Huangming

Chapter 480 The treacherous officials are captured, and the capable ministers are promoted.

Upon hearing Gu Bingqian's request, Emperor Zhu Youxiao's gaze darkened slightly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger, and he simply spoke:
"What is it that you wish to report, my dear minister?"

This question startled Gu Bingqian, who was already gripping his official tablet tightly.

He took a deep breath, his heart pounding like a drum, and cold sweat trickling down his face.

The resolute determination he displayed when drafting the memorial last night now, under the watchful eyes of all the officials, gave rise to a slight tremor.

But he knew that his way out was already cut off, and the only way to save his life was to hand over this "pledge of allegiance" to the very end.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty has reported that Qian Qianyi, Zhou Qiyuan, and others have committed heinous acts!"

Gu Bingqian suddenly lowered his body, his forehead almost touching the blue brick, his voice trembling with excitement, yet every word was clear.

"In order to obstruct His Majesty's new policies and protect the private property of the gentry in Jiangnan, they secretly instigated riots and condoned pirate raids."

They even colluded with officials in the capital to forge a "letter of blood from ten thousand people" in an attempt to force the emperor to abdicate.

Your Majesty, I have also discovered secret letters. They were privately discussing that if Your Majesty does not rescind the new policies, they will… they will commit regicide!

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly looked up, raising a thick memorial high with both hands, inside which were several yellowed pages of paper:
"I have copies of secret letters between Qian Qianyi and Zhou Qiyuan, ledgers of Jiangnan gentry who funded the rioters, and a list of officials involved in the conspiracy. I implore Your Majesty to examine them carefully!"

"Wow!"

The hall erupted in chaos instantly.

The ministers, who had been standing with their heads bowed, now turned their heads and began to whisper among themselves like a tidal wave.

"What? The Jiangnan uprising was intentional?"

A senior official in the Ministry of Personnel gripped his official tablet tightly, his face pale, clearly unable to believe it.

"Forcing the emperor to abdicate wasn't enough; they're even plotting to assassinate him? These are true traitors!"

The physician behind the Minister of War lowered his voice, his tone filled with shock.

"No wonder Jiangnan has been in chaos for so long; it turns out someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes!"

Several censors, promoted from humble backgrounds by Zhu Youxiao, immediately showed anger and looked in the direction of the Donglin Party members in the civil officials' column.

Before the discussion could subside, several officials suddenly rushed out from the crowd, led by the censor Zhang Ne.

He was originally a county magistrate in Beizhili, but due to his outstanding performance in land surveying, he was promoted by Zhu Youxiao.

"His Majesty!"

Zhang Ne, holding a ceremonial tablet, knelt beside Gu Bingqian, his tone impassioned.

"Qian Qianyi and his accomplices are traitors who threaten the very foundation of the nation. If they are not apprehended quickly, unforeseen consequences may arise! Your Majesty, please issue an edict ordering the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate immediately!"

"I second the proposal!"

Following closely behind was Li Jizhen, the Vice Minister of Revenue, a staunch supporter of the new policies. He immediately stepped forward and said:
"The people of Jiangnan are displaced because of the instigation of these traitors. If Qian Qianyi is not executed, it will be difficult to quell the anger of the people!"

In an instant, more than a dozen officials promoted by Zhu Youxiao stepped forward, knelt in the hall, and pleaded for his services in unison. The sound of their voices seemed to shake the roof tiles.

Among the civil servants, those from the Donglin Party had varying expressions.

Some clenched their fists and pressed their lips into a straight line.

Some avoided eye contact with the emperor.

Others quietly shrank back, afraid of being implicated.

At this moment, an old voice sounded.

Ye Xiang, holding his official tablet, slowly stepped out of the ranks, knelt in the hall, and spoke with earnestness tinged with worry:

"Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance and involves many people. Based solely on Minister Gu's statement and a few documents, it may be difficult to determine the truth."

Your Majesty, I humbly request that you first order a thorough investigation and refrain from drawing conclusions prematurely.

Furthermore, the Jiangnan region has been in turmoil for over a month, and the people are suffering greatly. If we pursue the matter too harshly, it may exacerbate the conflict. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to reconsider!

