His expression turned cold, and his gaze pierced directly at Minister Gong. "May I ask, Your Excellency, how could the Yunlong Weir, which was only completed a few years ago, be experiencing such severe seepage? If the river rises, can such a dam withstand the test of floodwaters?"
Minister Gong trembled violently and exclaimed, "How is this possible?"
At this moment, Chi Jingyu also stepped forward, took a few steps forward and knelt down: "Your Majesty, to be honest, I have long felt that something was wrong and have repeatedly suggested to Minister Gong that he reinforce the dikes, but he has rejected them all!"
If he hadn't chosen to cooperate with Chi Yan, and given what happened, Minister Gong would have lost his head, then he would undoubtedly be the strongest contender for the next Minister!
If not now, when?
Minister Gong looked at him in disbelief: "You?!"
Chi Jingyu's corroboration further confirmed Minister Gong's mistake. Emperor Chongde's face darkened completely, and he slammed his hand on the table: "Gong Zhengde, how do you explain this?"
The people below instantly knelt on the ground, utterly silent.
Minister Gong's face was pale. He opened his mouth and said, "Your Majesty, perhaps it's because too much time has passed and the dam has been exposed to wind and sun. It's inevitable that the dam will seep water. The people below were negligent and didn't notice it..."
His explanation was somewhat weak and unconvincing. If the Yunlong Weir had been built for decades, then what he said was perfectly normal.
But it's only been a few years? The walls are already cracked. How did this project pass inspection in the first place?
"I think you really think I'm a fool!" The emperor said through gritted teeth, his face contorted with rage.
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and Minister Gong suddenly knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, I was indeed negligent! But what Chi Yan said is simply impossible. It hasn't rained in Yanjing for many days. How could there be a downpour, let alone a downpour strong enough to break the dikes? This is clearly sensationalism!"
Chi Yan's gaze was cold: "If there really is a torrential rain, do you expect the Minister to only come to remedy the situation after a major disaster has occurred?"
Chi Jingyu's eyes darkened: "My lord, we should plan ahead!"
Minister Gong's heart felt as if it had been boiled in a hot pan, leaving him only with anxiety. He desperately wanted to lessen his punishment, so without thinking, he said:
"Those are all your guesses! I would bet my life that the idea of ​​torrential rain within the next month is utter nonsense!"
Chi Jingyu subtly curled the corners of her lips.
Chi Yan glanced at him without any emotion. This guy certainly knew how to set traps for people. He earnestly advised, "Your Majesty, since you know that there are safety hazards in Yunlong Weir, I implore Your Majesty to reinforce the dam immediately for the safety of the people and to relocate the people along the river ahead of schedule."
Shen Chang subtly fueled the fire: "Reinforcing the dikes requires money, but the national treasury is empty. Where will the money come from? Besides, the truth of this matter still needs to be verified!"
That Lord Wang couldn't wait to jump out again: "Minister Shen is absolutely right! To make such a fuss over a few rumors, what if it turns out to be just a farce? Wouldn't that damage the court's prestige? And who would take responsibility then?"
Chi Jingyu knew that the rainstorm would arrive in ten days or so and was eager to impress His Majesty.
But someone beat him to it, speaking with conviction:
"I'll take it!"
He looked over and saw Chi Yan's slightly cold face, and couldn't help but frown.
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