The Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot are about to begin investigating this case simultaneously. It must be a major case, especially since it has received a secret imperial edict, which naturally means that a storm is brewing.

However, for some people, this is their chance to make a name for themselves, to prove their abilities, and to demonstrate their value and worth.

As for whether these people have the opportunity to make contributions, while others may naturally suffer misfortune, there's nothing more to say about that.

As for the possibility that some high-ranking officials, wealthy families, and gentry might suffer great misfortune in the coming period, Zhu Yunying didn't see any problem with it. He also didn't feel any psychological hurdle in dealing with such matters when the time came.

For example, if the entire household or even the whole family were to be punished, Zhu Yunying wouldn't feel wronged. Since he was enjoying the benefits brought by the family, he shouldn't feel aggrieved.

The saying "a kind heart cannot govern an army" applies not only to emperors but also to many rulers. Zhu Yunying was never a soft-hearted person; when he was ruthless, he could be more ruthless than many others.

Even knowing that some people might be wronged and many people might be innocent, Zhu Yunying wouldn't care about those things.

Having given instructions to his secret service chief, Zhu Yunying felt relieved. These matters still needed to be investigated slowly. There was no need to rush; once everything was cleared up, Zhu Yunying could then deal with the situation properly.

Now that some things have been settled, with Shang Wuning's matter resolved, it seems Zhu Yunying no longer needs to worry about the Ryukyu Kingdom of Chuzan. The rules and etiquette of vassal states have also been formally established.

However, for Zhu Yunying, these matters were not yet sufficient; he had many other things to attend to, for the emperor was never truly idle. In the coming period, Zhu Yunying would have a great deal to do.

Palm oil is expected to arrive in the capital soon, and this is no small matter for Zhu Yunying. It's not merely a ceremonial auspicious omen; it will actually bring considerable benefits to the people of the Ming Dynasty.

Now, corn, potatoes, and even chili peppers and tomatoes are unavailable, making it impossible to further enrich the meals of the people of the Ming Dynasty. However, oil and fat are essential ingredients that cannot be lacking, no matter where one is.

Even Zhu Yunying understood that palm oil might not be what the people of the Ming Dynasty were used to, but it was still a supplement. In this day and age, palm oil was actually a very good choice. Even if it wasn't rapeseed oil or animal oil, which the people of the Ming Dynasty were used to, it wouldn't be a good thing, and this matter could not be ignored.

This matter deserves attention. Zhu Yunying will definitely start promoting palm oil next, so this needs to be monitored closely and some strategic planning is still necessary. There's no reason for Zhu Yunying to be indifferent to such a beneficial product for the country and its people.

Besides palm oil and the smuggling case, Joo Yoon-young has other things to do, and he also needs to get things done that have been delayed for some time.

For example, regarding the governance of the Yellow and Huai Rivers, I believe Yan Zhenzhi must be eager to get started at this point. He has already made preparations and has a series of plans in place, and is probably just waiting to take office.

Moreover, the former Minister of Revenue, Yu Xin, had already taken office. Although he was a disgraced official of the Ming Dynasty, this former Minister of Revenue was still quite capable. Even though he had been exiled, many people dared not easily humiliate him.

Even if Yu Xin wanted to escape this mess, he would be shooting himself in the foot. But right now, he has no right to be picky; the only thing he can do is to fulfill his duties.

This isn't just about his own sake; it's also about the sake of the entire family. So be it if he's an official. He should work diligently and honestly. Even if he can't be reinstated, even if he dies on the Yellow River dike, at least he can leave some legacy for the family and at least erase the stain of his previous self-righteousness.

Yan Zhenzhi was very concerned about governing the Yellow and Huai Rivers, and Zhu Yunying was naturally even more concerned about it, so there could be absolutely no carelessness.

Besides the Yellow River and Huai River situation, Zhu Yunying now had to begin preparing for the summer and autumn harvests. These matters could not be taken lightly; after all, in an agrarian civilization, food security was of paramount importance, as it concerned major issues such as the Ming Dynasty's tax revenue.

When it comes to taxation, the policy of merging the poll tax into the land tax still needs to be continued. Tax reform is not a recent development; it began last year. However, such reforms need to be continuous and expanded over time.

The implementation and summarization of these practices in the Zhili and Jiangnan regions have yielded considerable experience. Continuing to summarize these experiences means that the Ming Dynasty needs to further promote these practices, which can be considered a national policy of the Ming Dynasty.

This is a very important matter, involving the interests of many people, and Zhu Yunying needs to carefully consider it.

Zhu Yunying still needed to keep busy, as he needed to reconsider the cabinet matters, which could not be delayed any longer.

In a good mood, Zhu Yunying continued with his business. Although the cabinet affairs had delayed him for a few days, it wasn't a big deal. Even though many people had been paying attention to and pondering the cabinet's affairs these past few days, the position of Grand Secretary was no small matter; even a fifth-rank official had already attracted attention.

The title of Grand Secretary of the Hall of Imperial Sacrifices is only equivalent to that of a fifth-rank official. The key point is that they are qualified to participate in some court affairs.

Many people are speculating that although the Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Brilliance is only a fifth-rank official and seems to only assist His Majesty in approving some insignificant memorials, this is already a very good start. Serving His Majesty will give them more opportunities to be appreciated by him.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!