His words, ostensibly a plea for "prudence," were actually an attempt to leave a glimmer of hope for the Donglin Party.

Qian Qianyi and Zhou Qiyuan were both key members of the Donglin Party. If they were truly treated as "rebellious party members," it is likely that half of the officials from Jiangnan would be implicated.

Zhu Youxiao looked at the two opposing factions in the hall, his gaze sweeping over Ye Xianggao and then landing on the kneeling officials, and slowly spoke:
"What you say is absolutely right, Ye Qing. This matter concerns the foundation of the nation, and we cannot make hasty conclusions. We must investigate thoroughly to get to the bottom of this before we can convince the public."

These words relieved Ye Xianggao, but before he could get up, Zhu Youxiao's voice deepened:
"The three departments shall conduct a joint trial, with Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe taking the lead, and Minister Ye and Wei Chao, the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial, jointly following up. All departments must fully cooperate to ensure that this matter becomes an ironclad case that can withstand the test of history!"

He paused, his gaze suddenly sharpening as he swept over the flustered officials in the civil service, and continued:

"The Embroidered Uniform Guards shall be mobilized immediately to apprehend all officials involved in the secret letter and the list, and shall not allow a single one to escape! Anyone who resists shall be killed without exception!"

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

Zhang Na and the others immediately kowtowed, their voices loud and clear.

Ye Xianggao knelt on the spot, and the breath he had just let out came up again.

The joint trial by the three judicial departments seemed "prudent," but Fang Congzhe had always obeyed the emperor's orders. Wei Chao was the emperor's confidant, and although Fang Congzhe was a cabinet minister, he had no power to influence the outcome.

The phrase "control the officials involved" cut off Qian Qianyi and others' escape route, and the so-called "thorough investigation" was nothing more than a formality.

The ministers looked at each other, and no one dared to raise any objections.

Those officials who had dealings with Qian Qianyi were now pale-faced and trembling, but dared not utter a single word of explanation.

"I obey your orders!"

A moment later, all the officials in the hall prostrated themselves on the ground, their voices filled with a mixture of awe and helplessness.

"Furthermore, Minister Gu was able to expose the traitors in the court and speak frankly. He is a loyal and devoted minister, which pleases me greatly."

At this moment, Zhu Youxiao spoke again, his gaze falling on Gu Bingqian, who was kneeling on the ground.

"The position of Minister of Personnel has been vacant for a long time, and the selection of officials in various ministries has been slow and sluggish."

In my opinion, Gu Bingqian should be included in the list of candidates for the position of Minister of Personnel.

"boom!"

These words shocked the officials even more than when Gu Bingqian had exposed the rebels earlier.

The whispers that had been filling the room vanished instantly. All the officials in the hall were stunned, their eyes turning to Gu Bingqian with disbelief in their gazes.

The Minister of Personnel—that's a "heavenly official"!

He was in charge of the appointment, evaluation, promotion, and demotion of officials throughout the land, and his power was second only to the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet. It was a position that many officials could never reach in their entire lives.

Gu Bingqian was merely a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Just the day before, he had been working tirelessly for the gentry of Jiangnan, and today he had just submitted his "pledge of allegiance," yet he was directly included in the list of ministers to be discussed by His Majesty.

This promotion speed is like riding a rocket!

Ye Xianggao's hand gripping the tablet tightened suddenly, his aged face filled with astonishment.

He originally thought that His Majesty would at most reward Gu Bingqian with some gold and silver or promote him by one rank, but he did not expect such a generous reward.

This is clearly a message to everyone:

Follow His Majesty and you will enjoy endless wealth and honor; if you dare to stand against the new policies, you will suffer the same fate as Qian Qianyi!

Fang Congzhe lowered his head, but a knowing look flashed in his eyes.

He had long since figured out His Majesty's temperament:
Rewards must be generous enough, and punishments must be severe enough, so that officials will be completely subservient.

Promoting Gu Bingqian was not only a reward for his merit in exposing the traitorous party, but also a way to set an example for all officials in the court.

Take a look!

Look carefully!
As long as one is willing to serve His Majesty, even those from the Donglin Party can rise rapidly in rank.

Among the civil servants, several Donglin Party officials were pale-faced, their lips pressed into a straight line.

