Chapter 385 I have honestly begged for mercy
The eyes of the court officials were all focused on Su Qianqian: What kind of solution is this? This is purely abusing public power for personal gain!
"Your Majesty, I think this punishment can be expanded. The Ministry of Justice is adjacent to the Ministry of Personnel, so the officials of the Ministry of Justice should also be responsible for their meals and lunch."
The Minister of Justice, Lord Yin, hurriedly stepped forward and added a sentence.
The Minister of Works and the Minister of Revenue, who were originally mocking Su Qianqian's bad idea, realized something was wrong. Why did he take the Minister of Justice with him and not them?
Both of them were experts in calculating money, and they immediately came up with an idea, vying to second the proposal: "I second the proposal. This method is simple and practical to serve as a warning to others. However, the Ministry of Revenue is nearby, and it is extremely busy every day. If there is a retreat and lunch, the officials should work harder!"
"Yes, yes, I am the Minister of Industry..."
"What are you robbing? Will our military department be free? We should have a share!"
"The Ministry of Rites is worried about the officials' meals for the wedding of the two princesses..."
"Okay, okay!" Emperor Gan De looked at the important ministers who usually pretended to be dumb and took a step back when there was something going on, and a bit of disgust appeared on his expressionless face. They were trying their best to grab this little advantage.
Minister Hu has already regretted his decision. Even if there is a lot of silver in the food box, there are hundreds of officials from the six ministries. How much do they need to eat in a day? How many is a year? How much manpower does it take to do this? And there’s dishwashing…he’s losing a lot of money!
"Since you all think that Doctor Su's idea is good, then let's do this. Minister Hu will be responsible for the retirement meals and lunches of the six ministries for one year. If anyone imitates him again in the future, the meals of the palace eunuchs will be covered."
Emperor Gan De took advantage of the situation and issued an edict.
Minister Hu didn't know whether he should be happy that he was not convicted, or cry because this was not much better than being convicted. As for Su Qianqian who came up with this bad idea, he didn't dare to make things difficult for her.
After the court was dismissed, all officials left the Taihe Hall in an orderly manner. Su Qianqian did not notice that there were several people following her in fear and trepidation.
"Master Zhang, I have a plaster at home that is specially used to treat hemorrhoids. It is made according to a recipe left by a famous doctor. Would you like me to give it to you to try?"
"Sir He, you should worry about your own grain supply. Your body is already hollowed out. If you don't have the ability, you shouldn't build so many granaries."
Master Su frowned and said: This rebellious girl! I'd better hide from now on...
Qin Hanzhang sent Su Qianqian to the Ministry of Personnel. Xue Ke had already prepared the lunch boxes, so they didn't have to go to Qin Hanzhang's office to eat.
He entered the government office and sat down in his own office. The clerk had already lit the charcoal brazier. Xue Ke took out a lunch box for Su Qianqian to eat. The lunch box contained hot porridge, buns and side dishes.
Not long after, the three doctors came in reluctantly. Seeing Su Qianqian eating, they looked at each other, quietly took out their lunch boxes and ate, without going to the dining hall.
After Su Qianqian had her meal, the clerk brought out some files that needed her approval. She thought Su Qianqian would read and review them slowly, but unexpectedly, she asked Xue Ke to hold the files and go out with her.
Su Qianqian and her servant walked in front, and the three curious doctors followed behind. Seeing Su Qianqian arrive at Minister Hu's office, this time the attendant did not dare to stop her and hurriedly asked for permission to take her in.
Minister Hu looked unhappy, and calculated the number of officials from each department with a worried look on his face so that his family could prepare meals for tomorrow.
Seeing Su Qianqian coming in, he asked with a serious face: "What's the matter?"
"Sir, these files need to be reviewed today. Please take a look." Su Qianqian gestured to Xue Ke to put the files on Hu Shang's desk.
Minister Hu flipped through the documents and found that they were all for the Inspection and Review Office to review and approve. His expression became even uglier: "Sir Su, this should have been your job. Why are you bringing it here?"
Su Qianqian was immediately surprised: "Didn't you say that I should report everything to you and ask for your opinion?"
"What I mean is... you cannot act on your own..." Minister Hu didn't know what to say.
"That's right. I have never acted on my own initiative. I have not done anything wrong. I have submitted all of them to you for your approval."
Su Qianqian promised solemnly.
"From now on, you don't need to bring files like this to me. Just review and decide on your own."
Minister Hu pinched his eyebrows and felt a headache.
"No, sir, I dare not take the initiative. I still need your personal approval."
Su Qianqian was ready to sit down and supervise, watching Minister Hu finish processing the files.
"Sir Su, I didn't explain it clearly. This kind of file doesn't need my approval. Sir Su can handle it on his own... You don't need to come to me for any matters related to the Ministry of Examination of Honors and Officials. I will check everything in the end."
Minister Hu stopped using official language and sincerely admitted his mistake, asking Su Qianqian not to come to him again. He almost wrote a note begging for mercy.
Su Qianqian took Xue Ke back again. This time, the three doctors took the initiative to greet her and asked her diligently if there was anything she didn't understand, saying they would be willing to help.
"Thank you very much. I really do have something to ask you..." Su Qianqian took out the files. The three of them were very enthusiastic in giving instructions and some even did the work themselves. It didn't take long for them to finish the work.
When it was time for lunch, Su Qianqian took Xue Ke and carried lunch boxes to the dining hall. This was where officials ate, and minor officials were not allowed to come in. As soon as Su Qianqian came in, she attracted everyone's attention. Some were at a loss, some avoided her gaze, and some secretly observed.
Su Qianqian noticed Steward Lu sitting alone in the corner. She declined the doctors’ invitation to sit with her and walked towards Steward Lu.
"Steward Lu, the food I brought today is pretty good. If you don't mind, you can try it." Su Qianqian sat down. Xue Ke opened the lunch box and placed the food on the table. The lunch box was sealed tightly and was still warm.
"Thank you." Steward Lu thanked him in a low voice and continued eating without raising his head.
"Sir Su, this Steward Lu is a cold-hearted person and simply doesn't know what's good for him. Why don't you come sit here with me? I have brought a lot of side dishes." An official came closer and said with a flattering smile on his face.
However, Su Qianqian remembered that when she first came to the Ministry of Personnel, this man did not show her the way and even followed her and laughed at her.
"Secretary Lu is aloof but not cold, and this gentleman is warm but not enthusiastic. As for the side dishes that are too many to eat... don't throw them away. Even dogs won't eat them. Just bring them back tomorrow to eat."
Su Qianqian pointed at his lunch box and said seriously.
Muffled laughter was heard all around, and the official's face turned red and he left with the food box.
"Your Excellency shouldn't offend your colleagues casually. You will have more troubles when working in the government office in the future." Steward Lu said in a low voice while biting a piece of biscuit.
"It's okay. It doesn't make a big difference." Su Qianqian pushed the scrambled eggs with tomatoes a little bit forward. These tomatoes were produced in the small garden in the space, and they gave off a special aroma when they were served.
Steward Lu hesitated for a moment, said "thank you" and picked up a piece of food with chopsticks.
Su Qianqian didn't say much, just ate in silence. After the meal, Xue Ke cleaned up. Su Qianqian suddenly looked up and asked, "Does Lu, the steward, recognize Deputy General Lu?"
Steward Lu's hand trembled, and the food box made a slight noise. After a moment, he replied, "I don't recognize it."
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