Upon hearing Liu Hong's seemingly innocuous punishment of Liu Yan, the powerful officials in the court who had suffered losses because of Liu Yan immediately frowned.
Unfortunately, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Imperial Clan Court all seemed unwilling to investigate the matter further. Even the usually upright Grand Tutor did not object. They could only sigh helplessly. After all, Liu Yan was a member of the imperial clan, and they dared not make too much of a fuss.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
The old man and some upright officials hurriedly spoke up to praise the emperor's wisdom. The reason they supported Liu Yan was not only because the Lu family had spoken on their behalf, but also mainly because Liu Yan had been very close to them in the past. Protecting Liu Yan would mean protecting a powerful ally.
"Then, what do you gentlemen think Liu Yan should be transferred to?"
Seeing the appearance of those upright officials, Liu Hong's lips twitched slightly, and then he looked at them and asked for their opinions.
"Your Majesty, I believe that Liu Junlang is suitable to be the governor of Liangzhou. The people there are suffering greatly, and they need someone like him to supervise the local officials and restore their livelihoods."
Liu Hong looked at Dou Miao beside him and asked softly, "What does Mother think?"
Dou Miao pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "That's fine, but to prevent any further mishaps for Liu Yan, we shouldn't let him serve as governor again!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Seeing Liu Hong's flattering manner, Dou Miao couldn't help but smile.
In fact, Liu Hong had discussed Liu Yan's matter with Dou Miao before. As the Empress Dowager and the matriarch of the Liu clan, Dou Miao's involvement would make the matter seem more reasonable.
Subsequently, Liu Hong ordered the Ministry of Personnel to draft a recruitment document, officially appointing Liu Yan as the governor of Liangzhou.
As Liu Hong finished speaking, Yang Qiu, one of the officials, glanced at the emperor sitting on the throne.
Yang Qiu couldn't help but glance at those few upright officials, and sneered inwardly. It seemed that the upright officials had achieved their goal, but in reality, they were all being manipulated by the emperor.
Just then, a cold wind suddenly swept in, and all the officials in the hall, except for Chen Fan and Cao Song, couldn't help but shiver.
Seeing this, Dou Miao looked at Liu Hong and said, "Your Majesty, please bring up those cotton-padded clothes and distribute them to the ministers!"
Liu Hong nodded. "Lu Qiang, let them come up!"
"promise!"
Then Lü Qiang turned around and waved to the back, and two teams of eunuchs carrying cotton-padded clothes walked in.
This scene was witnessed by all the officials, who wondered if they were going to be given cotton-padded coats as well. Instantly, everyone's face lit up with joy.
Liu Hong looked at the civil and military officials and said in a deep voice, "Now that it is early winter and the weather is cold, the Empress Dowager could not bear to see you all suffer from the cold wind, so she specially ordered people to make these cotton clothes and send them to you to keep you warm!"
"Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, we thank you!"
"Hehe~ No need to thank me in time! This cotton comes from the Western Regions. Our Han Dynasty does not have this material, so the cotton clothes made are not many. For now, there are only enough to distribute to the old ministers who are over sixty years old. The rest of you, please hang in there and wait until next year!"
"Uh... this..."
The officials, who had just been deeply moved, were immediately met with a cold shower from the emperor. Apart from a dozen or so senior officials who met the age requirements, the rest of them stood there dumbfounded.
"The rest of you need not worry. Didn't a caravan go to the Western Regions a dozen days ago? Go back and send someone to inform them. There should still be time."
"That's right! Their caravan travels slowly, and they should have just entered Liangzhou territory by now. We can still catch up with them by sending fast horses! If time allows, they should be able to experience the warmth of cotton-padded clothes before spring."
Upon hearing the emperor's reminder, everyone finally realized what was happening.
After the cotton-padded clothes were distributed and more than a dozen senior officials expressed their gratitude, Zhang Rang stepped forward and loudly proclaimed:
"If you have something to report, then you may leave the court."
"Your Majesty, I have something to report!"
As soon as Zhang Rang finished speaking, Cao Song quickly stepped forward.
The officials felt a chill run down their spines and looked at Cao Song, wondering what kind of trouble this guy was up to now.
"What brings you here, Grand Minister of Agriculture?"
Liu Hong looked at Cao Song with surprise, because in the past, Cao Song would always submit a memorial to the emperor or discuss matters face to face with him. This was the first time he had suddenly appeared like this.
Cao Song said loudly, "I impeach Lü Qiang, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Household Department, for shortchanging others, taking more than his share, and enriching himself when managing the Imperial Household Department and distributing His Majesty's rewards!"
"What?"
Liu Hong's expression changed, and he turned his head to look at Lü Qiang with a cold expression.
"Your Majesty...I...I am innocent!"
Upon hearing Cao Song impeach him, and facing Liu Hong's sharp gaze, Lü Qiang's legs went weak, and he immediately knelt down, loudly proclaiming his innocence.
Then, Lü Qiang said with a slight tremor in his lips, "Since I took charge of the Imperial Household Department, I have been diligent and conscientious. Every expenditure has been meticulously recorded, and I have never dared to take a single penny more than necessary!"
Lu Qiang really couldn't understand what he had done to offend Cao Song, that he would be accused of such a serious crime.
Zhang Rang, who was not far away, suddenly brightened up. If Lü Qiang could fall this time, then Zhao Zhong would lose a support. Others might not know, but he knew all too well Cao Song's position in the emperor's heart.
Looking at Lü Qiang, who kept kowtowing and crying out for his innocence, Liu Hong was also a little suspicious. He knew very well what Lü Qiang did every day, and if he really did something, he wouldn't be able to hide it from him.
Liu Hong then looked at Cao Song and asked, "Does the Grand Minister of Agriculture have any evidence?"
Cao Song asked, "Does Your Majesty still remember the rice you bestowed upon us a few months ago?"
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