They had previously secretly despised Gu Bingqian for "betraying his friends for personal gain," but now they were filled with nothing but panic.

If even Gu Bingqian can be nominated as a candidate for Minister of Personnel, then the Donglin Party's days in the court will probably be even more difficult in the future.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed officials promoted by His Majesty, such as Zhang Ne and Li Jizhen, all wore knowing smiles and cast flattering glances at Gu Bingqian.

Gu Bingqian was completely bewildered, lying on the ground, his mind blank, as if he hadn't heard the emperor's words.

He looked up, his forehead still damp with cold sweat, his eyes filled with confusion.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty is terrified!"

His voice was trembling, and his hands gripped the scepter tightly.

"I have merely fulfilled my duty as a subject, without any merit whatsoever. How dare I covet the position of Minister of Personnel? Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

His words were half genuine fear and half a humble expression in accordance with official etiquette.

The distance between the Vice Minister of Rites and the Minister of Personnel is several levels, something he never dared to imagine. At this moment, he felt as if he were dreaming, and his legs felt weak.

Zhu Youxiao looked at him like this, a faint smile appearing on his lips, and waved his hand:

Whether I have rendered meritorious service or not, I know it in my heart.

His tone was flat.

"If I say you can, then you can."

In officialdom, the selection and appointment of officials is based on whether the officials are devoted to the court and loyal to the emperor.

These words, though not explicitly stated, were immediately understood by the officials present.

Yes!

The principles governing officialdom in every dynasty have always been the same.

If your boss says you're capable, even if you were just a low-level official before, you can rise to the top in one step.

If your boss says you're not good enough, even if you have tremendous talent, you'll be stuck in the same place.

Isn't Gu Bingqian the best example?

Before, when he followed the Donglin Party, he could at most become a vice minister.

Now that you've pledged allegiance to His Majesty, you can easily become the Minister of Personnel.

Gu Bingqian lay on the ground, his mind finally clearing up. A surge of ecstasy rushed up his spine, almost making him dizzy.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say more words of gratitude, but found his throat tight and couldn't utter a single word. He could only kowtow heavily.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! I will certainly do my utmost to serve you!"

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the officials in the hall, each with their own distinct expression. He knew in his heart that this move was the right one.

Promoting Gu Bingqian was not only a reward for his achievements, but also a signal to all officials:
Follow me and you'll have a bright future; defy me and you'll meet a bad end.

The major case of treason in Jiangnan has been settled.

The subsequent reports to the emperor seemed somewhat perfunctory.

The Ministry of Revenue reported on the storage status of sweet potatoes in Beizhili, and the Ministry of War mentioned the progress of the repair of military forts in Liaodong; these were all trivial matters.

After listening to a few words, Zhu Youxiao raised his hand and stood up, his tone indifferent:

"Since there are no other important matters, the court session may be adjourned."

An official from the Court of State Ceremonial announced, "The report is finished," and a captain from the Embroidered Uniform Guard cracked his whip three more times, the crisp sound echoing throughout the Wenhua Hall.

Zhu Youxiao turned around and, surrounded by eunuchs, retreated back to the inner palace through a side gate.

The officials withdrew in order of rank, and the originally orderly ranks were now somewhat scattered.

Many officials were secretly observing Gu Bingqian, who was walking at the back.

Gu Bingqian followed at the back of the group, his steps unsteady yet light, his palms sweaty, his heart pounding like a rabbit's.

He could clearly sense that the gazes around him had changed.

The Donglin Party officials had previously looked at him with disdain and contempt.

Nowadays, it has been replaced by envy, jealousy, and a touch of deliberate flattery.

"Congratulations, Minister Gu!"

Li Jizhen, the Vice Minister of Revenue, who was passing by, deliberately slowed down, cupped his hands in greeting, and spoke to him in a warm tone.

"I hope you will take good care of me when you enter the Ministry of Personnel!" "Vice Minister Gu is a man of great talent and humility. Today's memorial has not only eliminated the traitors but also won His Majesty's favor. This is truly a cause for celebration!"

Another censor also came over, his face full of smiles and his eyes full of flattery.

Gu Bingqian nodded perfunctorily while screaming inwardly:

Damn it!
If I had known His Majesty would be so generous, why would I have associated with those scoundrels of the Donglin Party?
Following Qian Qianyi, at best you could only be a censor and criticize others.

