By the time Pei Weiqi finished slowly reading out the list of bribes received by all the adults present, their backs were already covered in sweat, and their wet clothes were sticking to their bodies.
"Your Majesty, spare my life."
When they heard that Pei Weiqi could even read out the date and place, they knew that the matter must have been thoroughly investigated and there was evidence.
Therefore, they wisely did not quibble, but immediately kowtowed and admitted their mistakes.
Pei Weiqi snorted coldly, without saying anything or getting angry.
But it was this dead silence that made people even more terrified, making them unable to figure out Pei Weiqi's thoughts at all, and not knowing whether they would be dragged out and beheaded in the next second.
However, there were some very smart ministers among them who quickly guessed the empress's intention of calling them in the middle of the night.
So the minister immediately played the victim and made his attitude clear.
"Your Majesty, I was forced to do so. I had my reasons..."
"Your Majesty, I now realize my mistakes. I only ask Your Majesty to give me a chance to reform."
"From now on, I will serve Your Majesty with all my heart and soul, even until my death."
Seeing this, the other ministers also understood and expressed their positions one by one.
Pei Weiqi's expression finally softened, and he said gently:
"Get up, I know you have your reasons."
"You are such high-ranking officials, but the amount of money you embezzled is not commensurate with your official position. I don't think you are parasites that will harm the court."
"Although I hate the corrupt officials in the court and want to wipe them out, I am not an unsympathetic person."
"As long as you don't commit the same offense again and serve me loyally, I can let this matter go."
"But if you accept bribes again in the future, I will punish you for both the old and new crimes! Don't blame me for being ruthless then."
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