Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 229: Henchmen, wielding immense power!
Three days later.

Zhang Ji, his eyes bloodshot from staying up all night, respectfully presented a stack of account books, three inches thick, to Jiang Xingzhou.

In the days that followed, the clerks of the Ministry of Revenue worked through the night to check the accounts, and the Censorate also sent people to assist in the investigation. Finally, they clarified this detailed account.

It records the misdeeds of nearly a hundred officials—from low-ranking to mid-ranking—in the Ministry of Revenue's accounts, including embezzlement and debt collection.

"Sir, these are the detailed account books for the past year. We are still checking the previous years."

Zhang Ji reported in a low voice.

Jiang Xingzhou leaned back in his chair, turning the pages one by one.

The accounts mainly involved lower- to middle-ranking officials of the fifth or sixth rank, who were considered "small fry."
However, the crime is conclusive, the evidence is easy to obtain, and the case is closed quickly.

These people are not high-ranking officials, so their actions are unlikely to alarm the higher-ups, making them perfect targets for testing the waters.

He casually picked up a vermilion pen and circled several names, as if the King of Hell were marking a roll, deciding life and death with a single stroke of his pen.

"Take the people from the Censorate and investigate these people first."

This was meant to serve as a warning, to let everyone in the court and beyond see clearly—the Censorate is a sharp weapon.

Jiang Xingzhou spoke calmly.
His move was intended to establish his authority.

He wanted everyone in the court and the public to know that the Ministry of Revenue's accounts were indeed under investigation;
And those who embezzle money really do know how to do it.

Furthermore, all officials—especially those in the middle and lower ranks—must be made clearly aware that

He held their weakness in his hands.

"As for the people behind them, or the deeper connections, let's leave that aside for now and use it as a starting point to expose those behind-the-scenes high-level figures later."

This case was investigated and prosecuted under your leadership; the credit should go to you.

"Yes!"

Zhang Ji felt a surge of warmth in his heart and solemnly accepted the order.

He quickly wrote down the names circled in red ink.

At this moment, he was no longer the lone Censor-in-Chief. Once this case was opened, those censors who had been struggling for promotion would surely be moved by the news, and even high-ranking censors would be tempted.

He was ordered to handle the case; with the emperor's mandate on his shoulders, why should he fear making enemies?

"What about officials of the third rank or above?"

Zhang Ji lowered his voice and asked cautiously.

Jiang Xingzhou's gaze remained fixed on the account books, his tone calm yet chilling:

"As for figures like the Grand Secretary, the Prince, and the Grand Secretary—they are the 'big fish'."

"The accounts must be investigated, and investigated more thoroughly than anyone else's. Huge deficits, treasury loans, misappropriation under false pretenses—evidence must be gathered for every single case."

“But,” he looked up at Zhang Ji, his gaze sharp as a blade, “we will only investigate, not take action.”

Zhang Ji held his breath, waiting for the next part to follow.

"These core accounting documents will be kept secret by you and me. They will not be seized or impeached."

"But they need to know—I know."

Jiang Xingzhou tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, each tap echoing in the silence.

"Find an opportune moment and send them a few words. Make it clear that their accounts are being kept on file with me."

"There's no need to spell it out, but you should make them wake up in the middle of the night."

"Yes!"

Zhang Ji understood immediately, but a chill ran down his spine.

Faced with those powerful and influential people who held high positions, he inevitably felt intimidated and dared not easily approach them.

After all, it wasn't just one or two third-rank officials!
Instead, it included countless high-ranking officials throughout the government and the country.

"The intention behind this move is not to tear off the mask, but to tighten the reins."

Jiang Xingzhou's tone turned somber.
"This will make them wary, so they won't dare to easily attack our people, nor will they dare to recklessly obstruct important political affairs."

"Holding a sharp blade, yet holding it back, is the only way to force others to yield."

"The hole that leads to the sky can be left unrepaired for now, but we can't let them think that we can't force them to repair it."

"I understand."

Zhang Ji nodded solemnly.

This move—grabbing the handle without thrusting—is the true art of gaining power.

The flickering candlelight illuminated Jiang Xingzhou's deep-set eyes.

He knew perfectly well that the investigation of the Ministry of Revenue's old accounts, though seemingly grand, was merely a means, not an end.

Those bad debts were like a bottomless abyss. Even if all efforts were exhausted, the amount of money that could be recovered was only a drop in the ocean and could not solve the court's problems.

