When Prime Minister Xie arrived, the emperor was engrossed in reviewing memorials, and his expression was unreadable.
Prime Minister Xie bowed to him and said, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
Xiao Jin looked up and saw the refined Prime Minister Xie. His expression immediately relaxed, becoming much gentler than before.
"Thank you for the formalities, my dear minister. Someone, please bring a seat."
When Prime Minister Xie saw that the Emperor's complexion had improved significantly, he breathed a sigh of relief, as long as he wasn't angry with him.
"Your Majesty, is there something important?"
"I have a problem here: the floods in Jiangnan..."
After hearing Xiao Jin's explanation, Prime Minister Xie immediately understood that this task had originally been assigned to Xiao Heng, but it seemed that he had not done a good job and had angered the Emperor.
"Rongchen will return to his residence to give a few instructions and then depart immediately."
Prime Minister Xie did not delay. After the flood, there would be displaced people, and if not handled properly, there would be a tragedy of cannibalism. There was no time to lose, so he went to handle it personally.
"Yes, Minister Xie. I will send Commandant Han with 8,000 elite troops to set off in three days to help you escort the disaster relief funds. If you fail to cure the disease this time, I will cut off your heads."
Eight thousand elite troops were indeed enough for Jiangnan, which had no military power. This was the result of Xiao Jin's careful consideration.
However, considering that Xiao Heng's five thousand men failed to intimidate the other side last time, Xiao Jin still increased the number. He wanted to see the results and believed that Prime Minister Xie would not disappoint him.
"Your Majesty, the officialdom in Jiangnan is not clean. In urgent situations, we must act expediently. I would like to request Your Majesty to grant me an imperial sword."
Prime Minister Xie was far more astute than Xiao Heng. Money could move people's hearts, especially since it was over 100,000 taels of disaster relief silver. The total number of people affected by the disaster in Jiangnan was over 100,000. Half to two taels of silver could be used to help the disaster victims, which was more than enough.
If they were corrupt officials, why wouldn't they want to keep all this money for themselves? This is enough to feed 100,000 disaster victims, enough for their descendants to eat and drink for generations.
"Yes, but I need evidence. Innocent people cannot be killed indiscriminately."
Xiao Jin thought for a moment and agreed. However, the imperial sword had both advantages and disadvantages. If it was used to kill corrupt officials, it would naturally benefit the people. But if it was used to kill honest officials, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to share your burdens."
Prime Minister Xie kowtowed to express his gratitude to the Emperor for granting him the imperial sword, which would allow him to accomplish twice the results with half the effort; otherwise, he would always have to worry about being retaliated against.
"Hahaha, good, you are my good minister. If you return successfully, I will reward you handsomely."
Xiao Jin still preferred to talk to intelligent people. Although a few words could not fully explain everything, they pointed out the most crucial issues. If the corrupt officials could also be punished, then Prime Minister Xie would have made a great contribution.
"Having finished with official business, I heard that the Prime Minister's residence held a joyous occasion. How is Xie Changling's health? Has it improved?"
Although Xiao Jin knew what Master Hongyi had said, she still trusted the imperial physician more. Since she was sick, of course she had to see the imperial physician.
"Thanks to Your Majesty's favor, my son's health has improved. I also hope that he can recover soon. Your Majesty also knows that my son's talent surpasses that of me."
When Prime Minister Xie mentioned Xie Changling, his face was no longer full of worry, but instead he was beaming with joy, which showed that Xie Changling's health was truly improving.
"Hmm, that's right. I'm waiting for him to serve me." Xiao Jin had essentially made a promise, agreeing to let Xie Changling serve in the government, as agreed to Prime Minister Xie's request.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful."
There were two ways to enter officialdom during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han: one was through the imperial examination system, which could attract scholars from humble backgrounds to serve the court.
Another type is the hereditary official position, which refers to the sons of officials like Xie Changling who, if talented and appreciated by the emperor, can directly enter officialdom.
Prime Minister Xie naturally hoped that his family would prosper. Without a son who could bring prosperity to the family, no matter how glorious it was now, the family would eventually decline.
His illegitimate sons were all well-behaved and not particularly talented.
He did try to cultivate talent, but his greatest achievement was only compiling books in the Hanlin Academy, which was not appreciated by the emperor.
This might be a turning point, allowing the entire Prime Minister's residence to reach new heights!
Prime Minister Xie concealed his excitement, showing no sign of it on his face, and respectfully bowed before leaving.
...
The Prime Minister's Residence.
Qingfeng Garden.
Xie Changling had no idea that his father had sold him off, and for a good price. At this moment, all his attention was on his dear wife.
Xie Changling had brought Song Lingxi back, and along the way, he noticed that Song Lingxi was not in a good mood.
"What's wrong, Xi'er? What made you unhappy?" Xie Changling asked with concern, his tone gentle, as if afraid of frightening her.
"My husband, I'm so scared. I'm afraid it's all just a dream, and when I wake up, I'll find that there's nothing there."
Song Lingxi hugged Xie Changling tightly, feeling his warm and broad chest, burying her head in it, and breathing in his scent.
"Don't be afraid, of course it's not a dream. You are my lucky star. All of this exists because of you, so don't be afraid."
Although Xie Changling didn't understand her anxiety and insecurity, he still tried his best to comfort her patiently.
Alas, it seems he hasn't done enough, which is why his young wife is so insecure.
Looks like I'll have to work hard again tonight.
Song Lingxi had no idea what this big bad wolf was thinking. She cherished the hard-won peace and tranquility, but she didn't forget the potential dangers.
"My lord, do you know why the Emperor has no heir and why the harem remains empty?"
Song Lingxi knew that the Prime Minister's Mansion was a staunch royalist party. Moreover, Xiao Heng, that incompetent scoundrel, had plunged the entire country into misery as soon as he ascended the throne.
Therefore, she thought that it would be good if the emperor had a suitable successor, and the throne would never fall to that incompetent ruler Xiao Heng.
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