The wicked man stepped forward and grabbed a soldier by the collar: "What are you doing! What have these people done wrong?"
The officers and soldiers turned pale with fright: "These people are occupying the road and doing business, affecting the city's appearance..."
Before he could finish speaking, the wicked man glared at him angrily: "Absurd! In these times of national crisis, when people are struggling to make a living, you are making things difficult for them!"
A vendor recognized the wicked husband and exclaimed, "It's Lord Wu!"
Immediately, the people in the market knelt down and shouted the names of King Wu and Emperor Zulong.
Ying Zheng immediately ordered the people to stand up, and then sternly said to the soldiers, "You should take it as your duty to protect the people, not to oppress them! Go back and tell your superiors that if similar behavior occurs again, they will be dealt with according to military law!"
The soldiers retreated in fear, while the vendors were moved to tears.
The inspection lasted a full day. Ying Zheng and his wicked husband walked through the streets and alleys of Xianyang, witnessing firsthand the suffering of the people: dilapidated houses, food shortages, soaring prices, and a lack of medical care... while government departments were inefficient, officials were rude, and some even openly solicited bribes.
Back in the palace, Ying Zheng was furious: "Is this the current state of my Great Qin? It's utterly outrageous!"
The wicked man was also filled with righteous indignation: "Your Majesty, those traitors who harm the people must be severely punished!"
Ying Zheng took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger: "Summon Li Ping and Wang Cen to see me."
The two arrived quickly. Ying Zheng got straight to the point: "I have personally witnessed the situation in Xianyang, and it is heartbreaking. Li Ping, immediately draft an edict to thoroughly investigate corrupt officials. Those involved, regardless of their rank, shall be severely punished!"
Li Ping readily accepted the order.
"Wang Cen, I hereby order you to temporarily assume the post of Minister of Revenue and immediately conduct a thorough investigation of the national treasury and granaries, and verify the accounts. If any deficits are discovered, report them immediately."
Wang Cen was flattered and overwhelmed: "Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!"
After the two left, Ying Zheng said to his wicked husband, "Old brother, the court is corrupt and must be reformed. However, the most pressing issue is the border problem. If the barbarian rebellion is not quelled as soon as possible, internal reforms will be in vain."
The wicked man said firmly, "Your Majesty, please allow me to pacify the borderlands!"
Ying Zheng considered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright. Let's start with the northern frontier. If the remnants of the Xiongnu are wiped out, it will greatly boost morale. You may set off on a chosen day, and I will mobilize elite troops to assist you."
The wicked man clasped his hands in a salute: "I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!"
The following day, in the imperial court, Ying Zheng announced a series of decisions.
"Xu Bin, Minister of Revenue, has been dismissed from his post and is under investigation for embezzling military funds and oppressing the people!"
"Zhao Wei, Minister of War, has been demoted to commoner status for neglecting military preparedness and dereliction of duty!"
"Minister of Justice Qian Liang has abused the law and disregarded human life. He should be imprisoned and punished!"
......
He dismissed more than ten high-ranking officials in succession and appointed new people, including Wang Cen, to replace them. Then, Ying Zheng announced a series of new policies.
"Effective immediately, taxes for farmers will be reduced by 30%, and taxes for urban residents by 50%, for a period of one year!"
"Remove redundant officials, eliminate all idle posts, and implement a bottom-ranking elimination system for officials!"
"Reorganize the military, simplify its hierarchy, improve benefits, and enforce strict military discipline!"
"Repair water conservancy projects, open more granaries, provide disaster relief to victims, and ensure people's livelihoods!"
As numerous new policies were promulgated, the courtiers in the palace were astonished.
Some were filled with anxiety, some were secretly delighted, and many more were filled with anticipation.
Finally, Ying Zheng announced his most important decision: "King Wu, you are hereby appointed Grand Marshal, in charge of all military and political affairs of the nation!!"
The wicked husband stepped forward and solemnly accepted the order: "Your subject, the wicked husband, obeys!"
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