In the Ministry of Revenue, a arena where power and interests intertwine, Si Yan, with his wisdom and courage, vigorously implemented a series of reforms. His reforms to the canal account books, in particular, were like a huge rock dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples. His reforms aimed to rectify the long-standing chaos and malpractices in canal accounting, ensuring clarity and transparency of every expenditure and revenue. However, while this initiative greatly benefited the healthy development of national finances, it inevitably affected some individuals, disrupting their own pockets.

Hatred grew wildly in the hearts of those whose interests were affected. They gathered in dark corners and plotted how to harm Si Yan, trying to make him capsize in the tide of reform and recover their lost interests.

One morning, soft sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Siyan's desk. As usual, Siyan was energetic and ready to begin his workday. As usual, he reached for the abacus, a treasured abacus he had cherished for years. However, when his hand touched the tabletop, he found a jumble of miscellaneous objects. Startled, he looked closer, and saw that the abacus had been replaced by a pile of useless scrap wood.

Si Yan's brow furrowed in anger. But he quickly calmed down, realizing that this was the malicious intent of his disgruntled colleagues. They were attempting to disrupt his work rhythm and undermine his resolve for reform.

Just as Si Yan was pondering how to respond, a flurry of hurried footsteps approached. Then, with a bang, the door to the Ministry of Revenue was flung open. Nian Li, clutching her iconic toy sword, stormed in with a fierce aura. Her eyes widened, burning with rage, as she shouted, "Who is so blind as to plot against my brother?" The sound resonated like a thunderclap in the empty hall, piercing everyone's eardrums.

The veteran officials in the hall, previously busy with their own thoughts, were instantly horrified by the sudden roar, their faces turning pale. They knew Nian Li's fiery temper well, and had even witnessed her power. Like frightened birds, they frantically hid under the table, their heads buried deep, not daring to show their faces, fearing they would be accidentally injured by Nian Li's sword.

Unlike everyone else who was panicking, Si Yan seemed very calm and composed. He looked peaceful, as if all this was within his expectations. He calmly took out a spare abacus from his arms. Although this abacus was not as loaded with memories as the beloved one, it was equally small and exquisite, and could always be used at critical moments. Si Yan looked at Nian Li and said with a smile, "Sister, if you kill someone, you will have to pay for medical expenses, which is not worth it. We don't need to cause trouble for ourselves over such a small matter."

Nian Li was so angry after hearing Si Yan's words that she slammed her sword into the ground. With a loud "clang," the ground shook slightly, as if trembling with her anger. She put her hands on her hips and shouted, "Then make them pay for the abacus! Ten taels! This is my brother's beloved abacus, how dare they be so bold!" Nian Li's voice was filled with anger and determination, as if she would not give up until she got compensation.

As soon as the words fell, Su Jinli walked in with an elegant, leisurely pace, carrying a bowl of lotus seed soup. She was dressed in gorgeous clothes, with a delicate face and a calm expression. Su Jinli took a sip of the lotus seed soup, savoring its sweetness, and said slowly, "Nianli is right. Add another five taels of compensation for mental damage. They are doing this deliberately to bully people. We can't let them go so easily." Su Jinli's tone seemed calm, but it revealed an unquestionable majesty.

Jiang Yan followed in shortly after, his hands clasped behind his back, his expression serious. Looking at the scene before him, Jiang Yan added coldly, "The interest rate will be one cent per day. If they don't pay you back within three days, the interest will compound. Since they dared to do this, they must pay the price for their actions." Jiang Yan's voice was low and powerful, as if to announce to everyone that the Jiang family was not to be trifled with.

The Right Minister stood aside, watching the scene unfold, silently groaning. He'd thought a simple maneuver like changing his abacus would only cause Si Yan a minor setback, but he'd unexpectedly drawn in the Jiang family. Looking at the gleaming broadsword in Nian Li's hand, then at the unquestionable looks of Jiang Yan and Su Jinli, the Right Minister knew he'd hit a wall. With a mournful expression, he said helplessly, "Master Jiang, we'll pay..." His voice was filled with helplessness and frustration, like a defeated rooster.

Seeing the Right Assistant Minister yield, Si Yan smiled with satisfaction. He counted the silver and said, "Sister, your knife is better than an abacus. At the critical moment, we have to rely on your aura to intimidate them." Si Yan's tone was filled with a hint of teasing and gratitude.

Nian Li snorted complacently, put the big knife on her shoulder, and said: "Of course, don't you see who your sister is! They are still a little naive to dare to bully my brother!" Nian Li's face was filled with pride, as if showing everyone her firm protection of her brother.

This farce seemingly ended in victory for Siyan's family, but in reality, it was merely a minor episode in the Jiang family's ongoing struggle against those with ulterior motives. After this incident, those who sought to harm Siyan, while still resentful, also witnessed the Jiang family's unity and resilience. However, they will not give up. In the shadows, they may be plotting something more sinister, waiting for the right moment to strike again at Siyan.

Siyan knew his path to reform at the Ministry of Revenue wouldn't be smooth sailing. But with his family's unwavering support, he felt filled with courage and strength. He vowed to persevere through the reforms, no matter the difficulties and obstacles, and to contribute to the nation's fiscal integrity.

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