His Majesty's true expectation, and the very foundation of his rule, lies in the second decree—"Reform corrupt practices and broaden the sources of revenue!"
The national treasury is empty, and the border war is in dire straits!
What the imperial court needs is fresh blood, new blood that can sustain the empire's operation.

"Salt tax, iron tax, canal transport..."

Jiang Xingzhou tapped his fingertips lightly on the table and murmured to himself.

This is the most abundant source of wealth in the world, and it must be taken back from the entrenched forces of all sides and truly returned to the national treasury!

A thought flashed through Jiang Xingzhou's mind like lightning, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.

Perhaps, we can take advantage of this audit.

The Censorate was instructed to use unclear accounts as a pretext to decisively remove local officials in key positions in the ten circuits of the Great Zhou Dynasty, such as the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner, thus artificially creating a power vacuum.

This triggered a reshuffling of the Ministry of Personnel and a reorganization of local officials, providing him with an excellent opportunity to install his cronies and cultivate his own power base.

Reliable individuals were placed in key positions related to finance, supervision, and taxation in various regions, and the three major taxes were collected and deposited into the imperial treasury.

In this way, the Ministry of Revenue's accounts, like a "dull knife," gained a double edge:
On the surface, it intimidates the old guard and cuts through the rotten flesh;

Secretly, it can create something out of nothing, paving the way for a brand new financial faction loyal to His Majesty.

Ultimately, this will resolve the current financial predicament of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

The courtyard of the residence of the Minister of Revenue.

Yang Sizhi stood alone in the pavilion, his brows furrowed and his face full of sorrow.

He, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, has now been completely sidelined.

Apart from Zhao Wen, the Right Vice Minister, who was still struggling to keep things afloat, the other middle and lower-ranking officials were either "invited" into the treasury to check the accounts day and night.

They would either crowd around Jiang Xingzhou, the Left Vice Minister, fawning over him and fearing to fall behind.

No one came to him to report on government affairs or submit documents anymore.

The people in the Ministry of Revenue are all shrewd and capable.

Everyone can see clearly: His Majesty appointed Jiang Xingzhou to reorganize the Ministry of Revenue, which actually means that he no longer trusts Yang Sizhi, the Minister of Revenue.

An imperial edict to audit the accounts allowed the Left Vice Minister to rightfully take control of the Ministry of Revenue. —It was only because Jiang Xingzhou's qualifications were still insufficient that he could not be directly promoted to Minister of Revenue.

"It's unstoppable...it's completely unstoppable."

Yang Sizhi closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.

Jiang Xingzhou's methods for auditing the accounts this time were truly shrewd and experienced.

Ostensibly acting on imperial orders to clear accounts, he actually seized the opportunity to exploit the weaknesses of all the officials in the court. Yet he deliberately held back, using only his power to force them to submit—his mastery of power manipulation had reached a level of perfection.

This is a secret technique that should only be mastered by seasoned veterans of the imperial court who have weathered many storms.

Who would have thought that Jiang Xingzhou, at such a young age, had already mastered the art without a teacher and used it flawlessly.

Who in the court doesn't know about the Ministry of Revenue's messy accounts?
But which of the past ministers dared to actually touch it?
If we were to investigate thoroughly, I fear the accounts would remain unresolved before the person dies.

Even during his tenure, this nominal head of the Ministry of Revenue was still subject to constraints at every turn.
Which prince or high-ranking official can't casually ask the Ministry of Revenue to "borrow" tens of thousands of taels of silver?
It was said to be a temporary loan, but in reality, it was like throwing good money after bad; it was never returned.

But traveling by boat on the river is different.

He was the only person in the history of the Great Zhou Dynasty to achieve the highest rank in six imperial examinations, a testament to the enduring literary tradition of such a person, a once-in-a-millennium achievement.

Everyone could see that he would eventually surpass Chen Shaoqing, the Grand Secretary, and become the true head of the court.

With such sharpness, who would dare to test its edge?

In this year's imperial examination, out of ten thousand candidates, he single-handedly defeated all ten top scholars.

Now, he is especially favored by the emperor and has been promoted beyond the usual ranks.

Everything the emperor could see was his protective shield.

Who would dare to touch such a person?
Who can touch him?

"Perhaps... it's time to write a petition to retire and return to my hometown."

Minister of Revenue Yang Sizhi looked at the falling withered leaves, shook his head and walked towards his study, muttering to himself.

