Gu Hui's pupils contracted slightly, and he gasped.

Shunshengchuan East City is the most important horse breeding area in Xuanfu, and also where the imperial court allocates a large amount of silver every year.

The person in charge was a member of a collateral branch of the Gu family.

At this critical juncture of verifying border reserves, the burning of the stables... is truly an attempt to cover up the truth.

It was even reported to the emperor.

Gu Hui knelt down and bowed, removing his hat to apologize: "This old minister has failed in his duty to govern his clan; I beg Your Majesty to punish me!"

The Imperial Study was quiet and secluded.

Only their own breathing could be heard.

The atmosphere was tense.

Lu Xingjian opened his mouth:

"Lord Baoguo, you are a veteran of three dynasties, so you probably know that the border troops have been corrupt for a long time. If we don't rectify the situation, the treasury will be unable to continue operating."

“If this continues, the nine border towns will find it difficult to resist the Tatar invasion.”

He paused, then spoke with an unwavering, resolute tone:

"Verification of border reserves and reform of border troops are urgent tasks."

"I only hope that the Duke of Baoguo's mansion can share my concerns, stand with me through thick and thin, and stand with the Great Liang Dynasty through thick and thin."

That was a rather harsh rebuke.

Gu Hui's eyelids twitched, and he looked at Lu Xingjian with a serious expression.

The emperor's dark, deep eyes were looking at him, as if they could see into his heart.

Gu Hui quickly made up his mind and bowed again:

"This old minister swears to follow Your Majesty to the death!"

Lu Xingjian stepped forward and personally helped Gu Hui up:

"The Duke is a man of great virtue and integrity; I will certainly not let him down."

Gu Hui finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Over the years, he has also come to understand the emperor's temperament quite well.

One should handle matters with a balance of tension and relaxation.

They can be ruthless and merciless, yet also kind and generous.

The Gu family held military power for many years and made a fortune.

If they continue to be greedy and do not know when to stop, and completely anger the emperor, then things will not end well.