Liu Yu lowered his head: "I confess! I confess!"
In the back hall of the Haizhou government office, Zhao Huan was entertaining someone. The table was laden with delicacies from land and sea. Even Linghu Yunlong wasn't around to protect him. It was just Zhao Huan and the man sitting opposite him. This man was Zhao Huan's guest, Prince Ding Zhao Yi.
"Uncle, please tell me why." Zhao Huan poured him a glass of wine.
Zhao Yi sighed: "I'm not willing to accept this!"
Zhao Huan frowned slightly: "You want my throne?"
Zhao Yi shook his head. "I have never coveted your majesty's throne. What I am saying is that I am unwilling to live a life of mediocrity. I want to be like those ministers, rising from general to prime minister, and discussing state affairs in the Purple Palace!"
"Uncle, your idea is correct. But you shouldn't have embezzled these disaster relief grains. Do you know what these grains mean to the people of Haizhou? They are their lives. The drought that killed so many people in Haizhou was not just due to God's will, but more due to human factors."
Zhao Yi sighed, "Now that I've taken this wrong step, there's no turning back. If I weren't greedy, where would the money come from? Without it, how could I manage my relationships at court? What do you think those ministers are singing my praises for all the time? Are they really doing it for Prince Ding's respect for the wise and his loyalty to the emperor and the country? They're after my money, for the gifts I give them every year."
Zhao Huan nodded. "I understand this. No matter how hard I crack down on corrupt officials, no matter how strict my policies are, there will always be endless corrupt officials to catch and kill. Human desires are endless. All I can do is be strict with myself and select virtuous officials. I hope to influence those around me with my own actions."
"The Song Dynasty is fortunate to have an emperor like Your Majesty!"
Zhao Huan smiled and said, "It's a blessing for the country. I'm tired of hearing these words. Everyone says the same thing. Uncle, do you think I should continue investigating your case or call it a day?"
Zhao Yi picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp. "Your Majesty, please stop investigating. My death alone is enough. If we continue investigating, too many people will be implicated. Your Majesty should know the consequences."
Zhao Huan nodded. "I know, but I still have to investigate. If I don't get to the bottom of this, I'm afraid the court will never have peace."
Zhao Yi also smiled. "Your Majesty, this court is far darker than you imagine. Over a century of existence, the country has accumulated many flaws that cannot be changed overnight. If you kill me, there will be another Prince Ding, a third, and a fourth."
Zhao Huan was filled with pride and ambition: "I know how corrupt this imperial court has become. But I might as well tell you that one day I will build the Song Dynasty into a prosperous one, where all nations will come to pay tribute!"
Zhao Yi nodded. "I believe Your Majesty has the ability, but unfortunately I cannot see it. As for the Guangyuan grain store, I hope Your Majesty can return it to the court after sealing it off. This chain model will bring endless profits to the court."
"Uncle, you go by yourself. I won't see you off." Zhao Huan stood up and walked out. At this time, Cao Dongsheng came in with a plate with a pot of poisoned wine on it.
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