Chapter 11 Eliminating the Scumbag: "I'll stop sacrificing for him. I'll ignore him, and beat him up..."

The route to the Imperial Secretariat was not very smooth.

However, the guards carrying the palanquin had a stable chassis, and the palanquin showed no signs of shaking.

Ying Xi sat on the palanquin, gazing at the Imperial Secretariat in the distance. To be honest, she was quite speechless.

He had the system buzzing around in his mind like a little bee.

If he were to get angry with the system because of this, and the emperor were to be furious, it wouldn't come to this.

He was well-mannered, while Tian Tong was just a chattering little girl.

If she didn't say something soon, Tian Tong's imagination would get out of control, and Ying Xi wouldn't even know what kind of scenarios it was conjuring up.

"Let him down? How did he let him down? Did he have another affair? Did he catch him cheating?"

"His Majesty always tries to appease him, yet he betrays His Majesty. Given His Majesty's status and personality, he knows how to appease people..."

"That's because he doesn't know what's good for him. He's a scumbag, we won't be with him!"

"Your Majesty, listen to me. I have many methods. Let's make him suffer the consequences of chasing his wife back to her."

Ying Xi: "..."

Yingxi wanted to confirm whether Tian Tong was speaking the Great Qin language.

Yes, he could hear each word clearly, but when put together, he only half understood it.

Ying Xi pondered the meaning of the "wife-chasing crematorium" scenario.

"You mean make him regret it?"

Sweetie nodded: "Mmm!"

Sweet Tong adopted the demeanor of a love strategist because it genuinely believed that Right Chancellor Su Xueyi was the one with the most potential to develop a relationship with Ying Xi among all those around him.

but.

A crematorium is necessary!

As a system assistant, I cannot allow the host to suffer losses. Moreover, Sweet Leader had already joined the "Eliminate Scum Attackers Association" and risen to a high position.

Sweet Tong raised her voice, proudly launching a series of attacks: "Your Majesty, first you must dispel his enchantment!"

"Firmly, I will no longer give anything to him."

"Then, ignore him, criticize him, and let him know that you have better options and that you don't have to live without him."

"Let him regret it and be heartbroken, while you stride forward with a carefree air! This is all about the heartbreak!"

This combination of skills truly embodies the essence of the "wife-chasing-after-the-cremation" scenario.

The system squeezes out the classics from between its teeth.

Ying Xi took a strategic breath and was surprised to find that it coincided with some of her own thoughts. This silly sweet leader was actually quite well-planned.

Use the dating system to flexibly solve your real-world problems.

This is the goal Yingxi recently set.

Ying Xi carefully considered her question, hoping to broaden her thinking: "What is exorcism?"

"I just don't think he's the best!"

Ying Xi nodded: "Mm."

I will certainly no longer regard him as an indispensable minister in governing the country.

The young emperor secretly interpreted the "chasing after his wife to the crematorium" scene as a clever political tactic, a way to control his subjects.

As for what Tian Tong said at the end, there were no obscure words, Ying Xi could understand them, the plan was complete, and she was inspired.

Ying Xi took the fragrant tea that was offered to her from under the palanquin, held above her head: "Your Majesty, please enjoy."

Not a drop of tea was spilled; Yu Jing's hand was very steady.

Yingxi steadily picked up the tea tray, lifted the lid, and slowly sipped. It was almond tea, sweet and rich, with honey cheese and chopped dried fruit added.

Yu Jing, that eunuch, is really clever. He even thought of the fact that he was unhappy because Su Xueyi had taken leave and hadn't eaten enough, so he specially brewed a cup of almond tea for him.

Ying Xi drank more than half of the cup and put it down.

Yu Jing said, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Personnel is just ahead." He then said to the others, "Be careful when you alight from the carriage; His Majesty's stomach cannot withstand such a shock."

After disembarking from the carriage, it was another long distance to reach the Ministry of Personnel.

Not wanting to delay the work of the court officials, Ying Xi did not notify them of her arrival in advance, and the officials had not yet come out to greet her.

