Novel East
Chapter 263.1
Yan Song and Qin Hui exchanged horrified glances. His Majesty was serious this time, ready to shake the very heavens!
Lin Beifan watched the two with a smile.
In the past, he had to tolerate their behavior because the nation was unstable and there was a shortage of talent.
Now, with the empire flourishing, brimming with talents, and the people living in peace, it was time to clean house.
Otherwise, these parasites would devour the nation if left unchecked.
However, Lin Beifan also considered past loyalties and gave them a chance to reform.
If they cooperated, all would be well.
If not, well!
Theres nothing else, you may leave. The two chief ministers of the court will cooperate with you!
Lin Beifan waved his hand, I hope that I will see a brand-new court when I return from my tour.
Yes, Your Majesty! They left while sweating profusely.
Upon returning to the capital city, they immediately set to work decisively.
They arrested and interrogated people according to the list in the booklet. Many were thrown into prison, and the court was thrown into turmoil, a scene of blood and violence.
Heshen, who was overseeing the spring farming work outside, hurried back, demanding loudly, Yan Song, Qin Hui, what is going on? Why are you arresting people under my command? What have they done wrong? Or have I offended you in some way, and you wish to strike at me?
Yan Song and Qin Hui looked at each other, and Yan Song said with a bow, Minister Heshen, we are not acting out of personal grudge. Everything is by His Majestys decree. His Majesty has ordered us to do this! As the saying goes, The emperors orders are as heavy as a mountain, we have no choice but to obey!
His Majesty!?
Heshen was shocked. How did the emperor get involved in this?
Qin Hui spoke slowly, Minister Heshen, you must be aware of His Majestys northern tour and his actions against corrupt officials, right?
Heshen nodded, How could I not be aware of such a matter?
Qin Hui continued, Due to the large number of corrupt officials uncovered by His Majesty during this tour, he was extremely angered and wished to use this opportunity to cleanse the court! As the Ministers of the Ministry of Civil Service and the Ministry of Justice, we have a duty that cannot be shirked.
Heshen spread his hands and said, But there was no need to make such a big fuss and capture all of my people! Just go through the motions and leave some room for maneuver, so we can meet again in the future without hard feelings.
Yan Song sighed and said with a wry smile, Minister He, do you think we want to do this? This task offends many, but if we dont carry it out, we risk not only our positions but potentially our very heads! We have no choice but to proceed.
Qin Hui said with a pained expression, Moreover, His Majesty was clearly prepared this time. When we returned, he gave us a list of corrupt officials with over a thousand names on it! Even Minister Yan and I are on the list! Your name is also there, Minister He, right at the very top!
What? Heshen was shocked and turned pale.
His own name was on the list, and at the very top?
Did this mean that all his secret dealings were known to His Majesty?
Heshen was completely panicked!
He knew the gravity of the matters he had dealt with in secret was far too serious! ๐๐ธ๐๐ฎ๐ต๐ฎ๐ช๐ผ๐.๐ฌ๐ธ๐
If they were exposed, it wouldnt just be a matter of losing his head!
With a head full of worry, Heshen pleaded, Esteemed officials, I realize my mistakes now I should never have overstepped Please, for the sake of our camaraderie, help me out!
Yan Song and Qin Hui exchanged glances and said, Rest assured, Minister He, His Majesty is merciful. Considering everyones hard work and contributions, he has decided to give everyone a chance! As long as everyone cooperates and reforms, the past will not be pursued.
Ill cooperate, Ill definitely cooperate!
Heshen readily agreed, but then his face fell again, There are so many issues. I want to cooperate, but I dont know how to proceed. Please, officials, give me some guidance. I would be eternally grateful!
Minister He, out of consideration for our camaraderie, Ill give you a figure, Qin Hui leaned in and whispered a number in Heshens ear.
The number whispered is 13.5 million taels of silver, indicating the amount he is accused of embezzling.
Heshen immediately understood, thanked the two officials again, and then hurried home to confiscate his own property.
In the end, after cleaning out his estate and tallying all his possessions, the total value came to 12.5 million taels of silver.
This was 1 million taels short of the number provided by the two officials.
But these were already all of his current assets, both legal and illegal. How could he be 1 million taels short?
Heshen was utterly perplexed. Could there have been a mistake in the calculations?
At that moment, an idea struck him after he looked at his corpulent steward standing nearby.
Tell me, have you been using my influence to embezzle and take bribes?
Master, theres no such thing. Ive always been honest The stewards face began to sweat.
Stop lying!
Heshen barked. Look at what youre wearing, the jewelry on your neck, the rings on your fingers. Are any of those cheap? You couldnt afford these items on your salary alone! Now, confess!
Heshen, an Innate master, exuded an intimidating presence.
When he released this aura, the steward was so frightened that he knelt down, sweating and kowtowing, Master is wise. I did take a little, but only a little
Just a little?
Heshen shouted angrily. As the saying goes, Even a minor official at the Prime Ministers doorstep is to be feared. Youve been using my name to your advantage, surely you havent been modest in your greed! Hand over everything youve embezzled, or Ill strike you dead in one blow!
Please forgive me, Master. Ill do as you say!
The steward handed over all the money he had embezzled, which amounted to a staggering 800,000 taels of silver.
For a steward without an official position to embezzle so much was shocking!
***
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