Inside the Chongzheng Hall, all the officials gathered, from the highest-ranking ministers to the lowest-ranking officials, all standing in their respective positions with gloomy expressions.

The actions of the scholars and powerful figures in Jiangnan were undoubtedly a slap in the face to the imperial court.

In the past, when we didn't pay attention to you, it was fine if you caused a little trouble. But now, not only do you not comply, you even dare to resist. This makes the increasingly powerful officials in the court feel challenged.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

With a loud shout from Zhang Rang, Liu Hong, dressed in imperial robes, walked out from the back hall.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!!"

"Gentlemen, you may dispense with the formalities!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After exchanging greetings, Liu Hong sat upright on the imperial throne, glanced around at the officials, and then nodded to Zhang Rang beside him.

Zhang Rang understood and stepped forward, shouting loudly, "If you have something to say, speak up; if not, leave!"

"I have something to report!"

As soon as Zhang Rang finished speaking, Tian Feng, the chief of the Road Administration Department, was the first to stand up.

Liu Hong looked at Tian Feng: "What matter does Minister Tian wish to report?"

"Your Majesty, the personnel sent by the Road Administration Office to Nanyang, Runan, and Xiapi have begun planning road construction, but progress has been slow in Wu County."

"Oh? Why is that?"

Tian Feng: "Your Majesty, whenever the road administration personnel go to a place to conduct surveys, they encounter obstruction from the local people, who say that it is their land and construction is not allowed."

Liu Hong frowned: "Is that so?"

Tian Feng said solemnly, "Yes, Your Majesty, but as far as I know, although those lands were newly reclaimed, they belong to the local powerful families, and the people were all misled by them to go and obstruct them."

Liu Hong narrowed his eyes: "These guys have some nerve."