Sima Lie immediately asked.
What do you think of Sun Jiachen?
Undoubtedly, Sun Jiachen's honest, simple, and kind-hearted image also won over Qiu Beiming.
"It's hard to say that this person's appearance is an act. Besides, he has no backing in the Ministry of Revenue and doesn't get along with He Fang's faction. He's just an honest and simple poor scholar. What kind of thoughts could he possibly have?"
"His desire to pledge allegiance to the Prime Minister must be true!"
Sima Lie nodded repeatedly in the direction they left, his satisfaction evident in his expression.
"Yes, this kind of person is much easier to control than a cunning old fox like He Fang! No wonder Tan Wu recommended him to take over."
As he spoke, he fell into deep thought.
He Fang is indeed in the position of Left Chancellor, with extensive connections, and he should be more prudent and thorough in handling affairs. His experience is beyond doubt.
But.
The position of Minister of Revenue that Sima Lie requested only required someone with sufficient ability.
What's more important?
It's loyalty!
For him, loyalty that is not absolute is absolute disloyalty.
The Ministry of Revenue controls the purse strings, and the Minister of Revenue must not harbor any disloyalty towards him!
Undoubtedly, He Fang has deeply crossed his bottom line!
Things can be done poorly, or even wrongly.
No one is perfect; everyone makes mistakes.
But Sima Lie only demanded one thing: loyalty!
What is the purpose of He Fang's actions today?
Sensing the sudden burst of killing intent emanating from Sima Lie, Qiu Beiming understood.
This place is in big trouble!
The next morning.
An inexplicable and eerie atmosphere permeated the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
He Fangshen frowned, feeling troubled. He wondered how to explain the matter to the Prime Minister while also demonstrating his loyalty and preventing the Prime Minister from distancing himself from the relationship.
As he was pondering, Qin Yu strode up to the dragon throne.
Just after the officials shouted "Long live the Emperor!" three times, Qin Yu waved his hand and took the initiative to bring up the matter of the vacancy of the position of Minister of Revenue.
"The Ministry of Revenue has no one in charge, and I am worried every day, with no one to share my worries."
"Today, my beloved ministers have come with me to discuss who should hold the position of Minister!"
For a long time after he finished speaking, no one responded.
The importance of the position of Minister of Revenue is self-evident; everyone knows it. The first person to recommend someone for this position will inevitably become the target of public criticism.
Moreover, the position of Minister of Revenue has always been held by the Prime Minister's people. If he doesn't speak up, who would dare to speak out of turn?
Qin Yu smiled softly.
"Oh? My dear ministers, you haven't made up your minds yet?"
"Then I will say it: I have observed that He Fang, the Left Chancellor, is quick-witted and capable. Moreover, he is from the Ministry of Revenue and has a good understanding of its affairs. I think he is the most suitable person to be the Minister of Revenue!"
When he said this.
Qin Yu even deliberately winked at He Fang.
Their eyes met, and the latter knew that the emperor had not lied to him and had indeed kept his promise. He was so excited that he became incoherent.
As soon as he stepped out of the line, he knelt down on the ground with a thud.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens! If I were to become Minister, I would dedicate myself to the cause until my dying breath!"
Clearly, anyone would temporarily lose their rationality when faced with the temptation of overwhelming power.
In particular, He Fang is still very young compared to other officials.
Thinking that he might be the youngest minister in the Great Xia Dynasty, he was completely unaware of the murderous gaze behind him.
Sima Lie stared intently at He Fang, his face contorted with rage, veins bulging on his cheeks, so furious he could crush his jade tablet in his hand!
If the information from Zhu Zhen and Yu Zhu wasn't enough to completely prove that this guy was disloyal and wanted to defect to the emperor.
Now the two are exchanging glances and seem to have agreed that the emperor will recommend him as the Minister as soon as he goes to court. The situation is quite clear!
He Fang has betrayed me! He's sided with this tyrannical ruler!
Sima Lie immediately stepped forward, gritting his teeth as he spoke angrily.
"No! Your Majesty, please rescind your order! This shameless scoundrel is utterly unfit for this position!"
These words caused astonishment among everyone.
Qin Yu feigned concern and asked, "Prime Minister? Why is that?"
Sima Lie's murderous gaze had not yet left He Fang.
"Your Majesty, I intend to expose this man today!"
"After gathering intelligence and questioning several colleagues, I have finally determined that Vice Minister He has been guilty of embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, favoritism, dereliction of duty, falsification of accounts, and unauthorized tax collection..."
"He has committed multiple crimes and should be executed immediately!"
moment!
The entire court was in an uproar.
In this day and age, with a foolish emperor on the throne, which official in the court isn't just focused on making a living?
Of all the crimes listed by the Prime Minister, who hasn't committed them? Who is truly innocent?
Corruption had long been an open secret, including to the emperor himself.
However, when these words are spoken openly, they carry a deeper meaning.
He Fang himself was completely stunned, as if struck by lightning in broad daylight.
Surely not?
Before Prime Minister Sima has even figured out the details, he's already being turned into a pawn? And a pawn that will die a horrible death at that?
After a moment's reaction, everyone understood.
Sima Lie's meaning couldn't be clearer: he wanted to destroy He Fang!
The lackeys of the prime minister's faction, who had long seen the Ministry of Revenue raking in money and drooling with grease, all jumped out to speak up.
"The Prime Minister is absolutely right! Where should he be executed?"
"What heinous crimes have he committed? Only by eliminating him can the people's anger be appeased!"
"Your humble servant seconds this!"
"..."
Among the supporters were the censors and officials who felt the matter wasn't serious enough and stepped forward to add fuel to the fire.
"Those officials in the Ministry of Revenue who support He Fang are all birds of a feather!"
A major change in direction!
None of the officials in the Ministry of Revenue were unaware of where the collapse was imminent.
Depend on!
You kill him, but don't get us all covered in blood!
The officials of the Ministry of Revenue were greatly alarmed and immediately knelt down.
"Your Majesty, I am innocent! This was all done by Vice Minister He alone. I have evidence of his embezzlement!"
"Last time, Vice Minister He abused his power for personal gain, arbitrarily appointing relatives to positions in the Ministry of Revenue. I witnessed it with my own eyes!"
"Your humble servant has just gathered evidence and is here to denounce Vice Minister He's crimes..."
They rushed out to jointly condemn He Fang for only one purpose.
That's an attempt to draw a clear line!
After all, they were all involved in embezzlement and acting together with He Fang, so there was plenty of evidence. Every official could clearly explain the time and specific amount of each instance of corruption.
He Fang suddenly became the target of public criticism, unable to defend himself and unable to defend himself!
Qin Yu, sitting on the dragon throne, watched their chaotic dogfight and almost couldn't hold back his laughter.
Anfu, standing next to him, bowed his head and chuckled to himself.
It seems the emperor's plan was quite successful!
Didn't you see how angry you just made Sima Lie?
Where are all these various charges being pinned on?!
Faced with the aggressive Sima Lie and the officials, Qin Yu straightened up and pretended to be very unwilling.
"Is He Zuo Cheng really as heinous and deserving of death as you all say?"
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