Tian Tong then sullenly pleaded, "Your Majesty, I've said so much and offered you so many suggestions, but you still haven't told me what's going on between you and Su Xueyi. Please satisfy my curiosity, please, is it an affair or deliberate neglect? How has he wronged you?"

When we enter the Ministry of Personnel later, Su Xueyi will inevitably be mentioned again, and there's no way to hide it.

Ying Xi should no longer remain silent and should reopen her wounds:

"I have treated scholars with respect and sincerity."

“In her previous life, Su Xueyi betrayed my trust.”

“A few days before the Xiongnu breached the city, he received the news and led his family members to abandon me and flee.”

Sweet Tong remained silent.

As they were talking, Yu Jing was about to send someone to announce their arrival when Ying Xi stopped her, as the main hall of the Imperial Secretariat was right in front of them.

The Ministry of Personnel was teeming with court officials.

The main seat is the position of the prime minister.

Above is a plaque, below is a screen, and in front of the screen is a desk with a brush holder, official documents, and official seals.

Su Xueyi is on leave, so the seat of honor is vacant.

Although there were two prime ministers in the Qin Dynasty, the right prime minister was considered superior to the left prime minister.

Therefore, even if Su Xueyi is not present, the Left Chancellor Feng Yong cannot overstep his bounds and take Su Xueyi's place.

Feng Yong swayed back and forth like a spinning top, wiping away sweat with the wide sleeves of his official uniform.

On either side of Feng Yonghe's seat, several wooden tables were neatly arranged.

Most of the officials and clerks dressed in their official robes of various ranks were not working at their desks. Instead, they surrounded Feng Yong, and when faced with difficult official matters, everyone waited to ask for his advice.

"Although the bandits of the Northern Green Ox Army have been wiped out, sporadic uprisings are still taking place among the people in various places. A large amount of materials are needed for reconstruction, but the national treasury has not approved any funds. Spring plowing is imminent, what should we do!" This person came to ask the court for money.

Before this conversation had even subsided, another voice rose from the Ministry of War: "Li Yilong's army in Jiangnan is eyeing Yangzhou with predatory intent, and is in a standoff with Jiangbei."

"Several cities adjacent to enemy-occupied areas are on high alert, and their military spending is enormous. Where will this money come from?"

Someone from the Ministry of Works shouted, "Qixia Gate has been repaired several times over the years, and the accounts from two years ago haven't been settled with the craftsmen yet! Although Prime Minister Su has identified the root of the problem this year, the work still has to be done, the gate has to be repaired, but who will pay for it?!"

"We can't expect the craftsmen in the Ministry of Works to keep their mouths shut and build walls with bones, can we?"

The hall was noisy.

The officials surrounded Feng Yong, their voices growing louder and louder.

Feng Yong couldn't say anything.

Although Feng Yong was originally from the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Revenue was in charge of money, not money minting.

The current troubles involve the accumulated problems and malpractices of various departments, and each department is waiting for someone to make a decision from a higher perspective, which Feng Yong cannot handle.

“This…this is something we should wait for Prime Minister Su to return,” Feng Yong said to one of them.

He put on a smile and said to the other person, "Brother Guang'an, let's talk about your problem after Prime Minister Su has fully recovered."

He fooled more than a dozen people, and then, among many difficult matters, he selected the one that involved relatively few people and was the least important: "This... I, I can make the decision."

Outside the main hall, Ying Xi had been observing for a long time, taking in the situation of the Ministry of Personnel. Ying Xi took a deep breath.

"Your Majesty, shall I inform you?" Yu Jing's forehead was covered in cold sweat. He wanted to remind her but dared not. Even though the Grand Eunuch desperately tried to signal to the main hall, no one paid any attention.

When the water clock reached the exact hour, the bell inside the water clock was triggered, and a clear, melodious chime suddenly rang out from the noisy Shangshutai (Imperial Study).

Buzz—

The eunuch hurried in.

The waiter trotted up to Feng Yong and whispered, "Prime Minister Feng, it's almost 9 AM."

Feng Yong felt as if he had been granted a pardon; his chubby face relaxed, and he let out a long breath.

