"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand." Chen Hong agreed quickly, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart that the father and son of the Qi family were really favored. His Majesty rewarded them for such a small thing.

Zhu Youxiao was not concerned about these things. He was concerned about what was happening in the Imperial Household Department today.

After bringing his men inside, Zhu Youxiao mingled with the crowd, trying to find someone to talk to.

However, Zhu Youxiao soon discovered that the people here were rather cautious and ignored strangers like him.

So Zhu Youxiao could only follow this group of people and wander around here to see if he could get any information.

In fact, Zhu Youxiao knew exactly what was going to be done here today.

Today's event was presided over by Hu Fei. It was the first task of the Audit Department and also a very important matter, so Zhu Youxiao came to watch.

Soon, the crowd began to move inside, and it was obvious that they were almost ready.

Zhu Youxiao did not hesitate and followed the crowd inside. Then he found a secluded corner and stood there, waiting quietly.

He still couldn't show his face too much, otherwise he would be recognized by Hu Fei. Although Hu Fei might not reveal his identity as the emperor, if he saw him in the presence, he might not be as free and easy as before.

Soon after everyone arrived, Hu Fei also walked out. He smiled and bowed to everyone present, and said loudly: "Everyone here, some know me, and some don't, so let me introduce myself first."

"My surname is Hu, and my given name is Hu Fei. I used to be a businessman in the capital. Now, I have joined the Imperial Household Department and am a doctor in the Audit Department. Perhaps many people don't know what our Audit Department does. Today, I will tell you about it."

"First and foremost, the Audit Department's first responsibility is to inspect everything brought into the palace. Anyone who dares to falsely quote an inflated price or pass off inferior goods as genuine will be subject to the Audit Department's investigation. As you all know, the items brought into the palace are for the benefit of the nobles. If we discover any problems, your head might not even be yours anymore."

When the merchants present heard this, their faces turned ugly, especially those who specialized in supplying goods to the palace.

Of course, they didn't dare pass off inferior goods as good ones. After all, if something was sent to the palace as inferior, once it was discovered, it would be a disaster with the family confiscated and their property exterminated. They didn't make a fortune from this.

The things they sent to the palace were all good, but they quoted prices higher than the market price, and they also had to share the profits with the eunuchs when they delivered them, so the prices were even higher. This was how everyone made money.

But judging from what Hu Fei said, this aspect will also be investigated in the future. How can we make money then?

"Since taking office, I have thoroughly investigated the palace's past accounts over the past few years and have indeed uncovered some information. The palace has already arrested the individuals, and the eunuchs responsible for the purchases are likely to face a difficult fate. However, for those present who have any questions, I urge you to speak up now before I speak out."

"If you come forward and admit your mistakes, you might get a lighter punishment. If I tell you, I'll be punished severely, at the very least, exiled to Liaodong. As for what Liaodong is like, I think everyone here knows it, right?"

No one expected that Hu Fei would give them a warning right from the start.

However, in Zhu Youxiao's opinion, this matter was handled very well, and Hu Fei grasped the transformation from a businessman to an official just right.

My choice was indeed right. This is a very suitable person.

As a businessman, you can flirt with these suppliers. Isn't it just about making money through harmony?

But as an official, you absolutely cannot do this. You must establish your own authority, at least make them respect you and dare not fool you, otherwise your end will be miserable.

It now seems that Hu Fei has realized this matter, so he has done a very good job.

Hu Fei and Zhu Youxiao had asked for instructions on how to deal with the previous account. At that time, Zhu Youxiao told him to do it himself. After all, this matter was now under his control, and it was also a test for him.

Now it seems that Hu Fei is ready to use these things to make trouble.

The faces of the people present became even uglier. They all lowered their heads with different expressions, but no one moved forward. It was obvious that they didn't want to step forward before finding out the truth.

At this time, Hu Fei laughed and said, "I know some of you may be hoping for the best. What if we can't find you?"

At this point, Hu Fei laughed even louder, and then continued, "Your thoughts are actually reasonable. Because I can't guarantee that I will catch everyone, there will definitely be fish that slip through the net. But you might take a gamble, betting on whether the person I catch is you, and whether you are the fish that slipped through the net."

"If you win the bet, you can return home safely. If you lose, your whole family will be exiled to Liaodong. Think carefully, this is your only chance. If you miss it, you will have no choice."

After Hu Fei said this, someone finally moved.

The man took a step forward and said with a wry smile, "I admit it."

Zhu Youxiao took a look at this person and suspected that he was a spy arranged by Hu Fei.

If it was really someone arranged by Hu Fei, Zhu Youxiao would not find it strange. After all, he had to make sure that everything was foolproof.

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