The fish pond connects the past and present, and the tyrants of the fallen country seek fame every d

After all, everyone knew that the problems with Minister Lu had long been a well-known fact in the court. Unexpectedly, this time even the most basic accounts could not cover up his omissions.

Wei Yan, seemingly unaware of the court's inner workings, simply recounted his findings: "First, the grain quantities clearly don't match the actual records. Second, there are significant discrepancies between the pensions paid to deceased soldiers and the records in the population register. Third, the taxes that should have been reported to the entire Jiangnan region this year don't appear in this account book."

After saying all this, Wei Yan knelt obediently on the ground, lowered his head and said no more words, obviously waiting for the emperor's further decision.

At this time, Minister Lu, who was also kneeling on the ground, had a dejected look on his face and did not want to make any excuses for his actions.

Because he knew very well that all this was a pre-arranged drama, the purpose of which was to take this opportunity to settle the various problems within the Ministry of Revenue.

No matter what he said, everyone in the room had already made up their minds and no one was willing to listen.

As expected, his political opponents quickly came forward to accuse him of crimes.

Faced with this situation, Xiao Yanheng couldn't help but chuckle a few times, "Alright, General Lu, do you have anything else to say?"

After hearing these words, Minister Lu felt that the last glimmer of hope in his heart was completely shattered.

Although he also knew that there were some ways to exonerate himself, if he really wanted to do so, then the forces hidden behind would definitely not let him and his family go, right?

Seeing this, Xiao Yanheng saw through his thoughts at a glance, just sneered, and didn't say any more nonsense.

Fortunately, this former senior official still had some self-awareness and did not think of using other words to save himself.

"Since such a serious problem has arisen in Jiangnan, I order local officials to immediately conduct a comprehensive investigation and promptly reimburse any missing items. Furthermore, I appoint Wei Yan as the Imperial Commissioner for the Jiangnan Region, responsible for handling this matter. What do you think?"

His words were filled with the majesty and decisiveness unique to an emperor.

Before Wei Yan could react, he instinctively and subconsciously thanked the emperor for his favor.

"Your Majesty, Wei Yan, thanks the Lord for His great grace. Long live the Emperor!"

Xiao Yanheng knew very well that this mission was full of dangers and unknowns, and of course he would generously give the other party the corresponding power to ensure the smooth completion of the mission.

"In addition, I have also specially bestowed upon you a precious sword. From now on, whenever and wherever you see this sword, it will be like seeing me in person."

Soon, the court meeting ended.

The meeting seemed unusually quick, with many topics being rushed through and officials being more silent than usual, as if avoiding touching on a sensitive topic.

They seemed to have agreed not to mention Minister Lu's name anymore, and there was not even a hint of discussion about him, as if this person had never existed in this world.

In the study.

The newly promoted imperial envoy stood respectfully in front of Xiao Yanheng. He lowered his head slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of uneasiness and anticipation.

Xiao Yanheng didn't even raise his head, his hands constantly reviewing the documents on the table. He seemed to be completely immersed in these government affairs and did not notice the imperial envoy in front of him.

There was a tense and depressing atmosphere in the air.

"Your family is now in the imperial manor. You can leave for Jiangnan in three days."

Xiao Yanheng's voice was calm and powerful, without a trace of fluctuation in his tone.

Wei Yan understood that this might be his best chance, and his heart was filled with excitement and gratitude.

He immediately expressed his loyalty wholeheartedly and explained everything about Minister Lu in detail, fearing that he would miss any details.

"Your Majesty, General Lu actually has quite a bit of treasure hidden away. How about..."

Wei Yan was interrupted by Xiao Yanheng before he could finish his words.

"Don't worry."

Xiao Yanheng said lightly, his tone revealing an unquestionable majesty.

Wei Yan immediately understood what he meant. Not only did he stop mentioning these things, he also took his leave and left.

He knew that if he spoke too much at this moment, he would make mistakes, so he quickly found a suitable opportunity to leave the study.

He and Deng Zhuo took the opportunity to replace Xiao Yanheng's cup of tea and whispered, "Your Majesty is magnanimous, so Lord Wei can change his appearance."

He tried to make his voice sound gentle and sincere so as not to cause unnecessary trouble.

"Since he dared to expose Lai Wen's crimes on the spot, it shows that he is quite courageous."

Xiao Yanheng said lightly.

There was a deep meaning in his words, which made Deng Zhuo feel a chill on his back.

As for the rest, we can talk about it later.

Seeing that the atmosphere had become a little more relaxed, Deng Zhuo and he kept quiet.

Things happening in the court are not something that someone of his character can comment on casually.

He knew he should remain silent at this moment to show respect to his master.

But Xiao Yanheng still sighed.

There are too few people available under my command, otherwise why would I use this method to investigate Lai Wen's affairs.

He was filled with helplessness and worry, and felt the burden on his shoulders was getting heavier.

But at least I got something out of him, so it’s not a loss, right?

he consoled himself.

the next day.

Wei Yan hurriedly settled his family and then asked to set off for Jiangnan.

His actions were very low-key. No one noticed him when he came, and he left just as quietly.

However, just as he was about to leave, Xiao Yanheng suddenly had an idea and asked him and Deng Zhuo to place a glass of wine on the eight-immortals table.

No one expected that Wei Yan chose the right time.

The Jiangnan forces who reacted found that their necks had been pinched by Xiao Yanheng.

Their situation suddenly became extremely unfavorable and they found it difficult to cope for a while.

So they began to fight back.

Although he could not confront Xiao Yanheng head-on in the court, he had been playing tricks behind his back.

First, someone wrote a letter to attack Wei Yan, but it was unsuccessful due to the support of Xiao Yanheng.

This further intensified the conflict between the two sides and made the situation more complicated.

This plan failed, so he tried another one.

The previous sweet potato promotion went very smoothly, mainly because many wealthy families chose to make concessions in order to save face.

However, there is still a certain network of relationships between these families, and helping each other in some small matters also contains the intention of testing Xiao Yanheng's attitude.

At this time, the Minister of Rites stepped forward, his expression stern: "Your Majesty, isn't it a bit against the rules to send a small official as an imperial envoy?"

After hearing this, Xiao Yanheng sneered, with a gleam of disapproval in his eyes.

What exactly are the so-called rules?

Although those children from aristocratic families have a good reputation on a daily basis, they turn a deaf ear and a dumb when the country needs them to stand up. Does this count as breaking the rules?

"So what? This humble official has the courage to speak out and offer advice in the court. He is infinitely superior to some of you who only know how to obey orders."

Xiao Yanheng made incisive comments, not giving any face to his colleagues who were accused.