By following His Majesty, one can directly get close to the Minister of Personnel!

He looked up at the sky outside the Wenhua Hall. The morning light was just right, shining warmly on the vermilion palace walls.

Gu Bingqian took a deep breath and felt as if all the bones in his body had become lighter.

His future has never been so bright.

the other side.

As the hustle and bustle of the morning court session subsided, Zhu Youxiao returned to the East Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace in the morning light.

He had not been seated on the throne for long when Wei Chao entered carrying a cup of freshly brewed pre-Qingming Longjing tea.

He held the celadon teacup in both hands, gently scraping away any loose leaves with the lid. Steam rose from the cup, illuminating his features, and his tone carried just the right amount of flattery:
"His Majesty's arrangements in the Wenhua Hall today were truly astonishing in their political maneuvering."

The mere position of Minister of Personnel in the imperial deliberations has stirred the hearts of all the officials in the court. Even those who were previously hesitant are now probably pondering how to serve His Majesty.

"This servant truly admires you."

These words both flattered Zhu Youxiao and revealed the deeper meaning behind the early morning court session's promotion of Gu Bingqian, demonstrating the keen observation and discernment expected of a eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Zhu Youxiao took the teacup, smiled faintly, his tone devoid of any smugness, but rather revealing a sense of composure:

"It's not some kind of political maneuvering."

He took a sip of tea and said slowly:

"Reward those who have made contributions and punish those who have committed crimes; this is the fundamental principle of governing a country."

Gu Bingqian's exposure of the traitorous faction was a service to the country, and he deserved the position of Minister of Personnel in court discussions.

Those officials who were observing saw this and naturally understood that "following the court has its advantages," which ensured that the court order could be maintained.

This is the proper way of emperors, not some underhanded power play.

Wei Chao lowered his head and nodded inwardly.

His Majesty has never liked to engage in "secret schemes," but he always manages to grasp the crux of the matter in the most direct way, which is more effective than those roundabout power tactics.

But he still had a question in his mind, and after hesitating for a moment, he carefully spoke:
"However... there is still one thing I don't understand."

"For the past few days, Grand Secretary Shi Jikai has been in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, and he also holds the title of 'Minister of Personnel.' Now that His Majesty is going to hold a court meeting to discuss a new Minister of Personnel, won't people gossip and feel that His Majesty is disrespecting Grand Secretary Shi?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao put down his teacup and said softly:

“You old eunuch, don’t you know the difference between a ‘real post’ and a ‘nominal title’?”

Wei Chao knelt down in fear and immediately asked, "This servant is foolish and stupid, please tell me clearly, Your Majesty!"

This Wei Dynasty
Zhu Youxiao naturally knew that this was an opportunity for the Wei Dynasty to show off.

After all, there are officials around this East Warm Pavilion who are responsible for recording daily life.

Zhu Youxiao didn't mind showing off, and slowly said:

"Since Emperor Hongwu abolished the position of prime minister, the six ministries have been directly subordinate to me. The established rule is 'one minister in charge of administration, assisted by two vice ministers.'"

The Ming Dynasty Code clearly states that each department has only one official minister who is in charge of departmental affairs and makes decisions.

However, as the cabinet gained more power, the honorary title of "Minister" came into being.

It was merely an honor bestowed upon veteran officials to maintain the decorum of the court; they held no real power whatsoever.

Wei Chao listened carefully and nodded quickly:
"This servant remembers. I heard the old eunuch say that during the Jiajing era, Grand Secretary Yan held the real position of Minister of Rites in his early years. He was in charge of the imperial examinations, etiquette, and even the local sacrifices had to be decided by him."

There was also Yang Shiqi, the Grand Secretary during the Xuande era. Although he held the title of "Minister of War," he spent his days drafting proposals in the Grand Secretariat and never went to the Ministry of War to work.

So this is the difference between a real position and a nominal title.

"Exactly."

Zhu Youxiao nodded.

"Shi Jikai's title of 'Minister of Personnel' was merely a nominal one."

He was originally a cabinet minister, but this title was added to elevate his rank in court and give him more influence in cabinet discussions, so that he wouldn't even need to visit the Ministry of Personnel on ordinary days.

