The Grand Canal project involved the imperial court allocating so much silver to help the Duke of Cheng'en's family make money, build connections, and enrich themselves, while Emperor Hui became even more passive.
But what could he do?
No one else can replace the Wei family!
The power of the Duke of Chengen's mansion is too great. To put it bluntly, if the Wei family wanted to, he could become the former emperor at any time!
After a lifetime of scheming, he still couldn't win. He was prepared to risk being labeled a tyrant and a foolish ruler before his death, just to clear the way for the next generation of monarchs!
Unfortunately, the crown prince was not on his side.
"So, you're planning to take this opportunity to reclaim the Grand Canal project from the imperial court?" He now understood Gu Shaoyu's intentions.
"Yes, I want to take advantage of this major earthquake to bring back the Grand Canal project."
Gu Shaoyu said, "Although it seems like we're at a disadvantage, we can make them give back whatever they took in, as long as we control the Grand Canal."
"From the initial research to the official commencement of construction, the Chengen Duke's Mansion took more than three years. Your Majesty can have a complete grasp of the officials involved at once."
"Incidentally, replace them with His Majesty's confidants. Corrupt officials and even those with disloyal intentions will be executed without mercy in the name of corruption. This will eliminate most of the party's influence in one fell swoop."
They confiscated the property and destroyed the family, taking back all the money invested in the Grand Canal.
He also told Emperor Hui a terrible reality—
The Duke of Chengen is old. His eldest son, Wei Anyuan, has settled in the Northwest. His second son, Wei Anlu, is not capable enough. Wei Shining, who is skilled in both literature and martial arts, has been expelled from the court. However, the Wei family cannot withdraw from the court.
It is highly likely that they will promote the treacherous and cunning seventh grandson, Wei Shixun, to the court.
Wei Shixun was not yet thirty years old, and his abilities and strategies were no less than those of the Duke of Chengen. With the foundation laid by three generations of the Wei family, Wei Shixun used the Grand Canal to accumulate connections that occupied half of the court.
If he were to enter the imperial court, he would be even more difficult to deal with than the Duke of Cheng'en.
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