In his heart, there was a thousand kinds of resentment and ten thousand kinds of reluctance. How much effort had he put into this position of Minister of Revenue, how many black hairs had he turned white, and how many former colleagues and rivals had he ostracized and suppressed?

Among the six ministries of the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Personnel was the most prestigious, followed by the Ministry of Revenue. They were truly the lifeblood of the imperial court.

His position was second only to the three Grand Chancellors. If we were to consider the power hierarchy of the Great Zhou Dynasty, including the royal family, relatives, and honorary titles such as the Three Dukes and Three Sovereigns, Yang Sizhi would certainly rank in the top thirty.

After decades of ups and downs, how difficult it has been to achieve today's prominence!

Even with such prominence,
In front of Jiang Xingzhou, he seemed to be nothing more than a stepping stone, a roadblock destined to be kicked aside.

This sudden emergence of a "six-time top scholar" clearly aimed his ambitions at Chen Shaoqing, the Grand Secretary, who was the head of all officials.

Only Chen Shaoqing, the Grand Secretary, Guo Zheng, the Chancellor, and Wei Min, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, were qualified to fight him.

The rest are not worthy!

"But if we wait until the fire spreads and burns us, it will be too late to extricate ourselves."

Although he did not embezzle on a large scale, how much of that flowing silver was approved by him?
How can one possibly explain the mess in all of this?
Minister of Revenue Yang Sizhi came to his desk in his study, picked up his pen and wrote a letter of resignation, which he planned to present to the emperor at the morning court session.

As for whether or not it will be approved, that depends on His Majesty's decision.

The old steward of the Yang family, with his gray hair, held the memorial to retire written by himself, his hands trembling slightly, tears streaming down his face.

"Sir...do you really want to go this far?"

A bitter smile appeared on Yang Sizhi's lips as he addressed the Minister of Revenue.

His Majesty may not approve.

Right now, the Ministry of Revenue still needs this old man to hold on for a few more months.

"The credit belongs to Jiang Xingzhou."

"And all the mess before that, the huge scapegoat... I will have to take the blame in the end."

The old steward asked in bewilderment, "If that's the case, why did you still write a letter begging to retire, sir?"

Yang Sizhi took a deep breath, his gaze unfathomable.

"Submitting this letter of resignation is both a gesture of defiance and a way to protect oneself."

"At least let His Majesty and Jiang Xingzhou understand that I, Yang Sizhi, the Minister of Revenue... have no intention of blocking the way."

"When the stick of reckoning falls in the future, perhaps they will be lenient and give me a lighter punishment because of my sensible behavior today."

His tone suddenly turned cold, carrying a hint of barely perceptible chill:

"If one clings to power now and fails to see the political winds in the court... then the outcome will not be as dignified as retiring to one's hometown."

"I'm afraid I'll end up like those arrogant feudal lords, being dealt with one by one... At that time, even a peaceful end will be a luxury."

Royal Palace, Jinluan Hall.

As dawn broke, it illuminated the solemn imperial court.

Empress Wu Mingyue sat upright on the dragon throne, her tassels swaying gently, her gaze calmly sweeping over the assembled officials below.

The officials began their reports in turn, but most of them seemed distracted.

Nowadays, who in the government and among the people doesn't know that the real eye of the storm lies in the Ministry of Revenue?

Since Jiang Xingzhou was ordered to audit the accounts, the entire Ministry of Revenue has been like a sword hanging over its head.

With various government departments awaiting the allocation of funds and provisions, many government affairs were stalled due to the stagnation of funds, making the court assembly exceptionally quiet.

The Empress took in the expressions of the ministers and finally spoke, her voice clear yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Minister Jiang, how is the investigation of the Ministry of Revenue's accounts progressing?"

Jiang Xingzhou, who had been standing still like a pine tree, stepped forward upon hearing the voice, holding a jade tablet, and bowed to report: "Your Majesty, I have made a preliminary investigation. In the ten circuits and various prefectures of the Great Zhou, there are more than a hundred local officials whose accounts are murky and who are suspected of embezzlement and dereliction of duty."

This involved officials in charge of grain transport, salt and iron production, supervision, and taxation in the Jiangnan, Central Plains, and Sichuan regions.

He presented a thick memorial, "The detailed evidence of the crimes is listed here. Please make your judgment, Your Majesty."

The attendant, Nangong Wan'er, respectfully placed the memorial on the emperor's desk.

To everyone's surprise, the Empress did not even glance at the document, and said directly, "As you have suggested. The Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Justice, and the Censorate shall, from this day forward, cooperate with the Ministry of Revenue to thoroughly investigate the officials involved and punish them according to the law."

