Qin Yu carefully examined the man and saw that he was unshaven and as thin as a monkey, and did not look like a hero of the time at all, which made him even more suspicious.
Was Wang Zhen's report accurate? Did he really say those words?
Seeing his confident and indifferent expression, Qin Yu tentatively asked him a question.
"General Zhu is leading his troops to capture you, and you're not worried at all?"
Sun Jiachen chuckled lightly, "I have a clear conscience, so what is there to panic about?"
Qin Yu raised his eyebrows in anger, feigning violent rage, and threw the memorial directly at him.
"A clear conscience? How could I allow you, you dog, to openly or secretly insult me? How could the court be subject to your arbitrary criticism?"
Sun Jiachen remained unfazed, only curious about the contents of the secret report, and picked it up to examine it closely.
“The treacherous minister Sun Jiachen publicly belittled the court’s decision in front of the palace gate, and his words were disrespectful to the emperor. Looking at the emperor’s shocking crimes, Sun Jiachen did not get angry but laughed instead.”
"Ha ha……"
"How dare you!" Qin Yu slammed his hand on the table. "Do you still not know your crime?"
Zhu Fei, who was standing next to him, immediately put a knife to his neck and threatened him fiercely.
"This is the Emperor of my Great Xia Dynasty! Dare to disrespect me again, and I will kill you!"
Sun Jiachen knew that if he said those words and they were recorded and presented to the emperor himself, no matter which dynasty it was, the end result would be certain death.
Since I'm going to die anyway, I might as well get it off my chest and say what's on my mind.
It's just a pity that his elderly mother can no longer take care of him!
"Your humble servant is innocent! Everything your humble servant said is true!"
"Issuing national debt is a good thing that benefits the country and the people! The court can use its credit as collateral to quickly raise funds from wealthy people in the private sector, allowing the court to use those illiquid deposits for planning and construction, and to spend the money wisely in advance."
"It has not only developed important undertakings concerning people's livelihoods, but also regulated the economy of the entire Great Xia. In my humble opinion, every word I have said is true!"
"It is Your Majesty who has turned this good thing, which is more beneficial than harmful, into a notorious bad thing! You have ruined the reputation of the court, and I feel heartbroken and regretful."
"This humble subject has disgraced the court. Whether he should be killed or punished is up to His Majesty to decide. This humble subject has nothing to say. However, before I die, this humble subject would like to advise His Majesty that you should never treat the national debt as a child's game in the future." Sun Jiachen spoke with great passion, but the more he spoke, the dimmer the light in his eyes became.
How could Qin Yu not know that he thought Qin Yu couldn't understand?
However, he not only knew, but he knew far more than Sun Jiachen imagined!
He was already secretly surprised.
It seems that the report in the secret memorial was correct; Sun Jiachen is indeed a man of genuine talent and learning.
After saying this, he knelt on the ground, closed his eyes, and quietly awaited the order to be beheaded.
Qin Yu's mind was already racing, and he began to question her firmly.
"I have a few more questions for you, Sun Jiachen. I hope you will answer honestly."
"Your Majesty, I know I have offended Your Majesty and have no chance of survival. Ask away! I have nothing to hide."
The atmosphere in the room immediately became tense. Qin Yu dismissed everyone around him, leaving only the two of them in the large study.
"I ask you, Prime Minister Sima was ordered to resist the Xiongnu's iron hooves, but now Youzhou has been betrayed. Do you think we should fight or make peace? Fight or retreat?"
When discussing the invasion of his homeland and foreign enemies, Sun Jiachen sounded exactly like a passionate and indignant young man.
"Peace? The Xiongnu are wolves in sheep's clothing. What can we offer to satisfy their hunger?"
"Retreat? If Youzhou is lost, the Central Plains will be indefensible, leaving us at the mercy of others. Where can we retreat to?!"
"Your Majesty, I believe that Prime Minister Sima is a traitor who has betrayed his country for personal gain! He has no determination to resist the Xiongnu at all. Your Majesty, you would be better off replacing him with a different commander."
Qin Yu was overjoyed upon hearing this.
This guy not only has unique and insightful views on economics, but he can also pinpoint military issues, which shows how intelligent he is.
He was outspoken and righteous, and every word he uttered was for the sake of the country; he was an absolute loyal minister.
Moreover, judging from his gritted teeth just now, this guy is extremely disrespectful to Sima Lie, and you could even say he hates him to the bone.
Qin Yu feigned surprise and asked again.
"Oh? But without exception, all the officials in the Ministry of Revenue are close to the Prime Minister and are mostly instructed by him. Why did you speak rudely to him?"
"Furthermore, I've heard that you frequent brothels and drink heavily every day. Are you perhaps pretending to be a virtuous and loyal minister to gain my sympathy?"
Listening to the questions from those in power, Sun Jiachen felt somewhat dazed, as if a vision of his youthful days, full of vigor and ambition, flashed before his eyes. He had vowed to be a pillar of the state and a loyal and upright official who would serve the people.
As his abilities were recognized and his political achievements rapidly improved, he was transferred from the local area to the center of power—the capital!
It was only then that Sun Jiachen realized that this was not the place where he could make his mark, but a sordid place for illicit affairs!
In such a vast capital city, right under the emperor's nose, how could it be so dark!
Corruption and exploitation of the people are rampant. It's appalling.
If you want to survive here, especially in the Ministry of Revenue under Sima Lie's control, you have to join their ranks!
After discovering this reality, Sun Jiachen was disheartened, and the sharp edges of his youth were completely smoothed out.
But he did not choose to go along with them; instead, he watched it all with a cold eye.
"Sima Lie's intentions are obvious to everyone! That treacherous minister deserves to be killed by everyone! It's a pity that I was transferred to the capital and assigned to work in the Ministry of Revenue under him. I still have my old mother to support me at home, so how dare I complain!"
“During this time, countless officials approached me, hoping to offer their assistance, but how could I dare to do anything that would betray the Great Xia Dynasty or His Majesty the Imperial Court? I could only mingle in brothels and taverns, pretending to be an ordinary person!”
"In the past few years, although I haven't had the opportunity to do anything important for the court, I have done my duty faithfully and faithfully, so I can't be considered as reaping the emperor's salary for nothing!"
For so many years, these words and events had been like a boulder pressing on his heart, making it hard to breathe and threatening to kill him. When he finally let them all out, Sun Jiachen burst into tears.
Overwhelmed with grief, he could no longer hold back and banged his head on the ground.
"Looking across the land, the people suffer, and thousands of miles of fertile land are all barren!"
"Your Majesty is still young and should have lofty ambitions, riding a fine horse across the plains. Resist the Xiongnu in the north and restore peace, daring to change the world! You must not be greedy for beauty and indulge in decadent pleasures."
"Your Majesty, I am of low rank and have little opportunity to speak, but these are my heartfelt words. I am willing to die for you, Your Majesty, and only hope that you will come to your senses!"
Overwhelmed with excitement, Qin Yu's body trembled slightly involuntarily.
Where can I find such a capable and loyal minister?
Sun Jiachen is a trustworthy minister who can be entrusted with important responsibilities!
As he rose from his high position, he drew his longsword.
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