C211 – Prunus Armeniaca Thunb

Lu Zheng’s supply of the imperial report occurred sooner than Zhan Yuanfeng had anticipated, accompanied by the formidable captives of the pirates. Nonetheless, Lin Zhihao wasn’t transported to the capital with them; as a substitute, his destiny awaited His Majesty’s decree.

Through the morning meeting, Zhan Yuanfeng had Lu Zheng current the imperial experiences he had acquired, one scribed by Zuo Shaoqing and the opposite endorsed by Liang Qi.

Zuo Shaoqing’s report laid naked the stark realities of the ocean skirmish. Regardless of the latest institution of the Nice Yang navy, they suffered the lack of over 100 elite troopers and two pricey battleships. The remaining vessels sustained various levels of injury.

The Minister of Battle winced on the point out of the hundred valiant troopers and the exorbitant pensions and ship upkeep prices. Equally, the Minister of Income seethed on the considered his painstakingly crafted vessel being marred so quickly after deployment.

Minister of Personnel Jiang Che contemplated the latest number of the capital’s governor, inwardly resolving to get rid of the presents despatched by Lin Zhihao upon returning dwelling.

The Minister of Justice’s thoughts churned as he delved into the affiliations of the Crane Metropolis Prefect, anticipating additional duties after the morning meeting.

He sighed inwardly. One other idiot who had clashed with an insurmountable impediment! Why did everybody insist on frightening Duke Zhen? Was the notorious butcher so simply trifled with?

The Minister of Rites, nevertheless, remained unaffected. Considering Duke Zhen’s eradication of the most important pirate band, he contemplated the appropriate rewards to be bestowed by the Emperor. But, Duke Zhen cared naught for increased positions or materials wealth, posing a problem in rewarding him.

“Glorious! Exceptional! To barter Nice Yang’s residents for funds is commendable. This official’s annual efficiency rivals that of the Ministry of Personnel!” Zhan Yuanfeng tossed the imperial report back to Jiang Che.

Zuo Shaoqing’s memoranda supplied insights surpassing acquired intelligence. Notably, Prefect Lin’s illicit affiliation with Hai Kui, allowing rampant coastal piracy in change for bribes.

“Lin Zhihao, condemned to demise! Lin Members of the family, males exiled to the Northern Frontier, girls relegated to commoners’ standing for 5 generations, barred from official positions! Lin Household belongings to be seized!” Zhan Yuanfeng swiftly dispatched a Fifth Grade official for the primary time.

Inhaling deeply, he issued a string of directives. Investigations have been to be thorough, corruption eradicated, and meritorious actions duly rewarded.

Surveying the room, he bellowed, “Jiang Hanlin, step ahead!”

Jiang Hengzhou hesitated briefly, then hastened ahead, bowing in anticipation of orders. Emperor Tianfeng’s repeated morning mentions had by no means earlier than singled him out.

“You’re appointed commanding officer, tasked with looking the Lin Clan’s residence in Crane Metropolis, documenting all their possessions, and reporting them to the royal treasury!”

All eyes fixated on Jiung Hengzhou’s departing determine. No person anticipated this younger man’s audacity in securing such a distinguished place. To usurp a coveted function inside a family was a well known observe amongst officers.

It transpired that the Jiang Household had lately develop into the topic of ridicule. His authorized spouse had fallen sufferer to a rip-off, and the one who uncovered it was Zuo Shuhui.

Naturally, Jiang Che knew this was linked to Zuo Shuhui. Fuming with rage, he felt as if his lungs would burst. That girl, considering herself intelligent, had shattered his most important alliance.

Initially, their marriage had been a strategic alliance between their households. Following their union, concord had prevailed.

Unexpectedly, chaos ensued within the family after his marriage to Zuo Shuhui. The discord between the 2 girls not solely disrupted their dwelling life but in addition jeopardized his political connections.

To keep up equilibrium throughout the Yue Clan, Jiang Che had sacrificed a lot by way of repute and advantages. Now, this silly girl had precipitated a scandal, jeopardizing the Jiang’s Mansion’s repute.

Regardless of the irreversibility of the scenario, even when nothing illicit occurred between him and that man, he couldn’t spare his spouse for the sake of Jiang’s Mansion’s dignity.

He had already penned the letter, which had subjected him to threats and insults from the Yue Clan in latest days.

Including to his fury, inside half a day, this girl had managed to unfold the information all through the capital. Now, everybody knew that Minister Jiang wore a metaphorical inexperienced hat.

Jiang Che narrowed his eyes. He refused to consider that Zuo Shuhui and her cohorts have been solely accountable. There needed to be one other participant concerned. However who?

The primary suspect to cross Jiang Che’s thoughts was the Zuo Household and Zuo Shaoyan. Maybe he had underestimated his hapless brother-in-law.

Little did Jiang Che know that the mastermind behind the scenes wasn’t Zuo Shaoyan’s household however Zuo Shaoqing, who had all the time had a strained relationship with Zuo Shuhui.

Zuo Shaoqing, having unexpectedly departed from Jing, had not forgotten this matter upon arriving at Crane Metropolis. He had even planted spies throughout the capital.

The crafty and ruthlessness displayed by a lady within the home skirmish usually earned her newfound respect from males. Jiang Che had certainly underestimated Zuo Shuhui.

Observing Jiang Che’s pallor, Zhan Yuanfeng remarked, “I perceive that girls might not be your precedence, however now that you just’re married, deal with her nicely. Be sure that she stays discreet in her chambers.”

As Zhan Yuanfeng spoke, a sudden realization dawned on him. Have been there additionally girls in his imperial harem who trespassed past his data?

The 2 males exchanged a understanding look. As soon as Jiang Che departed, Zhan Yuanfeng summoned the Minister of the Imperial Family, instructing him covertly to watch the actions throughout the harem.

He couldn’t enable any scandals from his harem to tarnish his repute or unfold past the palace partitions.