The method for handling memorials to the throne in this dynasty is that the cabinet first formulates opinions according to existing models, writes them on paper, and pastes them into the memorial.

This process is called "drafting".

The emperor's job was to make a written decision on these draft opinions and then submit them to the Directorate of Ceremonial for final approval and seal.

If the emperor was too busy, or simply too lazy to make decisions, the power to approve imperial edicts would fall to the Directorate of Ceremonial.

As the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Liu Jin was essentially granted imperial power.

Liu Jin's ambition swelled dramatically in an instant.

I felt so happy, like I was floating on air.

However, Liu Jin knew that his imperial power was like water without roots.

Without military support, the emperor could grant him the power to approve imperial edicts, but could also take it back at any time.

To gain this power in the long term, it is necessary to control the capital's military.

He dares not make any rash moves against military generals and nobles for the time being.

Civil officials are like docile lambs, making them the easiest to deal with.

Liu Jin's mind raced.

...

In early August, the eunuch Li Rong submitted a memorial exposing the corruption within the Jiazi Treasury.

He gave a detailed account of the inventory of the broad white three-pronged cloth in Jiazi Warehouse.

Of course, they also came up with a legitimate reason on the surface: that the three-loom cloth was mixed with stolen goods and fines to pay the salaries of civil and military officials, which led to an empty treasury.

The amount of cloth lost was over 86,600 bolts, and the amount of cloth lost was over 19,500 bolts.

One hundred and seventy-three people were involved.

Thirteen officials, including Wang Yan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Ren Liangbi, Censor Lan Zhang, and Liu Sixian, have been imprisoned and interrogated.

The emperor was furious upon hearing this and ordered a thorough investigation of the ten treasuries of the imperial palace, and further impeachment of officials, both inside and outside the palace, for their misconduct.

Officials both inside and outside the government were on tenterhooks, waiting for the final decision to be made.

Liu Jin was also sweating bullets, and hurriedly urged Ma Yongcheng and others to transport the silver from the Jiangnan salt merchants back to the capital.

It wasn't until before the Mid-Autumn Festival (August 15th of the lunar calendar) that the two million taels of silver were transported into the Imperial Warehouse.

The Minister of Revenue and Liu Jin both requested leniency for those who had been punished.

Lu Xingjian was quite lenient, pardoning all the officials involved and only imposing a fine of 100 shi of rice as atonement.

Through this case, the accounts of the ten treasuries of the Imperial Household Department were clarified, and Su Wanwan also took the opportunity to place some of her own people inside.

The original officials all kept their official hats and even had the imperial sword hanging over their heads removed, exclaiming that the emperor was benevolent.

Their loyalty and support for the emperor went even further.

Who wouldn't like an emperor who turns a blind eye to some things?

...

The Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th of August, is approaching.

As is customary in previous years, the palace made some mooncakes and pastries and sent some to the families of officials as a sign of imperial favor.

The wife of Wen Gong, the General of Datong, then presented a token to the palace to express her gratitude, and brought along the families of several border generals.

To avoid a repeat of the previous assassination attempt, Su Wanwan met with them in the main hall of Kunning Palace.

However.

From the moment they entered the hall, Su Wanwan's gaze was drawn to the last beautiful young woman in the crowd.

The girl's clothes looked somewhat familiar.

It was the same design that Lu Xingjian had sent to Su Wanwan through the needlework bureau, but which was returned. It was inlaid with many precious pearls and gemstones.

Su Wanwan's heart clenched involuntarily.

He was absentmindedly socializing with Mrs. Wen and others.

The girl's gaze frequently drifted towards Su Wanwan.

This is extremely rude behavior.

Su Wanwan didn't tolerate her and directly changed the subject to the girl.

"Whose daughter is this?"

Madam Wen quickly smiled and said, "This is the younger sister of General Ma Ang, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Datong. She has also come to the palace with me to express our gratitude."

