Li Yan, who had fainted in the gatehouse, was truly in deep trouble at this moment.
He hadn't even had time to react to what was happening before the wall, built with blue bricks, simply collapsed.
Poor Li Yan, without even a moment to let out a scream, was struck directly on the back of his head by a brick. His eyes rolled back, and he immediately passed out.
Seeing that a major disaster had occurred, the young eunuchs standing nearby were all dumbfounded.
"This, this..."
"Alright, alright, are you all unhurt?"
Zhang Jun, who was originally about to return to report, rushed over upon hearing the commotion.
Looking at the small eunuchs staring at each other blankly, Zhang Jun forced a smile and quickly went over to assess the situation.
"We are not injured, but, this..."
After all, this was a house belonging to the Ministry of Revenue. The few young eunuchs who had caused such a great disaster were now feeling quite guilty.
This matter could be either big or small. If the Ministry of Revenue did not pursue it, it wouldn't be much of an issue. However, if the Ministry of Revenue decided to investigate, they would all likely face severe consequences.
"Alright, alright, no need for 'this' and 'that.' As long as you're not injured, that's fine. This house has been abandoned for a long time, so if it collapsed today, so be it. I'll have someone come over to clean it up later. You all should also quickly pack your things and be more careful when you work in the future!"
Having easily completed his task, Zhang Jun was in a very good mood.
Therefore, in handling this matter, he decided to downplay its significance.
"Thank you, Steward Zhang, thank you, Steward Zhang!"
Hearing Zhang Jun's words, the young eunuchs breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly thanked Zhang Jun one after another.
"Alright, it's not easy for you all. You serve in the palace, and we serve others in the Ministry of Revenue. Let's not make things difficult for each other!"
Zhang Jun himself came from a servant background. It was only because he was good at observing people's expressions and moods that Yuwen Cuizhong placed him in the Ministry of Revenue. Therefore, he naturally did not have the prejudice that literati and officials held towards eunuchs, viewing them as pigs and dogs.
Seeing their apprehensive expressions, he even casually comforted them before leaving.
Having caused such a big trouble, the young eunuchs naturally did not dare to linger. After hastily cleaning up the scene, they all disappeared in a flash without daring to say another word.
As for the unfortunate Li Yan, he was truly unlucky. It wasn't until more than two hours later, when the bailiffs from the Ministry of Revenue came to clear the remaining bricks and tiles, that he was discovered.
"Li, Minister Li?"
The bailiffs, who were assigned to personally attend to Tang Ke, were greatly startled when they saw Li Yan lying amidst the rubble.
No one could have imagined that a dignified Yuanwailang of the Ministry of Storage would be silently buried under a pile of broken bricks.
"He's still breathing! Quickly find a doctor!"
It was only after a bailiff bravely stepped forward and felt for Li Yan's breath that everyone finally relaxed.
As long as the person was still alive, there was still room for recovery.
Otherwise, they would all be in an impossible situation to explain.
"It's been two hours. It seems our Minister Tang is truly a busy man!"
As the sky began to subtly darken, Liang Shicheng's expression finally turned extremely unpleasant.
"Your Excellency, if you have urgent matters, perhaps you should attend to them first. I will handle Steward Zhe's affairs. What do you think?"
Seeing that Liang Shicheng was finally losing his patience, Yuwen Cuizhong said in a measured tone.
"Steward Zhe, what do you say?"
Hearing Yuwen Cuizhong's words, Liang Shicheng did not respond directly but instead looked at Zhe Wanchun beside him.
"Your Excellency, please go about your business. With Minister Yuwen here, I believe there will be no other issues!"
Zhe Wanchun naturally understood that Liang Shicheng was considering Han Mo's reputation, so he immediately cupped his hands towards Liang Shicheng and said.
"If that's the case, then I'll entrust the matters here to Minister Yuwen. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to send someone to my manor!"
Seeing that the time was almost up, Liang Shicheng indeed had no more time to waste here. After nodding to Yuwen Cuizhong, he casually said.
"Your Excellency jokes. This matter was originally Minister Tang's problem. Even if he is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he has no right to directly seal someone's shop. If he does not heed advice, I will still write a memorial of impeachment!"
This was a move that would both curry favor with Liang Shicheng and allow him to vent his anger – a plan to kill two birds with one stone. How could Yuwen Cuizhong miss such an opportunity?
Therefore, he agreed without hesitation, and his words were extremely firm.
"Since that is the case, then I shall take my leave!"
Although Liang Shicheng had only sat here for two hours, had a simple meal, and accomplished nothing, this was enough to show his stance.
Even though Liang Shicheng had already left, Zhe Wanchun felt no fear in his heart.
"I will escort Your Excellency out!"
After escorting Liang Shicheng out of the Ministry of Revenue's yamen, Yuwen Cuizhong returned to his room.
"Sir, that is merely a small merchant. Why is Liang Shicheng so concerned about him today?"
As soon as Yuwen Cuizhong sat down, Zhang Jun quickly asked in a low voice.
"I do not know that. However, I have heard that Liang Shicheng also holds some dormant shares in their trading firm."
"Then should we..."
Hearing Yuwen Cuizhong's words, Zhang Jun immediately rubbed his fingers together and said softly.
"Do not act rashly. Have you not seen it? Liang Shicheng specifically came to support him today. It would be a loss outweighing the gain to offend Liang Shicheng for such a small profit!"
Bianliang, it is not easy to live here.
Even though he was a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue with a rank of third grade, he still had to engage in some shady dealings behind the scenes. Of course, he, as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, still cared about his reputation, so the matter of accumulating wealth naturally fell upon his trusted subordinate, Zhang Jun.
However, accumulating wealth also depended on the target.
To snatch meat from Liang Shicheng's bowl, how many times would his head need to be kicked by a donkey to do something like that?
"I was merely asking, Sir. Since you say so, I understand! I understand!"
Being admonished by Yuwen Cuizhong, Zhang Jun nodded awkwardly and quickly replied.