The hour of Si corresponds to about 10 a.m. in modern times. In ancient times, officials went to work early and had to wait until 10 a.m., which would take four or five hours. Therefore, before the official meals were served in the kitchen, there was a snack inside the Ministry of Personnel, which was mostly light snacks such as sour plum soup and spleen-invigorating paste.

Feng Yong bowed to the crowd and said, “Colleagues, it’s already 11:00 AM. The servants have prepared the meal. Please calm your nerves and replenish your energy so that we can better discuss state affairs when Prime Minister Su returns.”

As soon as Feng Yong finished speaking, everyone smiled knowingly.

The laughter wasn't because Feng Yong was eloquent, but because everyone had already guessed that Feng Yong would use such rhetoric.

Feng Yong was chosen as the Left Prime Minister not because of his outstanding abilities in the Ministry of Personnel, but because of his good temper, tolerance, and avoidance of conflict with anyone.

When Su Xueyi was around, Feng Yong could only agree with her decisions.

With Su Xueyi absent, Feng Yong dared not make decisions on his own. When too many people sought his advice, he would resort to food to silence them.

Over time, people came to know Feng Yong's style and secretly gave the Left Chancellor a nickname: "The Prime Minister Who Eats with Others."

Commonly known as someone who dines without contributing.

Feng Yong, who was just having a casual meal with the officials, once again resorted to his trump card. The officials sneered inwardly, bowed, and returned to their seats to wait for tea and snacks to be served.

Some people think that Feng Yong has had a tough time too.

After all, his partner was Su Xueyi.

Born into a prestigious family during the Six Dynasties, Su Xueyi was renowned throughout the capital from a young age. Her talent was unparalleled in Chang'an, and her appearance was exceptionally beautiful.

Su Xueyi excels in everything. If there's anything to criticize about him, it's his temper.

—Su Xueyi was more arrogant than most talented men.

His arrogance was evident in every aspect.

He handled state affairs, but didn't take them seriously, even though he always handled them well, sometimes even exceeding expectations.

In her previous life, Ying Xi was tolerant precisely because she valued Su Xueyi's talent.

To ensure that Su Xueyi could stay and work at the Imperial Secretariat with peace of mind, Ying Xi had granted Su Xueyi many privileges.

Just as if other people's meals only consist of a refreshing cake and a drink, Su Xueyi always wants one more thing.

In spring, flowers are presented to the desk; in summer, cool snacks are bestowed; in autumn, nourishing stews are gifted; and in winter, a charcoal brazier is presented as a special gift. The respect shown to the ice and charcoal is different from that shown to ordinary people.

Previously, if Su Xueyi claimed to be ill, Ying Xi would not only exempt him from attending court, but would also visit him personally.

Such preferential treatment was already the best that could be given to Ying Xi.

But this life is different.

Upon learning that the final outcome would be betrayal, Ying Xi not only dispelled Su Xueyi's enchantment but also remembered some strategies Su Xueyi had proposed in her previous life, which she then brought out in advance to completely undermine Su Xueyi's value.

Ying Xi smiled and remained silent outside the main hall of the Imperial Secretariat.

After the meal in the main hall was finished, the problem remained unresolved, so the ministers soon launched another round of attacks on Feng Yong, and the quiet Ministry of Personnel became noisy again.

Feng Yong then began wiping his head with his wide sleeves.

If I'm not mistaken, Feng Yong is now waiting for lunch.

"Prime Minister Feng!!!"

Before the shouts had even finished, the person had already arrived.

Suddenly, a young soldier in armor burst into the main hall through another door.

The young general was dressed in white robes and silver armor, wearing the standard equipment of the Duke of England's forces. He had a silver helmet tucked under his arm and a white sash around his waist, while the Duke of England was still in mourning.

Being in the military, one's voice is bound to be louder. The young general was in a hurry, so he didn't care about etiquette when he came in.

The young general strode up to Feng Yong, spreading his arms to push aside the obstructing courtiers who were cutting in his way.

