In Deyang Palace, Liu Hong looked at the donation list presented by Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong and nodded in satisfaction.
These eunuchs were indeed quite adept at accumulating wealth; in just a few days, they handed over nearly 500 million in cash and grain.
Although it was only a drop in the ocean compared to the entire Han Dynasty, it was enough for Liu Hong to begin his next move.
Then Liu Hong gave the two men a friendly look and said, "You did a good job!"
"It is my honor to be able to share Your Majesty's burdens."
Upon receiving the emperor's praise, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong were overjoyed, realizing that their efforts had not been in vain.
A eunuch suddenly came to report from outside the palace gate:
"Your Majesty, the Grand Tutor requests an audience."
"please."
Soon, Chen Fan strode in, his face still showing some anger.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."
"May I ask what brings the Grand Tutor here?"
Liu Hong also noticed that something was wrong with the old man.
"Your Majesty, I beg you to execute the treacherous officials in the court!"
Chen Fan was always upright and honest, and he did not change his nature even when facing the emperor. He raised his head and glared fiercely at Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, who were standing next to Liu Hong.
Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong felt Chen Fan's sharp gaze, and immediately trembled, lowering their heads and not daring to meet his eyes.
"Uh, what do you mean by that, Grand Tutor?"
Liu Hong was slightly taken aback, and asked the question knowing the answer already.
"I have recently heard that someone is using Your Majesty's name to solicit donations and bribes. I wonder if Your Majesty is aware of this?"
"Yes, that's true. I ordered them to do it." Liu Hong took the blame upon himself.
"What...? This was ordered by His Majesty?"
Chen Fan was greatly alarmed and looked at Liu Hong with disbelief.
Liu Hong nodded: "Hmm, not bad!"
"Your Majesty should know that although the Great Han Dynasty appears to be calm on the surface, it is actually fraught with danger."
Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have lifted the ban on factional strife, appointed scholars to official positions, prioritized the people's livelihood, and reduced expenditures, setting a good example for us all. I am deeply gratified.
But now you are so greedy for money, allowing those two villains to tarnish His Majesty's reputation. Why is that?
Chen Fan looked pained. The Crown Prince's series of actions had made him believe that the Han Dynasty had finally found a ruler who could restore its glory.
But how long has it been? It has turned into this state. Chen Fan was heartbroken.
Chen Fan then continued, "In my opinion, the sages of old were diligent and self-disciplined, and never indulged in pleasure, much less were they misled by treacherous people. Your Majesty's keeping two villains by your side is truly inappropriate, and I urge Your Majesty to execute them!"
"Your Majesty...Your Majesty...this servant..."
Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong turned pale with fright and immediately knelt down. They weren't worried about what others said, but they knew all too well what weight Chen Fan held in the emperor's heart.
Since the emperor entered the palace, he has always treated Chen Fan with great respect and has adopted almost all of his suggestions. The two of them were really afraid that the emperor would listen to Chen Fan's opinions.
"I have learned from the Grand Tutor's words."
Liu Hong had naturally heard some of the rumors circulating these past few days. He was quite pleased that Chen Fan had come to the palace to offer advice, as having such an old minister around would help him avoid doing anything out of line.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Seeing Liu Hong humbly accept advice, Chen Fan's expression softened considerably.
"However... I am short of money, and they have shared my burden without any fault!!"
"Your Majesty, you..."
Chen Fan stared wide-eyed at Liu Hong, realizing that all his previous words had been for nothing, and that Liu Hong wouldn't change his ways despite his apology.
"Your Majesty, although the court is indeed facing difficulties at present, as long as Your Majesty diligently attends to state affairs..."
Before Chen Fan could finish speaking, a young eunuch suddenly ran in.
"Your Majesty, the Commandant of the Capital Region requests an audience."
"Announce!"
"promise!"
Liu Hong then looked at Chen Fan and said with a smile, "Grand Tutor, may we talk about this later?"
"All right....!"
Seeing that the emperor had spoken in this way, Chen Fan had no choice but to give up. He sighed helplessly and stood aside. If the emperor could not heed his advice today, he did not intend to leave.
Soon, Yang Qiu was brought into the main hall. Seeing Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong kneeling on the ground, and Chen Fan standing to the side, he seemed to understand something and immediately felt a little gloating.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects!"
"Yang Qing, you may dispense with the formalities."
Liu Hong looked at Yang Qiu and asked, "How's the matter going?"
"As Your Majesty predicted, those people have not changed their greedy nature. I have obtained evidence of their extortion and deception, and we can arrest them and confiscate their property at any time."
“Well done, but the time is not yet ripe. Let’s keep them for now and wait for the right opportunity…!” Liu Hong said, looking confident and in control.
"promise!!"
Listening to the conversation between the emperor and Yang Qiu, Chen Fan was somewhat confused. What important matter were they hiding from him?
"Your Majesty, what is this...?" Chen Fan couldn't help but ask.
Liu Hong didn't reply, but instead looked at Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong kneeling on the ground.
"Alright, you can get up now."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Then Liu Hong looked at Yang Qiu and smiled, "Yang Qing, explain to the Grand Tutor. If you don't put his mind at ease, he probably won't leave today."
"Cough cough."
Hearing the emperor's teasing, Chen Fan felt somewhat embarrassed. After coughing twice, he also perked up his ears, ready to hear what the emperor's plan was.
"Yes, Your Excellency!" Yang Qiu responded, then said, "Grand Tutor, the matter is as follows..."
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