the next day.
Another decree was issued by the imperial court: Recently, intelligence from the front lines has been received that there are spies from the Wushui Kingdom in the court who intend to disrupt our government. Now that we are in wartime, extraordinary measures must be taken in extraordinary times. It is hereby granted permission for all officials to report any rumors. If there are any unusual movements, they may directly submit a memorial to the Regent. Once the allegations are verified, a great reward will be given.
Suddenly, the court officials panicked.
"To report based on hearsay is nothing but making unfounded accusations."
"Indeed, reporting based on hearsay means disregarding factual evidence. Even a single sentence heard out of thin air can be reported to the Regent, which is sure to cause unrest throughout the court."
"Exactly. If there's a long-standing feud, wouldn't that be a perfect opportunity to exact revenge?"
"Oh dear! The imperial court is about to descend into chaos!"
"How could the Regent do such an absurd thing? Is it because we didn't buy enough government bonds?"
"Nine times out of ten it's for this reason, but if we buy too much, wouldn't it make us look greedy?"
"Exactly, it's so hard to get the balance right!"
"Don't worry, as long as we are of one mind, I don't believe the Regent can pry silver out of us."
"Let's inform our fellow villagers and friends, and make sure we don't fall for the Regent's tricks!"
That day.
After the court session ended.
The court officials were unusually active and frequent, even exchanging a few words with their usual enemies.
The court officials achieved an unprecedented level of harmony and unity.
...
Inside the palace.
Linghu Lan and Jiang Wujiang were resting on the couch.
Several palace maids gently massaged the legs of the two men.
A female official spoke clearly:
"Your Majesty, Your Regent, after the court session, Grand Tutor Ao went to the residence of Minister Zou and did not come out for about an hour. Afterwards, the retainers of Minister Zou took several letters to the residences of Minister Lin of the Ministry of Personnel and Minister Chen of the Ministry of Works. These are the letters that the guards found in Minister Lin's residence."
What does it say on it?
"Your subject dares not read it!"
"Just say it, it's not like you wrote it!"
"In the letter, Minister Zou instructed Minister Lin and Minister Chen to manage their respective officials well and not to submit memorials to the Regent Prince based on hearsay. He also implied that if they could not manage their officials well, they would no longer be ministers. It seems that Minister Lin and Minister Chen have something on them that Minister Zou and Grand Tutor Ao have."
"Okay! All the reports are ready?"
"It's all ready!"
"Step back!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave!"
The female official withdrew.
Jiang Wujiang opened his eyes wide in anger.
“Grandma, they’ve really gone too far.”
"So, do you understand the principle that when the ruler is weak and the ministers are strong, the country is doomed? When the ministers unite as one, the emperor is rendered powerless. This is not apparent in ordinary times, but only in critical moments can one see who the loyal ministers are and who the 'treacherous' ministers are."
Jiang Wujiang lowered his head and pondered these words carefully.
After a long pause, he finally said, "Being an emperor is too difficult!"
"Being an ordinary citizen or an official is not easy; there is no easy path in this world."
The night was deep.
Jiang Wujiang was a little stunned. At such a young age, she couldn't understand such a profound truth.
Yet, I vaguely felt that I had grasped something extraordinary; at that moment, my mind was clear.
The next day, they went to court.
The civil and military officials still stood in two rows.
Looking down from his high throne, Jiang Wujiang saw two rows of expressionless faces.
She suddenly understood that from now on, what she had to do was to distinguish who was loyal and who was 'treacherous' from these two rows of expressionless people.
Who can play the good cop, and who can play the bad cop?
Once she understood this, she felt much more at ease.
Hearing the palace servant's loud voice shout:
"Attend court!"
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