To truly manage the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, one still needs a minister with a real position.

Now that the position is vacant, Gu Bingqian is qualified to participate in court discussions. How can this be considered 'saving face'?

Seeing that the emperor was getting more and more enthusiastic, Wei Chao knew that his flattery had worked, and continued to fawn over him:

"Your Majesty remembers even the details in the 'Collected Statutes of the Ming Dynasty' clearly. No wonder you can control the court so well, and all the officials are subservient to you. I admire you to the extreme."

"OK OK."

They'll keep going on and on with their flattery.

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said:
"Enough with the idle talk. After you leave, immediately go and oversee the joint trial of the three judicial departments in the Jiangnan treason case."

We need to keep a close eye on Fang Congzhe and make sure he doesn't just do things half-heartedly.

If Ye Xianggao wants to exonerate the Donglin Party, he must report to me in time.

Furthermore, the progress of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's arrests, and the testimonies of the officials involved—report back immediately as soon as there is any progress.

"Slave, you obey!"

Wei Chao felt a chill run down his spine and quickly bowed in agreement, bending even lower.

His Majesty appeared to be explaining the official system to him, but in reality, he had already shifted his focus back to the case in Jiangnan.

This case concerns whether the new policy can be implemented in Jiangnan, and there is no room for error.

the other side.

Qian Qianyi's residence.

This mansion, located next to Xisi Archway, may not be as grand as the mansions of princes and nobles, but it exudes exquisite luxury in every aspect.

The rosewood bookshelves were filled with Song Dynasty editions of classics, the walls were adorned with Wen Zhengming's original landscape paintings, and the official kiln porcelain vase on the desk held orchids that had just been transported from Jiangnan. Even the maids serving the servants wore jackets and skirts made of Shu brocade, and their every move exuded a cautious and submissive demeanor.

Qian Qianyi leaned back in a drunken chair covered with a fox fur, holding a celadon-glazed teacup in his hand.

On the low table in front of him was a plate of candied kumquats. Liu Ruyan, kneeling beside him, was refilling his tea with demure eyes. Her long, black hair fell down to her fair neck, making her skin look like the finest mutton fat jade.

Liu Ruyan was originally a famous courtesan on the Qinhuai River. Last year, she secretly fled to Jiangnan because she could not bear Qian Qianyi's harassment in the capital. However, she did not expect that Qian Qianyi would use his connections with the gentry in Jiangnan to spend ten thousand taels of silver to pull strings and forcibly bring her back from the brothel in Suzhou.

Although she still wears fine silks and jewels, her eyes are filled with an unyielding sorrow, and even the hand that serves tea trembles slightly.

"Ruyan, this Biluochun tea is from before the rains this year. You should try it too."

Qian Qianyi's voice carried a deliberate gentleness, but his fingers were not behaving properly, sliding down Liu Ruyan's wrist, slipping into her sleeve, and caressing her delicate skin.

Liu Ruyan's body stiffened abruptly, a hint of resistance flashing in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it, only daring to turn slightly to the side and whisper:

"Your Excellency's kindness is too much for me... I dare not accept it."

This "resisting yet having no choice but to comply" demeanor perfectly struck a nerve with Qian Qianyi.

He chuckled softly, his fingers becoming increasingly audacious, tracing upwards along his sleeve, his tone filled with lewd smugness:
"Dare not? In this Qian mansion, if I say you dare, then you dare."

Last year you fled to Jiangnan, but I still managed to find you and bring you back.

"You think you, a mere prostitute, can escape my grasp?"

Liu Ruyan's lips were pressed into a straight line, her nails dug deep into her palms, but she dared not resist in the slightest.

She knew that Qian Qianyi had the backing of the gentry in Jiangnan. Those people not only provided him with money but also created momentum for him, allowing him to wield influence in the Beijing literati circles under the title of "Great Confucian Scholar of Donglin".

As a woman of the night, she had no chance to resist.

Seeing her restrained expression, Qian Qianyi felt an even greater pleasure. Just as he was about to reach out to unbutton her clothes, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, accompanied by the steward's panicked shouts:
"Master! Something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened!"

"presumptuous!"

