The emperor's rage terrified many, as some things seemed to have caused serious trouble, and perhaps in the coming period, some people's fates would be changed.

This is no casual remark; an emperor's anger is no laughing matter, and many people's fates can be altered by his attitude. Emperors have the power to do these things, especially those who wield real power.

Ru Chang is very worried now. The matter of the Ministry of Personnel has not been sorted out yet. Her own office was already in trouble, and she was likely to be reprimanded by the emperor for poor performance and lax management, which led to these problems in the Ministry of Personnel.

Now things are really complicated. This is no longer just a matter for the Seal Inspection Bureau; many more people may be involved.

The so-called Minister of Personnel, though he might not lose his official position because of these matters, would leave a negative impression on the emperor. Even if he was the emperor's confidant, he couldn't completely ignore it.

It's true that you currently enjoy the emperor's favor, but all of this is predicated on your ability to serve him. Otherwise, you should consider resigning and returning to your hometown; perhaps that would preserve the good reputation of your relationship with the emperor.

It's impossible for Ru Chang to resign now; his official career has only just begun, and he still has many ambitions to realize. Giving up halfway at this point would clearly be something he'd rather not do.

He needed to work even harder from now on. In his position as Minister of Personnel, Ru Chang believed he had done his best. However, he was also well aware that he hadn't actually shown much brilliance in this role.

Perhaps it was only because he was the emperor's confidant that he became the Minister of Personnel, and that his position seemed secure.

This is something to be happy about, but any intelligent person would understand that once the emperor gradually gains control of the court, he won't necessarily need an absolute confidant to become the Minister of Personnel. At that point, ability will be the key.

While there's no need to worry too much for now, he should still strive to achieve more. Ru Chang believes he is capable and doesn't want to be criticized as merely a close advisor to the emperor, nor does he want to end up like a favored official.

Ru Chang had her own worries, and the others weren't much better off; none of them could remain calm.

What may seem like a matter concerning only a few ministers is definitely not a simple matter, judging from the emperor's attitude just now. If nothing unexpected happens, it will certainly implicate many more people, and whether they can remain unscathed will be a very difficult question.

After all, we are in a very sensitive period right now, and everyone knows that this is a crucial moment for the capital inspection. It would be strange if the emperor could let things go unpunished when such things happen at this time.

There's no doubt that, given the emperor's personality, he would use this as an excuse to involve more people and events, leaving many at the emperor's mercy. Because they might lose their stance, they would be even less able to resist imperial power.

Although the specifics of the matter are still unknown, it is clear that some civil officials have been involved, which means it is no small matter.

Which emperor throughout history didn't deserve the combined efforts of civil and military officials?

Judging from the emperor's anger just now, this matter is clearly not simply due to the arrogance of military officials; it is very likely that it was instigated by a civil official of considerable standing.

Xu Huizu was finding it hard to remain calm. He was indeed not afraid of offending people. This was not only because of the education he had received since childhood in loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, but also because he was the descendant of the Prince of Zhongshan and the emperor's brother-in-law. These were the fundamental reasons why he could disregard certain things.

However, considering that he had only just received the mission to deal with some military officers, and the investigation here was not yet over.

But now, even other military officers have been dragged into this. Does this mean that all the military officers in the Ming Dynasty are now so arrogant and domineering, no longer just lawless, but fearless?

The case he's currently investigating involves Zhang Rong, son of the late Duke Zhang He, who colluded with border generals to smuggle military equipment. Some local officials were also involved. Zhang Rong was the Marquis of Navigation in the Ming Dynasty, a hereditary title, and his father was among the earliest and most trusted ministers of the current emperor.

Even so, the emperor had no intention of being ambiguous or showing any leniency. Zhang Rong's actions had crossed the emperor's bottom line, leaving no room for mercy.

Now, it turns out that Han Xun, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Dongping, and Liao Yong, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Yong'an, are also involved in certain cases, and it's very likely that they are colluding with civil officials. That would be an even bigger problem; it might just be another Hu Weiyong case.

It should be noted that Hu Weiyong was too close to some nobles in Huaixi back then. Marquis Lu Zhongheng of Ji'an, Marquis Tang Shengzong of Yan'an, and Marquis Fei Ju of Pingliang almost became the prime minister's right-hand men.

Haven't we learned our lesson yet?

It's not good for military and civil officials to get too close. I said before that I would give Liao Yong some advice. Did that scoundrel not listen to my advice and not only make mistakes for himself, but he may even implicate the military officials.

Xu Huizu was extremely worried, and Chang Mao couldn't help but worry as well.

He didn't have much involvement with Tang He, at least not with Tang He's daughter, so he wasn't particularly concerned about Liao Yong's life or death. But Han Xun was different; that guy was from the Chang family, practically an ally of the emperor.

But now, things have gotten out of hand. Why is Han Xun so foolish as to associate so closely with civil officials? And if nothing unexpected happens, he'll definitely be with those so-called upright officials, those who criticize the emperor have always disliked.

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