0p0 Chapter 121 Bianjing Storm
Chapter 121 Bianjing Storm
Zhonghe Hall of the Bianjing Imperial Palace.
Emperor Huide returned to Zhonghe Hall after the morning court session. As soon as he sat down, he seemed to remember something, squinted his eyes, and looked at the empty hall.
"Long Yi."
A black figure instantly appeared in the hall, knelt on one knee, bent over and clasped his hands together.
"His Majesty."
"Has Potian been found?"
"Your Majesty, the people sent by the prince have been tracking down Potian these past few days. I believe we will find him today."
Emperor Huide breathed a sigh of relief, but then his eyes darkened and he asked with a chilling tone, "How is the Li family?"
"Your Majesty, the Li family hasn't noticed anything unusual recently. However, the newly adopted second son of the Li family is taking the Juren exam in Bozhou Prefecture tomorrow.
However, the three spies we planted in the Li family were all killed for various reasons. I believe there must be someone in the Li family who is familiar with the methods of training spies. This method of training spies is a royal secret, passed down by those in power to those they trust the most. Therefore, I suspect that the Li family must have a connection with Tuoba Ye.
A fierce look flashed across Emperor Huide's eyes. Although Qin Zhao was responsible for Tuoba Ye's escape, it was also because he was too conceited back then.
"Keep watching the Li family. Don't worry about anything else. I want to lure the snake out of its hole."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, that child will also take the Juren examination tomorrow."
As soon as these words were spoken, a hint of excitement appeared on Emperor Huide's originally gloomy face.
"Okay, I believe he will be able to pass the high school entrance examination."
At this moment, Liu Chun hurried in. Emperor Huide's eyes darkened, and he raised his hand to signal, and Long Yi dodged and left.
"Your Majesty, General Zheng, Grand Tutor Zhuang, and several other ministers request an audience."
"What is it?"
"Your Majesty, I heard from Grand Tutor Zhuang that the potatoes planted by the Renshan Township Lord were so gluttonous that people died."
Emperor Huide sneered. This was because the girl's method of building a prosperous village to alleviate poverty, which she had recommended during the morning court, had affected the interests of some people. Indeed, if the girl's method were implemented, the great benefit would only be to the entire Qin Dynasty, not the aristocratic families, nor individuals.
"Xuan."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After a while, a group of people came in and knelt down to pay their respects.
"Everyone, please stand. Liu Chun, please find a seat for the gentlemen."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
When they heard Emperor Huide say "watch the seat," their eyes flickered and their hearts skipped a beat. Minister of Works Xu Zheng broke out in a cold sweat, mentally cursing, "Zhuang Minghui, you old bastard, you're courting death, and you're dragging me down with you."
Minister of Revenue Zhou Hanmin lowered his head, his eyes dark and unclear. Minister of Personnel Wu Maozheng was also heartbroken, but he had no choice. Who made him and Zhuang Minghui grasshoppers on the same rope?
Minister of War Yuan Zhongxian looked at General Zheng, who was sitting beside him with an expressionless face. He breathed a sigh of relief for no reason. He looked at his nose with his eyes, his mouth with his nose, and his heart with his mouth, and his thoughts drifted away.
Minister of Rites Huo Bin sat unburdened on his armchair, looking at Zhuang Minghui with a sneer. This old fellow would destroy it if he couldn't get it. Oh well, we'll reap the benefits.
At this time, the Minister of Personnel, Wu Maozheng, stood up and walked towards the main hall, bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, I wish to report to the Renshan Township Lord. Numerous cases of civilians being poisoned have been discovered in various parts of southern Qin, all caused by eating potatoes grown by the Renshan Township Lord."
Emperor Huide leaned back in his chair, not even raising his eyes, and said nonchalantly, "There's only Qin Nan, are there any others?"
Wu Maozheng suddenly looked up at the languid Emperor Huide, then stole a glance at Grand Tutor Zhuang, who seemed unconcerned. He then gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "Only Qin Nan has reported this matter yet. I suspect the other prefectures and counties haven't had time to report yet."
Emperor Huide sneered, sat up straight, stared at His Highness Wu Maozheng, with a murderous look in his eyes.
"Liu Chun, read the taboos about potatoes to them again."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Liu Chun took the memorial from Emperor Huide, sneered inwardly, and said loudly, "My Lords, listen carefully this time. Potato taboos: potatoes cannot be eaten if they turn green, potatoes cannot be eaten if they sprout, those with spleen and stomach discomfort should not eat too much, and those with diabetes should not eat them. These taboos were originally distributed with the potato seeds, and the local notice was posted at the same time."
