The palace was quiet. Yu Qizhe said, "It was not those merchants who were responsible. I found that there were more than 200 households registered in Guanyan Village before the sixth year of Mingzheng, but now there are only more than 30 households left. After careful investigation, I found that this matter was related to Yang Xu, the Shaoqing of the Dali Temple."
Emperor Mingzheng frowned slightly. Why is it Yang Xu again? Then he heard Yu Qizhe say, "The reason why Guanyan Village is declining is because their wealth is coveted by others, so their families are broken up and they have to move away. Many wealthy families in Guanyan Village have shops facing the street and hundreds of acres of fertile land. I found out that those farms and shops were occupied by Yang Xu by taking advantage of his position in the Dali Temple."
Emperor Mingzheng subconsciously thought of Shui Yuan, and couldn't help but look up at Shui Yuan who was waiting outside the palace. A trace of suspicion flashed in his eyes. How could it be such a coincidence? Yesterday, he and Mei Shu went out of the palace to rescue Shui Yuan, and today Yu Qizhe mentioned the matter of Guanyan Village.
Yu Qizhe knew that Emperor Mingzheng was suspicious, so he looked up and said frankly, "I have just entered the officialdom, and I do not want my colleagues to fight with each other, nor do I intend to trip up Lord Yang behind his back and cause trouble. However, I cannot bear to see Your Majesty worry about raising money to build the Hall of Supreme Harmony, so I told you this. Your Majesty is the ruler of a country, but just to build a palace, you have to think hard because the treasury is empty. The officials have received Your Majesty's grace, but they have enriched themselves. I have said that I will be loyal to Your Majesty, and only loyal to Your Majesty, and I only wish to help Your Majesty solve his problems."
After hearing this, Emperor Mingzheng's doubts disappeared. It was just as Yu Qizhe said, he had just entered the officialdom, and if he was a little more sensible, he would never dare to make enemies in the court.
"As long as these corrupt officials are confiscated, His Majesty won't have to worry about money anymore, nor will he have to give others excuses to accuse him." Yu Qizhe said again.
Emperor Mingzheng thought of the servants in Yang Mansion yesterday, all of whom were wearing silk from Jiangnan, and he suddenly felt annoyed. Yang Xu, a junior official of Dali Temple, was even better at making money than he, the emperor.
Emperor Mingzheng grabbed the ruler on the table and said angrily, "I went out of the palace with Concubine Shu yesterday and saw Yang Xu's son arresting a girl. The girl claimed that both her parents were killed by Yang Xu and her family's land was also occupied by the Yang family. This case will be handed over to you and Mei Xuanlang from the Ministry of Justice to try together. I don't trust anyone else."
Yang Xu's son is close to the prince because of his connections in the officialdom. If the case is handed over to the Ministry of Justice for trial, who knows what twists and turns will arise. Those old foxes will be most likely to let him go lightly. Emperor Ming Zheng is anxious to see the silver, but Yu Qizhe's experience is too shallow and he may not be able to convince the public.
"Mei Xuanlang is a fair enforcer, but he is too rigid. When confiscating Yang Xu's property, you found a way to get rid of him and put the money into my private treasury." Emperor Mingzheng pondered, "You have no one to use, I let the Jinyiwei obey your orders. I remember you said before that there is a junior brother working in the Jinyiwei. If he helps you with this case, he will be promoted to the commander, so that he can help you with tasks in the future."
Yu Qizhe lowered his eyes, not showing any emotion, "I thank Your Majesty for his grace on his behalf."
"The Shui Yuan standing outside the palace is the girl that I and Concubine Shu rescued yesterday. She is also a witness in this case. You can take her away."
When Yu Qizhe bowed and left, Emperor Mingzheng reminded him again, "This case must be handled quickly, as the people in Xianyang are waiting for money."
"Yes." Yu Qizhe accepted the order, walked out of the palace gate, went down the white marble steps, and said to Shui Yuan, "Follow me."
Shui Yuan blinked and looked inside the hall. She was afraid of exposing her acquaintance with Yu Qizhe, so she stood there without daring to move.
"Your Majesty asked you to leave the palace with me." Yu Qizhe saw what she was thinking and said.
After hearing this, Shui Yuan hurriedly handed the tea tray in her hand to another young palace maid. After following Yu Qizhe away, she observed her surroundings before she dared to speak, "My benefactor, didn't you say that you wanted me to stay in the palace and wait for the opportunity?"
"Call me sir." Yu Qizhe said, "Your Majesty wants me to preside over the trial of Yang Xu. You are a witness in this case."
Shui Yuan was immediately delighted. She had met Yang Congwen in Chunhui Palace today. That man was following the Crown Prince in a very respectful manner, and the Emperor showed no intention of punishing her. She thought that revenge was hopeless again.
Unexpectedly, the situation took a turn for the better. The benefactor was indeed powerful! After only staying in the palace for an incense stick of time, he was able to convince the emperor to order the trial of Yang Xu.
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