance of the palace.

Shufei seemed to have received a message in advance and was waiting outside the door.

As soon as Jiang Chen's carriage stopped and the curtain had not yet been lifted, she greeted him. Her delicate body was like a willow in the wind, so weak that it seemed like it could be broken with a touch.

Jiang Chen frowned when he saw this scene.

Waving open the curtain, he walked straight towards her…