Wu Maozheng couldn't help but sweat on his forehead when these words came out. He quickly knelt down and bowed his head, saying in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, it is because I failed to supervise properly and slandered the county lord. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Emperor Huide looked at the other ministers sitting to one side and said in a deep voice, "Are you all here just for this matter?"
Upon hearing this, several ministers quickly stood up and bowed.
"Your Majesty, I have come to thank you for your compassion for the people and for the soldiers guarding our border towns. Without your compassion, there would be no benevolent actions of the lord. I bow my head in gratitude for your grace. Long live Your Majesty."
When General Zheng finished speaking, his eyes were red.
Upon seeing this, the Minister of War, Yuan Zhongxian, immediately knelt and bowed his head, saying, "Like the old general, I have come here to thank the Emperor for his grace."
Seeing General Zheng act like this, the other ministers had no choice but to kneel down and pay their respects.
"Liu Chun, help the old general sit up and serve the tea."
After a pause, he continued, "Help Master Yuan sit down and serve the tea."
Seeing this, Liu Chun was puzzled. His Majesty was trying to establish his authority. Thinking of this, he was delighted and hurried over to help General Zheng and Yuan Zhongxian up.
When the others heard this, their hearts sank and they lowered their heads with different expressions.
"Old General, the lady from the countryside will be producing a batch of warm winter clothes in the next few days. They are said to be very light and warm. She will bring a few pieces to me in the next few days. If they are really as she described, I will customize two pieces for each of you soldiers.
General Zheng and Yuan Zhongxian both stood up from their chairs excitedly. They wanted to kowtow to thank the emperor for his grace, but Emperor Huide raised his hand to stop them.
"The old general is old, so there is no need for him to kneel and express his gratitude. My dear Yuan, there is no need for you to be so polite."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Emperor Huide took a sip of tea, looked at the people kneeling beside his highness, and said with a half-smile, "What about you? Are you here just to join in the fun?"
Several people couldn't help but sweat on their backs. Xu Zheng hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I have come to report that the movable type printing and papermaking that Xiangjun mentioned have been developed by the Ministry of Industry based on Xiangjun's drawings."
Emperor Huide was delighted and a smile appeared in his eyes.
"Very well, I will reward the entire Ministry of Works handsomely. Liu Chun, go help Lord Xu sit down and serve the tea."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Xu Zheng stood up and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, thinking to himself: My dear, thank you for saving my life.
"Zhou Hanmin."
"The minister is here."
"You heard what Xu Zheng just said. Immediately increase production and investment in the bookstores under the Ministry of Revenue. Set low prices for books and paper for me. I want all my people to be able to afford books and paper."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Emperor Huide glanced at Zhou Hanmin, who was kneeling in the hall. A trace of dissatisfaction flashed across his eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "Zhou Hanmin, the Ministry of Revenue is in your hands. I hope you will not disappoint me."
Zhou Hanmin's body trembled as he knelt on the ground, and he quickly said, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will definitely live up to Your Majesty's expectations and will learn more from you in the future."
"As long as you understand, Lord Zhou, please stand up and sit down."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Emperor Huide stared at the three people kneeling and bowing their heads in the hall, his eyes sank. It seems that my two sons are already a little impatient.
"Wu Maozheng failed to supervise effectively and made arbitrary reports. I consider his moral character to be flawed. Effective immediately, he will be fined one year's salary and will not be allowed to attend court for the rest of the year."
Wu Maozheng was startled and suddenly raised his head, his face pale. He looked at Zhuang Minghui who was kneeling beside him. Seeing that he was kneeling with his head bowed, with no intention of defending him, his heart sank and he closed his eyes to thank the emperor for his grace.
Half a cup of tea later, a group of people came out of Zhonghe Hall. General Zheng and Yuan Zhongxian were happy and left quickly.
Xu Zheng and Zhou Hanmin looked at each other, and they hurried towards the Ministry of Works to begin preparing for the matters instructed by Emperor Huide.
Meanwhile, Wu Maozheng dejectedly wanted to call out to Zhuang Minghui, asking him if he could help shorten his penalty. Unfortunately, Zhuang Minghui and Huo Bin exchanged a cold snort before hurriedly leaving, leaving him standing there alone, feeling hopeless.
Palace of Prince Ning of Shunan.
"Your Majesty, we have found Potian. He is in our Chuanzhou Prefecture."
Prince Ning quickly stood up and sneered, "Tuoba Ye is quite resourceful. He managed to hide right under my nose. No wonder I couldn't find him after searching for so long. Qin Li, call Qin Shuang. I'm going there myself this time."