The Prodigal Son

"Do you have any shame at all?"

Du Zhiwen almost laughed in anger.

How can this be interpreted as sharing His Majesty's burdens?

He felt that Qin Yu was insulting his intelligence.

"You're truly relieving His Majesty's burdens!"

Qin Yu said in a serious tone, "Think about it, His Majesty is probably racking his brains right now about how to reward me, and I'm here selling official positions on a large scale. If this gets to His Majesty's ears, wouldn't that be a perfect opportunity for him to balance out my merits and demerits?"

"..."

Du Zhiwen's face twitched uncontrollably again.

For a fleeting moment, he really wanted to crack Qin Yu's head open and see what was going on inside that bastard's head.

However, His Majesty must be having a headache right now about how to reward Qin Yu.

Qin Yu's contribution this time was truly immense!

Based on Qin Yu's merits this time, he is more than qualified to be ennobled and appointed prime minister!

But he knew that Zhao Luan would never grant Qin Yu the title of marquis or prime minister.

But Qin Yu has made such a great contribution, we can't not reward him!

From this point of view alone, he was truly sharing the burden for His Majesty!

Du Zhiwen shook his head slightly, then asked with a playful expression, "The appointment of officials isn't your responsibility! You can't just sell an official position as you please!"

What's wrong? Is he trying to steal my position as imperial envoy, or is he planning to bribe or threaten me?

Qin Yu grinned slyly: "Isn't Lord Du here?"

"Don't even think about it! As an imperial envoy, I am deeply favored by the Emperor and would never stoop to your level!"

Du Zhiwen instantly switched to the mode of an upright and incorruptible Minister of Personnel.

He doesn't have Qin Yu's merits, so he doesn't have the chance to offset his merits and demerits!

Zhao Luan's knife is incredibly fast!

He wanted to live a few more years!

Qin Yu was prepared, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Lord Du, this is your chance to make a name for yourself!"

"Oh?"

Du Zhiwen leaned back, looking at Qin Yu with a half-smile, "Speak! Let me hear your sweet talk and see how you try to fool this official!"

How could asking someone to help him sell official positions and titles be turned into an opportunity to gain merit?

Does he think he's stupid, or does he think he's Lü Si?

Qin Yu cleared his throat slightly and said with a chuckle, "Our dynasty has recently acquired a large amount of land, but the people's hearts are not yet settled, and the administration is lax. Isn't that a fact?"

"right!"

Du Zhiwen nodded.

Qin Yu chuckled and continued, "The imperial court needs to execute a group of corrupt officials to establish its authority and appease the people of Min."

"And these people who bought their positions are inherently corrupt; once they take office, they will surely become greedy officials who exploit the people. Wouldn't it be perfect to kill them?"

"Isn't it better for us to let these people expose themselves now than for them to later buy their positions while we remain in the dark?"

"Lord Du could explain your intentions in employing these people to His Majesty beforehand. In this way, Lord Du would not only be without fault, but would also have rendered meritorious service..."

Qin Yu continued to chatter on and on.

Du Zhiwen's eyes suddenly lit up.

Prior to this, he had considered deliberately creating some conflict to kill someone and establish his authority.

However, he never considered the possibility of selling official positions, nor did he dare to consider it.

But Qin Yu's words provided him with a completely new perspective.

Those who paid Qin Yu to buy their official positions must find a way to earn back the money they spent!

As long as I have the list, and after making some arrangements, if they dare to reach out, I can immediately take their heads!

This not only eliminated the bad apples but also established authority and won back the hearts of the people!

What else could this be but a merit?

Qin Yu paused briefly, and seeing that Du Zhiwen did not respond, continued, "If Lord Du is truly worried, you can agree for now and let those people think that the official position has been successfully bought!"

"When we set off back to the capital, Lord Du will conduct a unified assessment for them. Whether they pass or fail is still up to you, Lord Du, isn't it?"

"Once the imperial court investigates, you won't find out you helped me sell official positions. How can that be considered collusion?"

Looking at Qin Yu, who was speaking eloquently, Du Zhiwen felt both shocked and amused.

That bastard, he's got himself all figured out!

He had already planned out his options, both forward and backward!

At this moment, Du Zhiwen was convinced.

Row!

He's really something!

They'll stop at nothing to shirk their responsibilities and avoid getting promoted!

But then again, what that bastard said does make sense!

From both a public and private perspective, it seems I have no reason to refuse!

but……

We can't agree to him so easily!

I still have a score to settle with him, and it's time to settle it!

Du Zhiwen pondered silently for a moment, then held up one finger to Qin Yu: "Ten thousand taels of silver!"

"what?"

Qin Yu was taken aback. "Lord Du, if you accept my money, the nature of this changes! That's bribery!"

"No, no! I haven't forgotten how you borrowed money from me the night before the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet!"

Du Zhiwen shook his head. "If I accept money from others, that's called bribery. But if I accept money from you, that's called revenge! I'm not afraid even if it's brought up before His Majesty!"

As he spoke, Du Zhiwen wore a triumphant smile, as if he had finally gotten his revenge.

Feng Shui turns around!

Finally, I've gotten my chance, haven't I?

hum!

You little brat, you've finally met your match?

"Didn't the Luo family return it to you?"

Qin Yu's face darkened.

How long has it been since this happened?

Is he still holding a grudge?

He's a high-ranking official in the imperial court, so he should be more open-minded!

Even an imperial envoy can try to hold a boat in his belly!

"That's what I risked my reputation to get back!"

Speaking of this, Du Zhiwen was furious. "I, a high-ranking official, have been driven to the brink by you, forced to swallow my pride and go to the Luo family to collect a debt. I still feel ashamed just thinking about it! Enough nonsense, just tell me whether you'll pay or not!"

Seeing Du Zhiwen's determination to "avenge his grievances," Qin Yu couldn't help but feel helpless.

Ugh!

He's already put it this way, so I have no choice but to pay up!

Who told me to need his help now?

Give it to me, give it to me!

We can make it up to those people later!

After the agreement was reached, Qin Yu left immediately.

Du Zhiwen smiled contentedly and went to re-evaluate those officials.

After a series of assessments, it was found that two of the four officials were not very capable.

There must be some unknown reasons why they've gotten to where they are now.

However, if they were to be appointed as officials in prefectures and counties, they should still be capable of fulfilling their duties.

Du Zhiwen did not announce the assessment results on the spot, but waved his hand and said, "You may all go back now! I still need to carefully consider your appointments and removals!"

"yes!"

The four bowed respectfully and took their leave, departing Du Zhiwen's temporary residence with a heavy heart.

However, they hadn't gone far when Feng Shicheng, the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue of Min State, ordered his men to bring the carriage back.

After confirming that the other three had not returned, Feng Shicheng stepped down from the carriage carrying a box, quickly went to the door, and humbly said to the guards at the door, "Please inform them that I have something to discuss with Lord Du."

"Hold on!"

The guard immediately went to report...