Chen Zhennan's gaze was sharp as he swept across every face in the hall. He could read the panic and unease in the officials' reactions.
Chen Zhennan's lips curled into a cold smile. So many people were feeling guilty; it seemed there were quite a few corrupt officials in the capital.
After standing for a while, Chen Zhennan felt that his body could not support him, so he turned around and moved his feet to sit down on the dragon throne.
This was his first time sitting on the dragon throne. It was spacious, soft, and very comfortable. No wonder so many people in the world wanted to sit in this position.
Chen Zhennan picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and the warmth of the tea flowed down his throat, making his voice even more steady.
"Most of you have experience with embezzlement and bribery. It's normal for officials in the capital to accept bribes from officials stationed outside the capital."
Upon hearing this, many officials felt much relieved. It seemed that Chen Zhennan was nothing special, and the new emperor was going to grant a general amnesty upon his ascension to the throne.
"Everyone, please calm down. I will not go on a killing spree, but you must go back and settle your family assets. Apart from your real estate, all the money you have embezzled or taken as bribes must be turned over to the national treasury!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a low murmur arose in the court. The officials looked at each other, pondering to themselves.
Some people breathed a slight sigh of relief, thinking it was just a warning.
Others frowned slightly, secretly thinking about how to hide their assets and how to get away with it.
But Chen Zhennan's next words hit them like a ton of bricks.
"I'm giving you only one day. Complete this by noon tomorrow. During this period, you are not allowed to spend money to purchase or change the property ownership. Anyone who violates this rule will be executed immediately!"
Chen Zhennan's voice was cold and firm, his words like a winter wind, making the temperature in the hall seem to drop a few degrees.
The atmosphere instantly became more tense and oppressive, and everyone could feel a sense of urgency, as if a storm was brewing.
Chen Zhennan's decision is undoubtedly a severe crackdown on corruption, and no one can escape it.
The officials' expressions shifted from initial relaxation to fear, with many showing signs of distress.
Chen Zhennan sat on the dragon throne, his gaze like that of a sharp eagle, scanning the officials in the hall who were looking at each other in bewilderment, but he remained silent.
Half a day later, Wei Yunpeng, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, suddenly came out. He bowed and asked tentatively, "May I ask Your Majesty, we officials in the capital all own property, and the land has been distributed according to Your Majesty's wishes. But how should we calculate some of the business transactions? These are all our own property, not obtained through embezzlement or bribery."
Wei Yunpeng's words were echoed by many officials, who nodded in agreement, seemingly finding a reasonable excuse.
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile, but his eyes gleamed with a profound light.
“Minister Wei, if you hadn’t reminded me, I would have almost forgotten. From now on, officials of Yan Kingdom are not allowed to have their own businesses. Those in positions of power should fulfill their duties and not forget their status! If anyone wants to do business and make money, take off your official robes, and I will allow you to do business.”
Chen Zhennan's words were like a heavy hammer blow, shattering the officials' last illusions.
Chen Zhennan knew very well that many of these officials were abusing their power for personal gain, which he absolutely could not tolerate.
What kind of industries and businesses do they own?
They all started by exploiting the common people to amass their initial wealth and gradually expanded, or they used the imperial court's land and water transport for smuggling. This was a common practice throughout history.
Upon hearing Chen Zhennan's words, Wei Yunpeng's expression changed slightly. He clearly hadn't expected Chen Zhennan to cut off their source of income so directly.
Wei Yunpeng was taken aback at first, then hurriedly argued, "Your Majesty, officials in the capital throughout history have all had their own businesses and trades. Without these incomes, we would probably not even be able to maintain the daily expenses of our residences."
His voice carried a hint of urgency and unease, as if he were seeking understanding and sympathy.
These words resonated with many officials, who nodded in agreement, as if their nods were a sign of their support for Wei Yunpeng, like a surging ocean.
Seeing this, Chen Zhennan gave a rather strange "Oh," frowned, and stared intently at Wei Yunpeng.
"Then, Minister Wei, how much are the daily expenses of your household?"
Wei Yunpeng thought this was an opportunity to save face, so he hurriedly spoke up, his face full of bitterness, and said, "Your Majesty, there are a total of seventy-five servants and laborers in my household. Their food, clothing and other expenses alone amount to fifty-five thousand taels of silver per year. This does not include the maintenance of the household and my personal expenses. Please understand our difficulties, Your Majesty!"
Wei Yunpeng's tone was pleading, and a hint of helplessness flickered in his eyes, as if he were telling the story of his inner suffering.
Chen Zhennan nodded slightly and let out a long "hmm," seemingly deep in thought, his expression carrying a hint of amusement and contemplation.
These officials' expenses far exceeded their normal income, which must have concealed corruption.
The officials initially thought that Chen Zhennan's silence indicated that he was considering their requests and weighing their predicament.
Their eyes revealed a glimmer of hope, thinking that Chen Zhennan might relax the policy.
However, a few seconds later, Chen Zhennan suddenly widened his eyes, his gaze filled with anger and disbelief, and coldly looked at Wei Yunpeng.
"Seventy-five household servants and laborers cost fifty-five thousand taels of silver a year, which averages out to two taels of silver per person per day!" Chen Zhennan's voice was as cold as a biting wind as it fell.
Chen Zhennan's gaze was like cold iron, fixed on Wei Yunpeng as if he wanted to pin him to the ground.
"Minister Wei, did you really spend so much money on your household servants and housekeepers, or did you include your own expenses in the calculations?"
Wei Yunpeng's face turned pale instantly, and a wave of panic washed over him. He immediately knelt down, his forehead slamming heavily against the bluestone floor with a dull thud.
"Your Majesty is wise; this is truly just their daily expenses. I am absolutely certain of the truth!"
Wei Yunpeng's voice trembled, his face filled with fear and unease, afraid that if he said another wrong word, he would be devoured by Chen Zhennan's rage.
"Smack!"
With a sharp crack, Chen Zhennan smashed the teacup on the table to pieces, splashing tea everywhere, just like his anger, which spread instantly. The surrounding officials retreated, afraid of being affected by his rage.
Gritting his teeth, Chen Zhennan said angrily, "It's true that the finances are depressed due to years of war, but one tael of silver can buy 150 catties of rice and 30 or 40 catties of pork! Does your Wei family even require its servants to wear gold and silver?"
Wei Yunpeng was so intimidated that he dared not raise his head, while the officials who had echoed his sentiments quickly retreated, fearing that they would be implicated.
Chen Zhennan snorted coldly and said sharply, "I'll just tell you this: when I ascend the throne, I'll kill corrupt officials first!"
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