The imperial decree caused a stir throughout the court.

The officials exchanged glances in secret, their hearts filled with turmoil—Jiang Xingzhou had not touched any officials in the capital this time, but only executed local officials.
They are currently unharmed.

His Majesty, however, did not ask any questions and trusted him completely.

In the various regions of the Great Zhou Dynasty, these hundred-odd substantive positions of the fifth and sixth ranks changed hands in an instant.

The ministers felt a chill run down their spines.

These important local positions were mostly the foundations planted by various factions in the court. Now that they have been uprooted, it is tantamount to cutting off their hands and feet.

Everyone looked at the three cabinet ministers without prior arrangement.

The Grand Secretary Chen Shaoqing closed his eyes and remained silent, like an old monk in deep meditation.

Guo Zheng, the Imperial Attendant, lowered his eyes and looked into his heart, as if it were none of his business.

Minister Wei Min was even more drowsy, his mind wandering to other things.

At this moment, Yang Sizhi, the Minister of Revenue, looked ashen-faced, and his heart sank completely.

He has been in charge of the Ministry of Revenue for more than ten years, how could he not understand?
The Emperor's heart is as hard as iron!

This means that Jiang Xingzhou, who is obstructing the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue from increasing the national treasury, must be executed!

Jiang Xingzhou's power has extended beyond the Ministry of Revenue and has begun to encroach upon various regions of the Ten Circuits of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

"Your subject, Yang Sizhi, Minister of Revenue, submits this memorial!"

He suddenly stepped forward, his voice hoarse, "I humbly request to retire and return to the countryside!"

There was a slight commotion in the hall, which quickly subsided.

All the ministers knew the custom that if Minister Yang was not yet sixty, His Majesty would most likely try to retain him—unless His Majesty had already grown tired of him.

Nangong Wan'er presented the memorial to the emperor.

Minister of Revenue Yang Sizhi couldn't help but look up, still clinging to a last sliver of hope.

But then the Empress took up a vermilion brush and, without hesitation, began to write.

On the memorial, a single vermilion "Approved" character was written, its glaring red color as sharp as blood.

"Prelude!"

The eunuch Wang Dequan's unique, high-pitched voice echoed in the Golden Palace, clear and jarring.

With a "whoosh," Yang Sizhi felt a chill rush from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. His vision went black, and he staggered uncontrollably, almost collapsing to the ground.

He barely managed to steady himself, his face ashen white, devoid of any color, and even his lips were trembling slightly.

This...this means they're not even bothering with the superficial formalities of "three presentations and three resignations" anymore?

His Majesty!

So impatient?!

A tremendous sense of humiliation and utter coldness instantly overwhelmed him.

After decades of ups and downs in officialdom, being cautious and meticulous, he ultimately couldn't even get a decent promotion.

That "Granted" was like a cold blade, cleanly and decisively severing his last connection with the power center of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"

Minister of Revenue Yang Sizhi, almost on the last vestige of his instinct, kowtowed heavily, his voice dry and hoarse, with an undisguised tremor.

Then, with trembling hands, he very slowly removed his official hat, a symbol of his status as a second-rank official, and then untied the silver fish-shaped pouch at his waist, which signified his position as Minister of Revenue.

The movements were filled with the sorrow of an aging hero forced to lay down his arms.

The expressions of the court officials varied—some were sympathetic, some mocking, some mourning the loss of their comrades, but most were solemn.

Under their watchful eyes, Yang Sizhi, who had been the head of the Ministry of Revenue just moments before, hunched over and staggered out of the Golden Palace where he had fought for half his life and once dominated the political scene.

That silhouette was filled with endless desolation and loneliness.

Wei Min, the Vice Minister of the Cabinet and Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, who had been meditating with his eyes closed like a clay statue, finally opened his eyes slowly.

For the first time, his usually calm and even somewhat dazed face revealed an undisguised look of surprise, his brows furrowing tightly.

The Empress's move was more decisive than anyone had anticipated.

This is no longer just supporting Jiang Xingzhou's audit; it is clearly a swift and decisive move to clear all obstacles for this favored minister who has achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations, even a powerful minister, who can be discarded like trash.

The mountain rain is about to come, and the wind fills the tower.

The political landscape of the court is likely about to change.

Countless thoughts raced through the mind of Minister Wei Min. With the Minister of Revenue retiring, how should he, as Minister Wei Min, proceed?

(End of this chapter)