Shi Niang gracefully bowed: "This humble woman, Shi Niang, greets Your Majesty the Empress."

Su Wanwan simply nodded and ignored her.

Shi Niang had a charming smile, her eyes sparkling, and she exuded a captivating allure. She was a beauty whose looks were no less than Ma Ji's.

The Ma family's intentions are obvious.

Perhaps it's not just the Ma family's idea.

Su Wanwan's gaze fell indifferently on Madam Wen.

What were Lady Wen's true intentions in bringing Ma Shiniang into the palace under the guise of paying her respects?

Madam Wen's eyes flickered, and she dared not meet Su Wanwan's gaze.

I used to think that Empress Su was elegant and graceful, beautiful but without any airs.

Today, she still appears gentle and calm, yet she exudes a sharpness that sends chills down your spine.

I don't know if it was just her imagination.

The atmosphere became awkward for a moment.

It makes your heart race.

Madam Wen couldn't contain herself any longer and secretly gave Shi Niang a wink.

Shi Niang spoke in a sweet, coquettish voice.

"My ninth sister often talks about the Empress, and she worries about how the Empress works so hard while pregnant."

Su Wanwan remained impassive, her tone dismissive:

"It is my duty, so it is not hard work."

Shi Niang was rebuffed, her eyes reddened, and she became even more timid and shy.

“My elder brother and sister have both said that His Majesty has done a great favor for the Ma family.”

"He was promoted and rewarded, and even the brocade robe I'm wearing was a gift from the Emperor."

When Jin Yi was mentioned, Shi Niang gently stroked her sleeve with her fingers, a hint of pride and provocation flashing in her eyes.

"I have no way to repay your great kindness and virtue. I only wish to enter the palace to serve Your Majesty the Empress and do my best to provide for the royal family's heir."

In the end, his emotions were so sincere that tears streamed down his face, like pear blossoms in the rain.

It was as if not agreeing to her request would be a betrayal of her loyalty.

Su Wanwan didn't take it to heart and lowered her head to take a sip of tea.

She thought to herself, "She's still a bit too green to play the scheming white lotus; she's overdone it."

The former Empress Xia was a true master; even Lu Xingjian would soften when she cried.

All eyes fell on Shi Niang.

In fact, as early as when she entered the palace, everyone noticed that her clothes were too gorgeous and expensive.

It was actually a gift from the Emperor.

Shi Niang was just as beautiful as her older sister Ma Ji, but she wasn't as flamboyant.

Her words were delicate and gentle, yet they were perfectly eloquent and well-reasoned.

Where did she get the confidence to speak to the Empress like that?

She probably has someone backing her up.

As for the person who supported her, it was obvious that it was the man who gave her this brocade robe, His Majesty the Emperor.

Mrs. Wen's uncertain heart instantly calmed down.

The Ma sisters are truly shrewd.

The elder sister got married, and immediately a younger sister was sent to the emperor.

In a way, Shi Niang's gentle demeanor is similar to that of the Empress.

She was younger than the Empress.

There is only one pregnant empress in the palace now, and the emperor is at the prime of his life, how could he possibly be idle for more than a few days?

Once Shi Niang enters the palace, with her beauty, it will likely be only a matter of time before she gains favor.

Madam Wen felt much more at ease, and the tension and anxiety between her brows and eyes gradually dissipated.

If there's a Tenth Sister in the palace later, she'll also benefit from it.

The Wen family and the Ma family have always been on good terms.

Su Wanwan remained calm and composed, her tone gentle and elegant.

"Since His Majesty has been kind to the Ma family, Miss Ma should ask His Majesty for help. It is not appropriate for me to overstep my bounds and do it for them."

Shi Niang's beautiful eyes lit up instantly, and she was about to ask for an audience with the emperor.

Su Wanwan slightly curled her lips, but her voice turned cold.

"I never expected that you would dare to ask me for help."