Lin Xiangzhi took the token and examined it over and over again.

He looked terrified. "Your Majesty, what has happened that requires the use of this? It can not only mobilize government officials, but also the generals of the garrisoned troops."

"That's right, you know your stuff. You can mobilize the three armies, as long as you help me find out one thing."

Lin Xiangzhi was greatly shocked. "Your Majesty, I am neither good at literature nor martial arts, and I have thin arms and legs. Are you asking me to lead the three armies into battle?"

Xiao Jingzhao ignored Lin Xiangzhi's reaction and continued speaking:

"I hereby order you to go to Jiangzhou to secretly investigate the case of Guo Baoxian, the Governor-General of Water Transport, for embezzlement."

Lin Xiangzhi's legs went weak, and he almost sat down on the ground.

Xiao Jingzhao glared at him irritably, "Look at your cowardice. I'm not asking you to go alone, what are you afraid of?"

"No, no, this matter should be the responsibility of the Censorate. I am temporarily in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. Your Majesty, you can't treat people like cattle!"

Towards the end, Lin Xiangzhi's voice was trembling with sobs.

Xiao Jingzhao completely ignored Lin Xiangzhi's mournful face.

He pointed to the armchair opposite him, gesturing for Lin Xiangzhi to sit down and talk.

Lin Xiangzhi is good at accounting, but he's really bad at investigating cases.

His head was buzzing, and he had no intention of sitting down and talking.

Xiao Jingzhao said, "I sent you because I know you are capable."

Lin Xiangzhi shook his head: "I can't."

Xiao Jingzhao acted as if he hadn't heard, "If the Censorate is to investigate, then someone must impeach me, and there must be evidence to justify it."

"So His Majesty ordered me to investigate something that's just a rumor? Isn't that a waste of time?" Lin Xiangzhi thought there was still room for maneuver, and immediately perked up.

Xiao Jingzhao glanced at Lin Xiangzhi, "Who said it was baseless?"

"So someone didn't submit a memorial to impeach me, but came here to gossip to Your Majesty." Prime Minister Lin felt very aggrieved, and his words became bolder.

Xiao Jingzhao said confidently, "I asked you to investigate the accounts of water transport, not to investigate a case. Sui Sui said that water transport makes a lot of money. You can imagine how much the Governor of Jiangzhou embezzled."

"Sui Sui said that?!"

Lin Xiangzhi stumbled and fell hard onto the armchair behind him.

He felt sick and had no strength all over his body.

No, he thought Xiao Jingzhao was crazy, taking children's words seriously.

Lin Xiangzhi swallowed hard and straightened up, supporting himself on the armrests of the armchair.

"Your Majesty, how did Sui Sui learn about the water transport?"

Xiao Jingzhao did not answer immediately, but picked up a booklet from his desk and handed it to Lin Xiangzhi.

"How Sui Sui found out is not important. You are good at dealing with money. This is the account book from the previous dynasty. You can understand by looking at the amount of money allocated to the Governor of Water Transport."

Lin Xiangzhi casually flipped through a few pages; the expenses listed were numerous and the amounts were staggering.

Lin Xiangzhi, who had experience in commerce, immediately saw the problem.

"Your Majesty, there are only expenditures listed here, but no income. This is not reasonable."

He and his uncle used to transport goods by water, and they paid money to board the boats for both the goods and the people.

Especially when it comes to loading goods onto the ship, the freight charges are quite substantial.

Xiao Jingzhao looked up at Lin Xiangzhi, "You see something's wrong? I knew sending you was the most suitable option."

Lin Xiangzhi put down the booklet in his hand. "Your Majesty, this mission is a matter of life and death! Cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents. If I go, I'm afraid I won't come back."

"Who said you were going to your death? I'll assign a group of secret guards to protect you."

"But there's no guarantee he won't be assassinated."

Seeing Lin Xiangzhi's cowardly appearance, Xiao Jingzhao explained the plan in detail.

After hearing the plan, Lin Xiangzhi finally felt a little relieved.

Lin Xiangzhi, quick-witted, cleared his throat and said:

"Your Majesty, I am willing to go through fire and water to bring this corrupt official to justice, but you must grant me two requests."

Xiao Jingzhao raised an eyebrow slightly, "You've figured out what I want, your salary will be doubled."

Lin Xiangzhi wanted to curse inwardly; he, as the acting Minister, was receiving half the salary of the former Minister.

Flipping through the pages means you're just taking what you're entitled to; what kind of reward is that?

With no one else in the imperial study, Lin Xiangzhi took advantage of the situation and became even more arrogant.

He shook his head, "Your Majesty, I do not wish for an increase in salary. I have only two small requests."

"Tell me, as long as I can do it, I will agree to it." Xiao Jingzhao was unusually generous.

Lin Xiangzhi suppressed his inner joy and said calmly, "A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. His Majesty's words are golden; once you've agreed, don't go back on your word."

Xiao Jingzhao raised his hand, signaling Lin Xiangzhi to come over.

"My first request is that my younger sister will be arriving in the capital soon, and I will be away from home. I ask Your Majesty to take good care of her."

Without hesitation, Xiao Jingzhao replied, "No problem. Your sister and Yonghe are very close friends. Given our relationship, it's only right that I help her out."

“Tell me any other requests you have, don’t beat around the bush like a woman.”

Xiao Jingzhao noticed that Lin Xiangzhi was pursing his lips, as if he was holding back something wicked.

Lin Xiangzhi hesitated for a moment, then looked steadily at Xiao Jingzhao. "If Your Majesty grants my second wish, it will be fine. If I am able to return, it will be fulfilled later. If not, there is no point in saying it."

"I agree to your request. What else is there to ask? When did you become so indecisive?"

Xiao Jingzhao glared at him again, "My word is law, and I keep my promise. Trust my plan; it will be foolproof, and you will return safely."

Lin Xiangzhi was overjoyed and about to grin when he heard Xiao Jingzhao say calmly:

"If your identity is exposed and you are unfortunately assassinated, I will take care of your family."

"Cough cough!"

"Your Majesty, you just said it was foolproof. I'm timid, so please don't scare me."

Xiao Jingzhao said with a mocking expression, "I was just saying, what if? Who can guarantee there won't be any unforeseen circumstances? You should be more careful when you're out there, otherwise even the Bodhisattva can't protect you."

Lin Xiangzhi grabbed the token on the table and stuffed it into his pocket.

He needed to get away from that heartless man as soon as possible; if he sat down any longer, his heart might not be able to take it.

Seeing Lin Xiangzhi rise, Xiao Jingzhao said, "Prepare to depart in one day. I will select two people from my secret guards to act as your coachman and attendants in public."

The others will protect you from the shadows; they won't appear unless you're in danger.

Morning next day.

Lin Xiangzhi did not attend the morning court session; he had Zhu Xi deliver a memorial requesting leave due to illness.

The Emperor granted him six months' leave in front of all the civil and military officials, allowing him to recuperate properly.

The ministers whispered amongst themselves.

"How could Lord Lin be ill at such a young age?"

"He was perfectly fine yesterday, could he have an addiction?"

"His Majesty is merciful and has granted him a six-month leave to recuperate. If he is still not well after six months, the position of acting Minister will have to be replaced."

Just as everyone was making various speculations, the Emperor appointed other ministers to temporarily assist in managing the Ministry of Revenue.

Those ministers who wanted to form a marriage alliance with Prime Minister Lin immediately gave up on their plans.

Who would marry their daughter to a sickly man?

The next morning, as soon as the city gates opened, a carriage slowly drove out of the capital.