At the General's Mansion, because Yang Qiu had arrested many people recommended and promoted by Dou Wu, Dou Wu's prestige had been greatly damaged. Therefore, Dou Wu summoned his staff to discuss countermeasures.

Seeing that Dou Wu's expression was not good, an aide spoke up: "General, now that His Majesty has specially ordered the Imperial Guards and Tiger Guards to assist Yang Qiu in inspecting the spring plowing, it is clear that he attaches great importance to it. If His Majesty finds fault with us, I'm afraid that you will not be able to explain to His Majesty..."

"Xian'an's words make sense. Moreover, Yang Qiu is the son-in-law of the eunuch Cheng Gui. What I am most worried about is that he will side with the eunuchs. If that happens, he will surely become a disaster. If we do not get rid of him, I will not be at ease!"

Dou Wu's face was very gloomy. He was very angry about Yang Qiu's actions. It was one thing for Yang Qiu not to help him deal with the eunuchs, but he actually turned around and used him as a scapegoat. As the son-in-law of the eunuchs, he was indeed birds of a feather with the eunuchs.

"General, you mustn't!"

Minister Yin Xun hurriedly stopped him.

"Oh? What's your opinion, Boyuan?" Dou Wu looked at Yin Xun with some displeasure.

"General, the matter of spring plowing is a national policy decided by His Majesty, the General, the Grand Tutor, and others. Scholars and common people alike are paying close attention. If the General were to obstruct it, it would give others a handle to use against him and damage his reputation."

Dou Wu, who always valued his reputation, frowned: "Bo Yuan is right, but that Yang Qiu is truly hateful. What should we do?"

"General, Yang Qiu was recommended by Li Ying and is deeply trusted by His Majesty, who regards him as a confidant. If you were to target him, you would not only anger Li Ying's faction but also risk being accused of oppressing His Majesty. I urge you to reconsider!"

Yin Xun's words made Dou Wu think that although the emperor was young and kind, and trusted him very much, Dou Wu was unwilling to stand against Liu Hong unless necessary. For a moment, Dou Wu hesitated.

"General, I have a plan that may be feasible."

"Oh? What good plan does Xian'an have?"

The advisor, known as Xian'an, smiled slightly: "Yang Qiu is a believer in Legalism. He only talks about legal principles and not human feelings. Because he acts justly and selflessly, he is valued by the emperor."

Dou Wu and the others nodded in agreement. Although they disliked Yang Qiu, they couldn't find fault with his actions, as he acted in accordance with the law.

"However, is there anyone in the world who is perfect? ​​I suppose Yang Qiu is no exception."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

Dou Wu's eyes lit up as he looked at the advisor.

"Yang Qiu was recommended by Li Ying, so Li Ying has been kind to him. As Cheng Gui's son-in-law, he is bound to have some dealings with the eunuchs. Therefore, I think that the general only needs to send someone to keep a close eye on Li Ying and the eunuchs' men during the spring plowing season, and then expose their dirty deeds to Yang Qiu, and see how he deals with it."

If Yang Qiu were to abuse his power for personal gain, the Grand General could impeach him. If the matter is handled according to the law, not only can we weaken the eunuchs' influence, but we can also isolate Yang Qiu, making it easier for us to deal with him in the future.

"Brilliant! Brilliant!" Dou Wu looked excitedly at the advisor. "Xian'an is indeed exceptionally intelligent; this is a truly ingenious plan."

"Thank you for your kind words, General." The staff member smiled happily upon receiving Dou Wu's praise.

Only Yin Xun, standing to the side, frowned slightly. Although Xian An's plan seemed to kill two birds with one stone, he felt uneasy, as if things were not so simple.

On the other side, Zhang Rang found Wang Fu and others and told them about his plan. Surprisingly, the plan was exactly the same as that of Dou Wu and others. They also believed that this was a great opportunity to eliminate Dou Wu and the power of the aristocratic families.

Thus, the spring plowing season became a battleground for several forces to compete for power, and the Yangqiu (a type of celestial sphere) seemed to become a sharp weapon in their hands.

At the Sili government office, Yang Qiu's subordinate reported to him with a frown, "Captain, things seem a bit strange. Recently, my men have been receiving frequent reports, and the details are even clearer than what the Investigation Division has found out. Do you think someone is trying to use us to eliminate dissidents?"

Yang Qiu snorted coldly: "That's even better. It saves us the trouble of doing anything else. Give the order that anyone who reports us, no matter who they are, be arrested!"

"promise!"

Yang Qiu didn't care at all about the actions of the imperial relatives and eunuchs. He had already understood the emperor's intention when he was appointed by Liu Hong to inspect the area. No one could escape it, which is why he dared to boldly borrow the Imperial Guards and the Tiger Guards.

"Wait!" Yang Qiu called out to the official who was about to leave.

"Does the captain have any further instructions?"

"Pay special attention to Zhang Rang's hometown."

"Yes!" Upon hearing this, he was slightly taken aback, but then understood Yang Qiu's meaning and turned to leave.

Yang Qiu was very wary of Zhang Rang. In his view, Zhang Rang was a deep and cunning man who was not easy to deal with. Although the emperor was wise, he would inevitably be misled over time, so it was best to get rid of him as soon as possible.

Thus, with Yang Qiu's order, the eunuchs dispatched by the Sili government office, like hungry wolves seeing blood, began to arrest and interrogate people everywhere. Those who committed serious crimes were beheaded and their homes confiscated, while those who committed minor crimes were flogged and had their property and land confiscated.

When the common people saw how easily the powerful and corrupt officials who were usually high and mighty were questioned by the people sent by the emperor, they became bolder and began to report to the Sili government. The officials in charge of the palace were happy to hear reports from anyone, but if someone was reported, the Imperial Guards and the Tiger Guards would immediately come to arrest them. At the same time, they would also give a portion of the money confiscated from the palace to the people who dared to report them.

Of course, there were also some who knew they were guilty of grave sins and would surely die if those corrupt officials came knocking on their door. So they led their servants and private soldiers in preparation for a fight to the death, but how could they possibly be a match for the Imperial Guards and the Tiger Guards? They were quickly wiped out one by one.

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