In this ever-changing court, the atmosphere is often like June weather, sometimes sunny and breezy, sometimes overcast. On this day, the atmosphere in the court was particularly solemn, almost oppressive, and almost suffocating. For unknown reasons, the Emperor suddenly decided to inspect the Ministry of Revenue's accounts. This decree was like a bombshell, instantly causing an uproar throughout the Ministry. Everyone was in a state of panic, as if a storm was about to break out.

Upon hearing this news, the Right Vice Minister secretly delighted, a subtle glint of cunning flashing in his eyes. He saw this as a golden opportunity to discipline the ignorant Si Yan. Without hesitation, he shoved the chaotic, tangled pile of account books at Si Yan, his lips curling up slightly in a malicious smile, as if he had already witnessed Si Yan's embarrassment before the Emperor.

The Golden Palace was solemn and dignified. The lofty dragon throne seemed to emanate an invisible majesty, instilling awe in everyone who entered. Si Yan, dressed in a brand new official uniform, stood calmly and confidently before the palace. He took a deep breath, slowly unfolded the account book in his hand, cleared his throat, and spoke in a loud and clear voice: "Your Majesty, the commercial tax revenue was under-collected by 40,000 taels last year because..."

However, before he could finish his words, the Right Assistant Minister, like an ant on a hot pan, interrupted him impatiently. His face flushed crimson, his expression agitated and almost frantic. He waved his hands and shouted, "Master Jiang, you are slandering me!" He looked as if Si Yan had truly committed an unforgivable crime.

Faced with the unreasonable interruption of the Right Vice Minister, Si Yan did not panic. He looked calm and slowly took out the small and exquisite miniature abacus from his sleeve. Although the abacus was small, it embodied the wisdom of a skilled craftsman, and each bead was polished to be round and smooth. Si Yan gently moved the beads, and the crisp and pleasant sound immediately echoed in the hall, as if telling the truth of the matter. He said slowly: "To know whether it is slander or not, do the math. Ten silk and satin shops in the capital have each underreported their sales by 30%. According to the tax rate..." As his fingers jumped nimbly, the sound of the beads became more and more rapid, as if setting the rhythm for his statement.

The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, listening intently to Si Yan's words, his eyes fixed on the beads dancing in his hand. Gradually, a look of approval appeared on the emperor's face, and he nodded repeatedly. When Si Yan finished speaking, the emperor couldn't help but burst into laughter, and the laughter echoed for a long time in the empty Golden Throne Hall. The emperor turned his head to look at Jiang Yan beside him, with a smile in his eyes, and teased, "Jiang Yan, your son is better at making money than you!"

Jiang Yan hurriedly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, I am so kind! My son has inherited his ability from his mother." Although he was humble and polite, he couldn't hide his pride and joy. After all, what father wouldn't want his son to rise to prominence and make a name for himself in the court?

Finally, the court meeting ended and the ministers left the court one after another. Su Jinli had been waiting outside the palace gates, dressed in a gorgeous brocade robe, with an elegant posture and eyes full of concern and expectation. Seeing Si Yan's figure appear, her face immediately bloomed with a bright smile and she walked quickly to greet him. Su Jinli smiled and took out a silver ingot from her sleeve, stuffed it into Si Yan's hand, and said, "This is a reward for you. My son has achieved much more than your father did in his time!"

Si Yan accepted the silver with great joy, his eyes narrowed into slits with a smile. He counted the silver and said excitedly, "Mom, I've calculated that being an official can earn extra money, which is much more profitable than running a bookstore!" He looked like a money-grubber, which made people laugh.

Jiang Yan watched the mother and son from the side, shaking his head helplessly, his eyes filled with doting. He secretly decided to gild Si Yan's abacus to make it even more exquisite and gorgeous. Jiang Yan walked gently to Si Yan's side and whispered, "Don't tire yourself out. Even if you make a mistake, Dad will cover it for you." Although his words were soft, they were filled with a father's deep love and support for his son.

However, the situation didn't end there. The Right Assistant Minister, frustrated by this confrontation, was naturally furious. Returning to his residence, he sat in his study, his face as gloomy as the sky before a storm. He clenched his fists and vowed to find a chance to even the score and show Si Yan the consequences of offending him.

As a result, the Right Vice Minister began to secretly contact some like-minded officials. These officials, either out of jealousy of Si Yan's rising prominence or with intricate interests with the Right Vice Minister, responded to his call. They gathered together and conspired to create more trouble for Si Yan, trying to stir up greater turmoil in the court and put Si Yan in a difficult position.

Meanwhile, Si Yan, despite having won the Emperor's praise at court, remained unperturbed. He knew that within the complexities of the court, a single victory wasn't enough to guarantee lasting victory. The Right Vice Minister would certainly not give up, and more challenges awaited him in the future.

To prepare for a potential crisis, Siyan diligently delved into the Ministry of Revenue's affairs. He pored over the account books day and night, studying tax policies and striving to be thoroughly familiar with every account and regulation. He also began to monitor the movements of various factions within the court, attempting to devise countermeasures.

Jiang Yan watched his son work so hard, feeling both gratified and distressed. Drawing on his years of experience in officialdom, he offered Si Yan advice and taught him how to navigate the treacherous court. Jiang Yan told Si Yan that he must not only master his profession but also understand the ways of the world, learn to unite with upright officials, and jointly resist pressure from all sides.

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