Ji Xiaolan: Kill Qianlong at the beginning

Du Xiaoyue continued, "It doesn't matter. As long as Xiumei can be rescued, Xiaoyue is willing to take the risk."

Mo Li said slowly: "Xiao Yue, I'm really sorry for you."

Du Xiaoyue looked relieved and said, "Alright, Master Mo, you don't have to put bricks under me."

Mo Li smiled.

……

Forbidden City.

Inside the palace.

Emperor Gai Zhang sat on the dragon throne and spoke loudly, "According to Mo Chou's investigations, after Chen Huizu committed suicide, the new Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang took office less than a month ago and began to repeat his old mistakes and accept bribes. They thought that since I have returned to the capital, they are out of reach and can do whatever they want. Mo Li, what do you say to us?"

Mo Li took a step forward and said, "One word: kill." Then he stepped back.

He Shen quickly said, "Oh no, no, no, Your Majesty, Lord Mo is going too far in correcting the wrongs. This is absolutely not a good strategy. If we can't kill all the corrupt officials, the bad practices will only arise again. To enrich the national treasury, I have drafted a system of negotiating fines specifically for corrupt officials. It will definitely be effective."

Emperor Gai Zhang shook his head and said, "Negotiating the fine for a crime is unheard of. Let me discuss it with you in detail."

He Shen smiled and said, "Yes, the so-called criminal silver, as the name suggests, is aimed at local officials such as the governor, who have committed mistakes and crimes and will be fined silver according to their crimes. For example, dereliction of duty, incompetence, negligence, deficit, or even corruption and bribery, according to the severity of the crime, they will be required to pay the silver themselves to reduce their punishment."

After a pause, he continued, "Well... this way, we can effectively punish illegal officials and greatly enrich the country's financial resources. Killing two birds with one stone, isn't it wonderful?"

Emperor Gai Zhang hummed and said, "He Aiqing, please be more specific."

He Shen said, "For all officials appointed by our court, income will be set according to their rank. The maximum income can be hundreds of thousands of taels, while the minimum income can be tens of thousands of taels. The Grand Council will set up a unified agency to manage it. The income can be transferred to the Imperial Household Department. Part of it can also be allocated to local governments for water conservancy, irrigation, flood control, drought relief, and other projects. They take from the people, and we use it for the people. Why not?"

Emperor Gai Zhang nodded and said, "Okay, this is a good idea. Do you have any other opinions?"

Heshen looked to the left and then to the right.

An official said, "Your Excellency, this is a brilliant idea. I respectfully request that Your Majesty immediately promulgate and implement it."

Another official said, "Well... Your Excellency is a good teacher and a good minister. The solution he came up with is unprecedented and truly a model for future generations."

An official echoed, "Right, right, Lord He is truly a role model for future generations."

Emperor Gai Zhang looked at Mo Li and called his name.

Mo Li said, "I'm here."

Emperor Gai Zhang said: "Are you attending court or meditating with your eyes closed?"

Mo Li said, "I am attending court, not meditating."

Emperor Gai Zhang said, "I haven't heard any of your comments today, which is very unusual."

Mo Li looked at He Shen and said, "I just heard Lord He's brilliant speech, which was applauded by the entire hall. I am neither in agreement nor in disagreement, so I have nothing to say and can only close my eyes."

The Emperor smiled slightly and said, "If you don't say anything, it means you agree."

Mo Li said, "I beg to differ."

Heshen smiled upon hearing this and said, "What a good thing! I don't agree with it. Then you must have a better way. Even if you don't agree with my method, please give a reason. If you can't give a reason, this attitude towards the emperor will make you a serious crime of disrespect." When he said the last few words, his expression became very serious.