Qian Qianyi's mood was interrupted, and his face instantly darkened. He abruptly pulled his hand back and slammed the teacup heavily on the low table, splashing a few drops of tea onto his fox fur coat.

"What's the matter with such a panic? Can't you see that I'm busy with important business?"

Urgent! Urgent!
What's the rush?

Last night they were still discussing in the mansion that today Gu Bingqian would bring the "Letter of Ten Thousand People" to force the emperor to abdicate. As long as His Majesty agreed to dismiss Yuan Keli, the foundation of the gentry in Jiangnan would be preserved, and Qian Qianyi could take advantage of this momentum to return to officialdom, and even have a chance to enter the cabinet.

In his view, good things must be on the horizon, and the manager's panic was nothing more than a trivial matter.

The steward stumbled into the study, his face ashen, his hat askew. He knelt on the floor with a thud as soon as he entered, his voice trembling with tears:

"Master! Outside the door... outside the door are all Imperial Guards!"

Xu Xianchun, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, personally led a team, saying... saying they wanted to arrest you!

"what?!"

Qian Qianyi's anger froze instantly, as if he had been doused with a bucket of ice water, feeling cold from head to toe.

He suddenly stood up, his face filled with disbelief.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard arrested me? Why? Where is Gu Bingqian? Their affair wasn't just this morning..."

Before he could finish speaking, his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Has Gu Bingqian failed in his mission?

Or did His Majesty already know about their scheme and deliberately set a trap for him to fall into?

Just as he was in a state of mental confusion, the door to the study was kicked open with a loud bang, and more than a dozen Jinyiwei captains dressed in flying fish robes and with embroidered spring knives at their waists filed in, their movements perfectly synchronized, instantly surrounding the study.

The leader, Xu Xianchun, was tall and had a cold, stern face. His gaze swept over Qian Qianyi like a knife, and a mocking sneer curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Qian Qianyi, the evidence against you for colluding with rebels, inciting popular uprisings, and plotting to force the emperor to abdicate is irrefutable. His Majesty has decreed that you be arrested and imprisoned in the Imperial Prison!"

"A rebel? A coup? Imprisonment?"

Qian Qianyi's mind was buzzing. He staggered back a step, pointed at Xu Xianchun, and his voice trembled.

"I'm innocent! I'm devoted to the country, how could I be accused of betraying the Party? What evidence do you have? On what grounds are you arresting me?"

Xu Xianchun was too lazy to waste words with him, and gave the captains a wink:
"Take it!"

Two captains immediately stepped forward and grabbed Qian Qianyi's arms, one on each side.

Qian Qianyi struggled to resist, but was held down firmly by the captain, and a pair of cold shackles instantly appeared on his wrists.

He looked at the cold glint of the shackles, then at Xu Xianchun's indifferent face, and a surge of fear rose from the bottom of his heart, spreading down his spine and throughout his body.

He recalled the tortures in the imperial prison, and the officials who had been captured by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and never returned. His legs went weak, and he was so frightened that he wet his pants. A foul stench quickly filled the study.

"I'm innocent! Your Majesty, spare my life! I've been framed!"

Qian Qianyi completely lost his previous elegance, crying and screaming like a stray dog ​​as the captain dragged him out.

His brocade robe was torn crookedly, his hair was disheveled, and his usual "great scholar" demeanor was completely gone, leaving only dishevelment and fear.

Liu Ruyan knelt on the ground, watching Qian Qianyi's retreating figure. Her eyes were no longer filled with sorrow, but rather with an indescribable sense of pleasure.

She quietly raised her head, gazing at the warm sunlight outside the window, a faint smile playing on her lips.

It turns out that Heaven does have eyes after all; this hypocrite, disguised as a "great Confucian scholar," finally met his just end.

In the study, the aroma of Biluochun tea had not yet dissipated, but it was mixed with a faint fishy smell, which seemed particularly ironic.

The Song Dynasty editions on the rosewood bookshelves are still neatly arranged, and the Wen Zhengming calligraphy on the wall remains elegant. However, this mansion, which once symbolized Qian Qianyi's status as a "great Confucian scholar," is now nothing but a mess.

Just like his empty reputation built up by the gentry of Jiangnan, it collapsed instantly once it lost its support, revealing its inner decay and depravity.

(End of this chapter)