The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

"Your Highness's arrangements are well-organized and demonstrate your ability to recognize and appoint capable people, showing the qualities of a ruler," Su Che said calmly, putting down his teacup.

"You flatter me, sir. If it weren't for your prior planning, Yun Jin would probably still be racking her brains over how to manage people."

Yun Jin walked to the window and watched Li Gang giving instructions to several clerks in the courtyard, and Zhou Bo and Zhao Jianing talking in hushed tones as they left. "But I'm afraid the Third Prince won't let us live in peace. The open and covert attacks in the court won't stop either."

"The tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease." Su Che walked to her side. "Your Highness is now a towering tree, naturally attracting the wind. Rather than passively dealing with it, we should take the initiative and, before they are fully prepared, start a fire to disrupt the situation and establish Your Highness's authority."

"Sir, you mean... the Ministry of Finance?" Yun Jin's eyes flashed.

"That's right." Su Che nodded. "Your Highness concurrently serves as the Inspector of the Department of Revenue. Although it is a sinecure, it gives you the power to conduct inspections."

This is the best entry point to access the government's financial resources and to accumulate political achievements and win the hearts of the people.

The Ministry of Revenue is a murky place, but it's precisely because of this murky water that it's easy to fish in. Pang Xiaopan has already gathered some clues through the merchant network. Your Highness, why not start the first fire right under the nose of the capital?

He took a thin file from his sleeve and handed it to Yun Jin.

Yun Jin unfolded the document and quickly browsed through it.

The case file contained several seemingly insignificant but actually shocking clues.

The "Supply Storehouse" under the Court of Imperial Sacrifices has been purchasing items such as lamps, candles, curtains, and incense for the palace in recent years. The prices have been soaring year by year, far exceeding the market price by several times. Moreover, the eunuchs in charge have close ties with several imperial merchants.

The East Warehouse of the "Changpingcang" in Beijing has accounts showing that it has sufficient grain reserves, but according to nearby residents, unidentified vehicles often enter and exit at night, and rats are rampant in the warehouse, which does not seem like a sign of abundant grain reserves.

The Ministry of Works' "Inspectorate of Imperial Household" was responsible for the repair of palace gardens. A simple painting project for the "Chengrui Pavilion" had a budget of eight thousand taels of silver, while the actual value of the materials was less than one thousand taels...

Each case involved palace eunuchs, influential imperial merchants, and clerks from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works.

The amount may not be earth-shattering, but it involves the palace and internal affairs, making it extremely sensitive.

"The eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department's supply storehouse is the adopted son of Liu Jin, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial. Behind those imperial merchants are several nobles and... stewards from the Third Prince's residence. The granary manager of the Ever-Normal Granary is the brother-in-law of a vice minister of the Ministry of Revenue. The head of the Ministry of Works' Department of Grain and Mechanisms is a protégé of the late First Prince."

Su Che succinctly pointed out the crux of the matter: "A single hair can affect the whole situation. If Your Highness makes a move, you will surely suffer a backlash."

Yun Jin closed the file, her fingertips feeling slightly cold.

As expected, the waters of the capital city are unfathomably deep.

You can scoop up a handful at random, and they're all leeches.

"Sir, where do you think we should begin?" she asked.

"Ever-Normal Granary".

Su Che answered without hesitation, "This matter concerns essential supplies for people's livelihoods. Once verified, it will provoke the greatest public outrage and best demonstrate Your Highness's commitment to 'caring for the people' and 'rectifying long-standing abuses'."

Moreover, compared to embezzlement in imperial procurement and engineering projects, evidence of the theft of official grain from the Ever-Normal Granary was relatively easier to obtain and prove.

Your Highness may first send someone to secretly verify the actual amount of grain stored in the granary, and at the same time control the granary magistrate and his close clerks to prevent them from destroying the accounts and transferring the grain.

Once the evidence is conclusive, we will take swift and decisive action, sealing off the grain depot, arresting the perpetrators, and holding a public trial!

At that time, the perpetrators will be caught red-handed, the evidence will be irrefutable, and no one will be able to cover it up!

"The pressure from the inner court, the nobility, and the Third Prince..."

"What Your Highness wants is pressure from them."

A cold glint flashed in Su Che's eyes. "His Majesty is still alive and places high hopes on Your Highness. This is the time for Your Highness to establish your authority."

They exert pressure, and His Majesty will be more supportive of His Highness.

If this case succeeds, His Highness's reputation among the people will soar, and he will also establish an image of "not fearing power and eliminating long-standing abuses" in the hearts of upright officials and those from humble backgrounds in the court.

As for those you've offended… Now that Your Highness has reached this position, it's impossible for you not to offend anyone. To avoid offending them would mean offending the people, disobeying His Majesty's expectations, and… jeopardizing our own futures.

He looked at Yun Jin, his gaze deep: "Your Highness, if you wish to wear the crown, you must bear its weight. This fire must burn, and it must burn brightly, openly, so that everyone can see that the Princess Zhenguo is not here in the capital to enjoy a life of luxury, but to... rectify the laws and regulations, and cleanse the world!"

A surge of heroic spirit rose in Yun Jin's chest, and the last trace of hesitation in her eyes vanished.

Yes, now that we've chosen this path, we can no longer look back or hesitate.

The Emperor is watching, the people are watching, and Mr. Su and his men are watching as well.

She not only wants to set this fire burning, but she also wants to create a bright and clear world!

"Alright! We'll do as you suggest, sir!" she said decisively. "Mr. Yin!"

"Your subordinate is here." Yin Wujiu appeared at the door like a shadow.

"Immediately select reliable personnel to keep a close watch on the eastern granary of the Ever-Normal Granary, especially at night. Ascertain the true amount of grain stored there, as well as the movements of the granary magistrate and others. I need conclusive evidence within three days!"

"yes!"

"Pang, the secretary, mobilized funds to prepare to take over the accounts and warehouses that might be seized. At the same time, he secretly spread rumors among the people that the court was going to strictly investigate the grain depot deficit and encouraged those with information to report it."

"I understand!"

"Chief Secretary Li, prepare the memorial. Once the evidence is conclusive, immediately submit it to His Majesty in my name, requesting a thorough investigation into the Ever-Normal Granary embezzlement case! The wording must be earnest, and the evidence must be solid!"

"Your humble servant obeys!"

Commands were issued swiftly, and the entire princess's residence began to operate efficiently, like a sophisticated machine.

Su Che watched as Yun Jin quickly got into the zone and gave decisive commands, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

Chaotic times call for harsh measures, and deep-seated problems require drastic solutions.

This princess is adapting to the rhythm and cruelty of the highest power arena at an astonishing speed.

He, however, turned his gaze to something deeper.

The Changpingcang case was just the beginning.

Once this fire is lit, it will surely illuminate more demons and monsters hidden in the shadows, and will also attract a more ferocious counterattack.

The Third Prince, the Inner Court, the Nobles, and various factions whose interests have been threatened... How will they respond?

He was curious.

Looking forward to it too.

On the chessboard, the white piece has been placed, pointing directly at the center.

Now, it's the black pieces' turn to show their true killer moves.

……