"The day before yesterday, the coffin of the former Duke of Yingguo was laid to rest for the seventh day after his death. The court did not grant him a posthumous title or proceed with the burial, saying that Prime Minister Su was away on official business. I have been waiting until today."

"Today, Prime Minister Su has taken leave, and with no one to make a decision, we cannot erect a tombstone, making it difficult to bury the Marshal!"

The young general became more and more agitated as he spoke, and his tiger-like eyes instantly filled with tears.

"The General devoted his life to the country and died in battle, yet he cannot even be laid to rest in peace after his death—is this the will of Prime Minister Su, your will, or the will of the court...? I will risk my life today to get to the bottom of this!"

The young general spoke without restraint, and the entire Ministry of Personnel fell silent.

Everyone knew he was being sarcastic; he said the emperor was deliberately trying to embarrass the Xie family.

The rumors of the emperor plotting against his meritorious officials had just begun to subside when, now that the officials' subordinates had spoken out against him, it was as if one wave of trouble had barely subsided before another arose.

This topic is so hot that everyone hopes they don't have ears and haven't heard it.

But I did hear it, and I couldn't ignore it.

As the eldest member of the Secretariat, Feng Yong had to take a stand; otherwise, he would bring the emperor a terrible disaster, one that he could not bear even if he were to be torn to pieces.

He could certainly arrange for the Ministry of Rites to quickly grant the Duke of Yingguo a posthumous title, but he didn't know the emperor's thoughts, whether he wanted a high or low one.

Feng Yong needs to delay further.

Feng Yong's face darkened as he said, "Insolence! Do you want to bring disaster upon the current Duke of England? — Go back immediately and await news!"

But the young general had no time to worry about that. He cried out, "Death is the greatest tragedy. This is the most basic principle. Spring is coming and the commander's half-corpse has already rotted away."

"The commander fought alongside us, and he personally collected the bodies of his comrades who died on the battlefield. How can we possibly witness this?"

The young general retorted, "Prime Minister Feng told me to wait, but I don't know if the Commander-in-Chief can wait. If the Commander-in-Chief dies with his eyes open and demands an explanation from Prime Minister Feng at night, I wonder if Prime Minister Feng will still be able to remain calm and composed!"

Ancient people avoided discussing life and death, fearing vengeful ghosts and vengeful spirits.

Feng Yong's round face changed color instantly, as if he were filled with extreme fear, making him feel as if he were wedged in place by a wooden wedge.

Feng Yong's lips were deathly pale, his expression twisted unnaturally. He slowly raised his finger and stammered, "You... get out... you..."

"Prime Minister Feng!"

"Quickly summon the imperial physician, Prime Minister Feng!!!"

The Ministry of Personnel was thrown into chaos once again.

It's unclear whether Feng Yong was genuinely furious or simply using this opportunity to escape.

The seemingly ridiculous Secretariat is actually the core of Qin's decision-making.

Outside the Ministry of Personnel, Ying Xi felt an overwhelming rage and stepped across the threshold.

Yu Jing secretly gritted her teeth and followed closely behind, thinking that the emperor was furious and it was all over.

When the officials saw Ying Xi suddenly enter the Secretariat to inspect the work, they released Feng Yong, their expressions stiffened, and they didn't know where to put their hands and feet.

The young emperor was tall and slender, his robes billowing in the wind as he walked quickly.

When the emperor entered the palace, the court officials on both sides bowed and made way for him.

The emperor sat in the main seat of the Imperial Secretariat and began to question the emperor.

The court officials hurriedly bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Then they all fell silent, trembling with fear.

Ying Xi said coldly, "What? Even without Su Xueyi, my empire is doomed?"

The ministers lowered their heads even further, their eyes downcast, which drew a cold laugh from Ying Xi.

He picked up his brush, and Yu Jing immediately understood and ground the ink. Yu Jing's young apprentice, receiving a signal from his master, quickly opened the memorial and spread out the Xuan paper.

The brush moves like dragons and snakes.

Ying Xiwen finished writing the first approval document without adding any notes.

Yu Jing hurriedly reminded, "My lords, why don't you heed the decree and carry it out immediately?"