I play the role of Jiajing in Zongwu: What crime have I committed?

Xiao Jingyan took a deep breath, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said in a deep voice.

“Father, since I was granted permission by Your Majesty to take over the practical work, I feel that I have made great progress.”

“Disaster relief is a matter of great importance. Although those in charge do not need to do everything personally, they should at least go to the disaster area to personally investigate the situation.”

"This disaster has affected five states, and some of them are very cold and harsh. How can His Highness the Crown Prince's noble body withstand such hardship?"

"As for me, I have been stationed on the battlefield for many years and have always been used to being rough and tough."

"Therefore, I hope that Your Majesty will grant me permission to share the burden of this disaster relief effort!"

Zhu Houcong nodded slightly upon hearing this: "Yes, that makes sense."

Seeing that the emperor seemed to have been swayed by Prince Jing and his mind had changed, Crown Prince Xiao Jinghuan immediately stepped forward to refute him.

Every major disaster like this is a prime opportunity for him to bribe officials at all levels and embezzle disaster relief funds to strengthen his own power.

He's used to it, and he knows how to do it very well.

How could we give up this time?

Moreover, Xiao Jingyan, a mere prince, dared to directly challenge the crown prince. If he wasn't suppressed this time, wouldn't he become unruly in the future?

“Father, Jingyan means well, but please forgive me for not being able to accept it.”

"To share the burden with the ruler and serve the people, what hardship is there to fear?"

“It’s not that I don’t trust Jingyan, but he is still relatively inexperienced. Disaster relief and pacification of the people are not like going to war, where you can do it just by having some strength.”

"The five prefectures are filled with disaster victims, all hoping for the imperial court's favor. It's probably not suitable to let Jingyan practice his skills!"

"Your Highness, although I have never personally overseen disaster relief, I am somewhat familiar with the procedures. Since Your Highness is so experienced, I'm sure you will be willing to offer your guidance."

Xiao Jingyan responded neither humbly nor arrogantly, then stared intently at Xiao Jinghuan.

"May I ask, Your Highness, what kind of effect should the disaster relief funds achieve to truly quell the disaster?"

Without hesitation, Xiao Jinghuan replied, "If the disaster victims have money and food to survive, the disaster will naturally subside."

As expected, Xiao Jinghuan didn't care about the people at all.

Xiao Jingyan snorted coldly before turning to Zhu Houcong and bowing.

"Your subject believes that the person in charge should have a comprehensive view of the situation, be able to manage the situation from top to bottom, integrate resources, and ultimately aim to minimize deaths and prevent riots."

"The disaster cannot be considered over until this is achieved."

Zhu Houcong nodded slightly: "Yes, Jingyan's insight is indeed farsighted; it seems he put a lot of thought into it."

Xiao Jinghuan quickly interrupted.

"Father, these words are easier said than done."

He turned to Xiao Jingyan: "Jingyan, do you have the manpower right now? Do you know how things work out at the local level?"

“These local officials are not made of clay; it’s not something that can be done overnight to build good relationships with them.”

Xiao Jingyan calmly replied, "I believe the Ministry of Revenue will handle all the details of this disaster relief effort properly."

Lou Zhijing was already convinced that Zhu Houcong's purpose in sending him to Prince Jing's residence was to entrust the disaster relief work to Prince Jing.

So he immediately chimed in to support him.

"That's only natural; the Ministry of Revenue has an inescapable responsibility."

Xiao Jinghuan snorted coldly upon hearing this, ignoring Lou Zhijing and continuing to stare at Xiao Jingyan.

"Even if we take a step back and assume someone tries to obstruct it, what if they do?"

"You're young and lack prestige, so it's perfectly normal for some people to be unconvinced. How to overcome obstacles and balance relationships in official circles—aren't these things you need to learn?"

"The disaster situation is urgent; you can't afford to learn slowly!"

Xiao Jingyan's face was filled with disdain after hearing this. His eyes were filled with contempt as he spoke righteously.

"I will not learn from His Highness's talk of balancing the bureaucracy, not only this time, but also in the future."

"The imperial court has its own laws and regulations, and disaster relief also has its own procedures. If one only has personal interests in mind, this is by no means the proper atmosphere of the imperial court and officialdom."

"you…"

Xiao Jinghuan was overjoyed. Finally, he had revealed a flaw!

Xiao Jingyan, you're still too green to talk back to me.

His expression immediately changed, and he questioned him.

"What do you mean?"

"Now that Father Emperor is on the throne, the government is efficient and honest, yet you say that the atmosphere in the officialdom is bad."

"Jingyan, you're only a prince now, are you already in such a hurry to clean up the officialdom for your father?"

Xiao Jingyan realized he had said the wrong thing and quickly argued back.

"Why must Your Highness deliberately misinterpret my meaning? I meant..."

Seeing that Xiao Jingyan was no match for Xiao Jinghuan, Zhu Houcong quickly interrupted.

If this isn't stopped, Xiao Jingyan will be led astray.

Sometimes a single word can save a life, and sometimes a single word can kill.

Xiao Jingyan was indeed no match for Xiao Jinghuan.

