It is said that Qin Hui worked in the Council of State Affairs for a period of time, and later became the Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.
Both the Control Yuan and the Inspectorate are judicial organs; one oversees the military, and the other oversees civil servants.
The two sides have different rights and responsibilities, but there are also times when they compete with each other.
Qin Hui and Hou Jingting went to the palace together.
The fifth prince, Zhao Hong, will temporarily assume the throne, pending an imperial edict.
Hou Jingting understood after meeting the Fifth Prince.
The fifth prince, Zhao Hongcai, was only fourteen or fifteen years old and immature. Naturally, he would do whatever Qin Hui wanted him to do.
Now, the state of Xu is practically ruled by Qin Hui, who holds absolute power.
Hou Jingting was Liu Yanzong's capable assistant. Before he was sent here, Liu Yanzong instructed him to find something in Xu State.
Liu Yanzong wanted to find something to hold against Qin Hui so that he could gain more power in the court in the future.
But Liu Yanzong was unaware that Zhao Huan had also personally assigned a task to Hou Jingting.
A thorough investigation should be conducted into the finances and officials of the countries in the South China Sea.
Hou Jingting only exchanged a few polite greetings with Zhao Hong, who was not much better than the child, on behalf of the emperor.
Then they started with routine procedures, saying they wanted to review Xu's financial accounts and assess Xu's civil officials.
Zhao Hong was about to jump up immediately. What would happen if they really investigated?
Zhao Hong himself knew that the finances were not clean, and Qin Hui had given him a lot of money.
If an investigation were to be conducted, both Qin Hui and he would be implicated.
Zhao Hong politely said, "Inspector Hou must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest first? In a few days, I will have someone deliver the financial and tax accounts to Inspector Hou's residence. What do you think?"
Hou Jingting shook his head and said, "I dare not neglect His Majesty's instructions, and I will look into it today."
It's fine to check, since the accounts have definitely been tampered with anyway.
They were worried that Hou Jingting might investigate the officials of the Ministry of Revenue in Xu State and extract information from them.
The methods of the Censorate were notorious throughout the Song Dynasty; even the Imperial City Guard was more merciful than them.
Zhao Hong looked at Qin Hui, pleading for help.
Qin Hui said, "Inspector Hou is serving His Majesty, so naturally he cannot be negligent. If you want to investigate, then investigate."
Seeing that Qin Hui had already said this, Zhao Hong dared not say anything more.
After Hou Jingting went to the Ministry of Revenue, Qin Hui said to Zhao Hong, "Send the real accounts to Inspector Hou at the Ministry of Revenue."
Zhao Hong was slightly taken aback, thinking he had misheard, and hurriedly said, "Prime Minister Qin, why is that? There really is a sum of money in our names on the accounts. If Inspector Hou finds out, we're finished."
Qin Hui calmly said, "Zhao Hong, you will be the king of Xu in the future. You need to change this impetuous personality."
Upon hearing Qin Hui's words, Zhao Hong shrank back and said, "The situation is so dire, how can we not be anxious? The throne is within our grasp."
Qin Hui didn't blame Zhao Hong, after all, Zhao Hong was still too young and didn't know the rules of the court.
"Remember this: His Majesty will make good use of two types of people."
Which two?
"One type is the person who is focused on getting things done, such as Shi Ziming and Li Gang. Neither of them is very tactful, but they are courageous and willing to take responsibility."
"One type is someone who understands the big picture but has many minor flaws, such as Liu Yanzong."
Zhao Hong was completely confused.
"The first type of person is always extremely loyal to the emperor. The second type of person has many weaknesses that the emperor can use with confidence. You and I can only be the second type of person."
Qin Hui succinctly observed: "The first type of person has a hard time, as they have to make enemies of many people. The second type of person can make more friends and build their own power."
"Let Hou Jingting investigate and tell the Emperor the true state of the accounts. Only then will the Emperor feel at ease with me. Otherwise, I should be recalled to Tokyo."
Zhao Hong was jolted awake by Qin Hui's words.
No wonder Qin Hui came to the South China Sea and openly accepted bribes.
He has a very bad reputation in the countries of the South China Sea; he will accept money from anyone who offers it to him.
We'll accept whatever we give away, without hesitation.
Because of his reputation as a notorious corrupt official, the emperor dared to entrust him with implementing new policies here.
This was the first time Zhao Hong had ever realized that politics could be played out in this way.
This is completely different from the Confucian education he received!
Zhao Hongdao asked, "What if Hou Jingting captures us on the spot?"
"Don't worry, the Emperor won't let these things disrupt the development of the South China Sea. Although Hou Jingting is Liu Yanzong's man, the fact that he was sent to inspect the South China Sea must be the Emperor's will."
Zhao Hong felt reassured after Qin Hui said this.
He was young and somewhat impatient, and couldn't help but ask, "Then what about my throne?"
"Hou Jingting has come here with His Majesty's imperial edict. Once all the procedures are completed, wait to receive the edict."
Zhao Hong was overjoyed.
Qin Hui added, "Remember to send the real accounts to Inspector Hou. These accounts will soon be presented to the Emperor."
Zhao Hong was still somewhat worried: "His Majesty really won't do anything to us?"
"You and I only took a 10% cut. The most important thing for the South China Sea right now is rapid development. Send someone to deliver the accounts immediately, and don't ask any more questions."
"good."
As evening falls and the air gradually cools down, the sea breeze blows from the lush forests to the streets of the royal city, carrying with it the smell of the sea.
The roadside lights were dim, and some vendors were selling seafood.
Hou Jingting led his men, riding horses, all the way to Qin Hui's residence.
Qin Hui had already arranged a banquet and was waiting at the door.
Qin Hui bowed and said, "Inspector Hou."
"Prime Minister Qin."
"Please come in quickly."
A group of people entered Qin Hui's mansion.
Finally, Qin Hui and Hou Jingting went into a separate pavilion.
"Inspector Hou, this is coconut wine from the South China Sea. It has a sweet taste. Please try it."
"Thank you, Prime Minister Qin."
"How's Inspector Hou's investigation going?"
Hou Jingting smiled faintly: "Everything is normal. I will report back to His Majesty truthfully."
"Thank you for your hard work, Inspector Hou."
Hou Jingting was somewhat surprised that Qin Hui remained so calm and composed.
"Does Prime Minister Qin have anything to say to me?"
"Inspector Hou is also going to inspect various countries in the South China Sea. Please pay close attention to safety."
Seeing that Qin Hui made no mention of the financial loopholes or his own embezzlement, Hou Jingting said, "If there is anything Prime Minister Qin wants to say to His Majesty, I can convey it."
Qin Hui said very formally, "Oh, Your Majesty, I am willing to devote myself to Your Majesty and even die to repay Your Majesty's kindness."
If Hou Jingting hadn't seen the accounts with his own eyes, he would have almost believed that Qin Hui was truly a loyal and devoted minister.
Hou Jingting prompted, "Prime Minister Qin, what about the accounts?"
"The accounts are genuine. Please hand them over to His Majesty, Inspector Hou."
"Rest assured, Prime Minister Qin, I will personally deliver it to His Majesty."
Qin Hui smiled and said, "As a subject, I must report the truth and dare not deceive the emperor in any way."
Hou Jingting had no authority to act first and report later regarding Qin Hui, nor even the authority to directly investigate him; he was merely there to conduct an investigation.
After completing the investigation, return and report the results to the emperor.
"Prime Minister Qin, I would like to offer you a toast."
"You're too kind, Prime Minister Qin."
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