"Alright, why are you arguing for no reason? Can't you say something nice?"

Xiao Jinghuan bowed respectfully and said in a serious tone, "Father, it's not that I've displeased you, it's just that Jingyan's words were barbed."

"He was always like this in front of Father Emperor. I thought he had changed for the better in the last year or two."

Seeing the tense atmosphere in the hall, Lou Zhijing immediately knew it was time for him to make his appearance again.

He suddenly started to laugh, coughing deliberately as he laughed.

This attracted everyone's attention.

Zhu Houcong glanced at Lou Zhijing, knowing that the old fox was there to smooth things over.

After all, if this argument continues, it won't look good for anyone.

"Old man."

Zhu Houcong feigned anger and rebuked him, "My sons are so disloyal, and you're actually enjoying watching the spectacle?"

Lou Zhijing quickly straightened his posture, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister believes that the two princes are not uncaring, but rather even more caring."

He stroked his beard and looked at Xiao Jingyan with a smile.

"This old minister thinks that His Highness Prince Jing has a good temper. He speaks his mind and never holds grudges."

"Even if they're wrong, Your Majesty can still teach them, right? Hehehe..."

Zhu Houcong snorted coldly upon hearing this.

"You have the most open mind!"

Lou Zhijing shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, you don't know, my two good-for-nothing sons are even more troublesome, arguing all day long."

"But look at this old minister, isn't he always cheerful?"

This teasing remark immediately eased the atmosphere on the field.

"You old fox."

Zhu Houcong pointed at Lou Zhijing and laughed and cursed.

Chapter 185 Qi Min Strikes Back, Tricking Xiao Jinghuan Again

Seeing that the atmosphere in the hall was gradually easing, Zhu Houcong waved his hand, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"Alright, alright, alright, you two, what's the big deal? Is it worth arguing like this between brothers?"

His gaze swept back and forth between the two men.

"Since you are all willing to share my burdens, as for this disaster relief matter..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Jinghuan suddenly stepped forward and knelt down, solemnly saying...

"Father, the matter of disaster relief is of utmost urgency. Since Father has not yet made a decision, the Ministry of Revenue probably cannot allocate the funds. I cannot bear to think of the suffering of the disaster victims."

"How about this, I will first reduce the expenses of the Crown Prince's Palace and allocate 30,000 taels of silver for emergency use."

"It's not too late for the Ministry of Revenue to follow up after Father Emperor makes his decision."

Zhu Houcong raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eyes.

On the surface, Xiao Jinghuan's words were meant to relieve his father's worries, but in reality, they both demonstrated his benevolence and subtly forced him to express his opinion.

A good one is to retreat in order to advance.

Zhu Houcong couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

OK!

Since you're so desperate and eager to line your own pockets, don't blame me for setting a trap.

Thinking of this, Zhu Houcong showed a look of satisfaction.

"Jing Huan, are you going to take it from your own private treasury?"

"Every single thing I own is a gift from Father Emperor. What private treasury do I have? It's all thanks to Father Emperor's daily rewards!"

Xiao Jinghuan raised his head, his eyes full of earnestness.

"All people under heaven are the Emperor's subjects; how can they not all receive the Emperor's grace?"

"Your subject has already made a plan. All the gifts Your Majesty bestows on you will be prepared so that they can be replenished immediately should any area be in short supply."

"We must not allow the delay in the payment of silver and grain to tarnish the Emperor's virtuous character."

"Yes, it's truly rare for Jinghuan to have such a mindset!"

Zhu Houcong nodded slightly.

"Thinking back to the past, the disaster relief efforts you oversaw never caused me any worry. Even when there were riots caused by greedy mobs, they were all eventually quelled. This time, the disaster situation is urgent, so you should go again."

Upon hearing this, Lou Zhijing looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Why is Your Majesty acting so unpredictably?

Didn't you want Prince Jing to oversee it?

He was now losing his grip on the Emperor's pulse, so he simply kept quiet.

"Your subject obeys the decree."

Xiao Jinghuan immediately bowed in thanks, a barely perceptible hint of smugness flashing across his lips.

Seeing this, Xiao Jingyan was eager to speak, but Zhu Houcong raised his hand to stop him.

“Disaster relief is the responsibility of the imperial court, and there is no reason to allow the crown prince’s private treasury to fill the gaps.”

"Lou Qing, the silver allocated by the Ministry of Revenue in your memorial, which was released in batches, shall be handled entirely by the Crown Prince. We must not delay the disaster relief efforts."

"I obey your orders."

Lou Zhijing quickly agreed.

Zhu Houcong nodded, then wearily rubbed his temples.

"Alright, I'm tired too. You may all leave."

"Your subject takes his leave."

After everyone had left, Zhu Houcong summoned Cao Zhichun.

Just as he was about to order him to thoroughly investigate whether there was any corruption in the officialdom of the five prefectures, he saw that Cao Zhichun had already pulled out a secret memorial from his sleeve.

"My lord, I have important matters to report from Yuezhou."

"Bring it here!" Zhu Houcong raised an eyebrow.

He took the secret document and carefully read through it, his face gradually relaxing as the document unfolded.